Many factors contributed to Hitler's rise to power.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] This was the political programme of the Nazi Party.
2. [1] It was written in 1920, partly by Hitler.
3. [1] It opposed the Versailles Treaty.
4. [1] It stated that only pure Germans should be German citizens.
5. [1] It said that Jews would not be allowed to be German citizens.
6. [1] It contained some socialist ideas.
7. [1] Nazi goals.
8. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons
9. [5] Level 3 Explains ONE reason (e.g. Goebbels was important to Hitler because he was Minister for Propaganda and Enlightenment. This meant he controlled the way people saw Hitler and encouraged loyalty and support for the Nazi regime. One way he did this was by organising mass rallies such as those at Nuremberg. The marches, military and athletic displays and speeches all gave the impression of a very strong and united Germany and reinforced the image of Hitler as an almost God-like leader.)
10. [1] He was Minister for Propaganda and Enlightenment.
11. [1] He controlled the radio so that only Nazi messages were heard.
12. [1] He bombarded the public with posters which contained positive images of the Nazis.
13. [1] He organised the mass rallies.
14. [1] His job was to persuade the German people of the benefits of Nazi rule.
15. [1] Goebbels developed the Nazi propaganda machine.
16. [1] He recognised Hitler's oratorical ability.
17. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far' (As Level 4 plus evaluation.)
18. [9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides
19. [6] Level 3 One-sided explanation OR one explanation of both sides (More detailed explanation of one issue to be given two marks.)
20. [3] Electoral success was important in Hitler becoming Chancellor. In the election in July 1932, the Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag. Even though the Nazis lost votes and 34 seats in the election in November 1932, they were still the largest party. It was impossible to form a stable government without Nazi support and so Hitler was offered the post of Chancellor in January 1933.
21. [3] The economic depression also helped Hitler into power. The Communist party was also growing in strength. Leading industrialists were concerned that they would suffer if the Communists came to power and began to give financial support to the Nazis. This was important as it gave the Nazis much needed funds to fight the 1932 elections. The powerful industrialists were also very influential in the decision to make Hitler Chancellor.
22. [3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes (One mark for each point)
23. [1] The Nazis were the largest party.
24. [1] Wealthy industrialists supported the Nazis.
25. [1] There was fear of communism.
26. [1] Von Papen was unable to form a government.
27. [1] Hindenburg was persuaded to appoint Hitler as Chancellor.