This book analyses some of the fundamental reasons for the triumph of National Socialism in 1933. Written in 1983 by historians at Canadian, American and British universities, it provides a clear and balanced historiographical perspective of the dynamics of socio-political mobilization which helped make the Machtergreifung possible. The relationship during the Weimar republic between the Nazi Party and various social groups constitutes a major element in the book, as do the attitudes towards Hitler displayed by a number of influential institutions. The Nazis’ successful mobilization of popular support before 1933 is illustrated through the impact of foreign policy and ideology/propaganda on the Germans.

This book analyses some of the fundamental reasons for the triumph of National Socialism in 1933. Written in 1983 by historians at Canadian, American and British universities, it provides a clear and balanced historiographical perspective of the dynamics of socio-political mobilization which helped make the Machtergreifung possible. The relationship during the Weimar republic between the Nazi Party and various social groups constitutes a major element in the book, as do the attitudes towards Hitler displayed by a number of influential institutions. The Nazis’ successful mobilization of popular support before 1933 is illustrated through the impact of foreign policy and ideology/propaganda on the Germans.