Historical Events tagged with "weimar"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

American Forces Liberate Buchenwald Concentration Camp

April 11th, 1945 79 years ago

In April 1945, American forces liberated the Buchenwald concentration camp, discovering thousands of emaciated prisoners suffering from malnutrition and disease. Located near Weimar, Germany, the camp had been a site of forced labor and horrific conditions. The liberation on April 11 was a shocking revelation of the Holocaust's horrors and marked a turning point in the Allies' efforts to uncover Nazi atrocities. U.S. troops, led by General George S. Patton's Third Army, found evidence of the inhumane treatment and began to provide immediate medical assistance to the survivors.

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Politics & Government

Hitler's Gleichschaltung Ends Political Pluralism

July 14th, 1933 91 years ago

Adolf Hitler's Gleichschaltung decree effectively ended the multi-party system in Germany by abolishing all political parties except the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazis). This political maneuver was executed to consolidate power and eliminate any opposition to the Nazi regime. By declaring the Nazis as the sole political entity, Hitler aimed to create a unified, authoritarian state that suppressed dissent and ensured absolute loyalty to the party. This decree marked a pivotal moment in the establishment of Nazi control over Germany.

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Politics & Government

Reichstag Passes Enabling Act Granting Dictatorial Powers

March 23rd, 1933 91 years ago

The Reichstag, Germany's parliament, voted to pass the Enabling Act, which empowered Adolf Hitler to enact laws without the Reichstag's approval. This legislation was fundamental in solidifying Hitler's regime and dismantling the democratic structure of the Weimar Republic. The act was supported by the Nazi Party and its allies, who orchestrated the political maneuvering needed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority. The passage of this act effectively marked the beginning of authoritarian rule in Germany.

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Politics & Government

Hitler Becomes Chancellor of Germany

January 30th, 1933 92 years ago

Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg. This position granted him significant power to lead the country amid economic instability and political unrest. Hitler's rise came after the National Socialist German Workers' Party gained substantial seats in the Reichstag election, reflecting a shift in German society's mood towards radicalism. The political maneuvering between conservative politicians and the burgeoning Nazi Party ultimately culminated in this pivotal appointment.

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Politics & Government

Nazi Party Secures 38% of German Election Votes

July 31st, 1932 92 years ago

In the German elections, the NSDAP, led by Adolf Hitler, garnered over 38% of the vote, becoming the most significant party in the Reichstag. This marked a significant shift in German politics, reflecting widespread public discontent and the party's growing popularity due to promises of economic stability and national revival. The event changed the political landscape in Germany, leading to increased tensions and the eventual rise to power of the Nazi regime.

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Politics & Government

Adolf Hitler Released from Landsberg Prison

December 20th, 1924 100 years ago

Adolf Hitler was released from Landsberg Prison after serving about nine months of his sentence for treason. Convicted following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, his imprisonment turned into a platform for his nationalist ideologies. In prison, he authored the first volume of 'Mein Kampf,' outlining his political philosophy. The relatively lenient sentence and the attention garnered during his trial helped him to build a following upon his release, significantly impacting the future of the Nazi Party.

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Politics & Government

Nazi Beer Hall Putsch is Suppressed

November 9th, 1923 101 years ago

The Beer Hall Putsch was an attempted coup led by Adolf Hitler and other Nazi Party members in Munich, Germany. On a November night, Nazi supporters gathered at the Bürgerbräukeller to demand the overthrow of the Weimar Republic. However, local police and government troops swiftly intervened, leading to violent clashes and the arrest of several leaders, including Hitler and Ernst Röhm. The putsch ultimately failed, highlighting the instability of the Weimar government.

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Politics & Government

Hitler's Failed Coup Attempt in Munich

November 8th, 1923 101 years ago

Adolf Hitler, alongside the Nazi Party leaders, planned an armed coup in Munich to overthrow the Weimar Republic government. The event was marked by a march to the center of Munich, where they aimed to incite a larger revolution. However, the police intervened, leading to an exchange of gunfire that resulted in casualties. The attempted coup ultimately failed, and Hitler was arrested shortly after.

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Politics & Government

Schleswig Plebiscite: Zone II Votes to Stay

March 14th, 1920 105 years ago

In the second Schleswig plebiscite, conducted under the oversight of the League of Nations, around 80% of voters in Zone II opted to remain part of Weimar Germany. This decision reflected the population's desire for stability and economic security following the tumultuous aftermath of World War I. The plebiscite showcased the complexities of national identity in a region that had been contested for centuries.

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