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Nazis: The Road to Power

The story of how in just 13 years, Hitler led a fringe sect with less than a hundred members and outlandish ideas to be the dominant force in German politics.

Radio 4,17 episodes

Episodes

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Introducing Nazis: The Road to Power
The story of how Hitler led a fringe sect to be the dominant force in German politics.
04 Jan 2023,2 mins
1. Long Live the Soviet Republic of Bavaria!
Spring 1919: Corporal Hitler is summoned to Army Intelligence: they have a use for him.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
2. I Can Speak
Ordered to join the German Workers Party, Corporal Hitler discovers a gift for oratory.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
3. My Little Wolf
As the party grows, money is needed – millionairess Helene Bechstein writes the cheques.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
4. My Word is My Pledge
October 1922: Mussolini seizes power in Italy. Can the Nazi Party do the same in Germany?
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
5. The Enemy is on the Left, The Danger is on the Right
The Nazi Stormtroopers are ready. Munich is ready. When will Hitler launch his coup?
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
6. The National Dictatorship is Here!
8th November 1923: the Nazis successfully seize power – but overnight it begins to unravel
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
7. Write the Bitterness Out of Your Soul
With Hitler in prison, an unpublished writer is drawn to the Nazi Party: Joseph Goebbels.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
8. The Big Lie
Hitler recognises Goebbels’ propaganda skills and draws him deeper into the movement.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
9. National Socialist or Social Nationalist?
September 1930: the Nazi vote jumps from 2% to 18%. How did that happen?
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
10. The Little Man
Excluded from government, the Nazis need an edge. And then the Depression hits Germany.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
11. Germany is My Wife
Hitler’s niece commits suicide in his apartment – was he more than just an uncle to her?
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
12. Hitler Over Germany
Joseph Goebbels finds his soulmate. But will Magda’s Jewish former lover disqualify her?
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
13. Hitler? Whatever Happened To Him?
July 1932: the Nazis win 230 seats in parliament. The jockeying for power begins.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
14. How Was the Venison?
December 1932: no-one can form a government without Hitler, no-one will form one with him.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
15. Forwards with God
January 1933: the grandees grant Hitler the Chancellorship – they reckon he’s boxed in.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins
16. Make Germany Great Again
February 1933: The Reichstag is on fire. Parliament is forced to vote for dictatorship.
12 Jan 2023,22 mins