Rise of the Nazis – Origins
Powerful and resonant three-part series that looks at how Hitler and the Nazis seized power in Germany and ushered in the death of democracy.
Episodes
Politics
Delving into the corridors of power where Germany’s top political mastermind sees an opportunity to use the popularity of the Nazis for his own ends.
The First Six Months in Power
It is 1933 and Adolf Hitler is the chancellor of Germany, but he does not have absolute power as there is still a democratic parliament, a head of state and the rule of law. Hitler calls a general election to increase Nazi representation, but a fire in the Reichstag building is blamed on communists – prompting thousands of arrests of left-wingers. Hitler then calls on President von Hindenburg to act and a decree is passed giving the Nazis emergency powers to ban free speech and the right to protest.
Night of the Long Knives
Hitler has suspended democracy and is bringing all of Germany under Nazi control. But to gain absolute power and control of Germany's military, Hitler must be named successor to the ageing President Hindenburg before he dies.