BBC Radio Podcasts from Nazis: The Road to Power

Introducing Nazis: The Road to Power

The story of how Hitler led a fringe sect to be the dominant force in German politics.

Spring 1919: Corporal Hitler is summoned to Army Intelligence: they have a use for him.

Ordered to join the German Workers Party, Corporal Hitler discovers a gift for oratory.

As the party grows, money is needed – millionairess Helene Bechstein writes the cheques.

October 1922: Mussolini seizes power in Italy. Can the Nazi Party do the same in Germany?

The Nazi Stormtroopers are ready. Munich is ready. When will Hitler launch his coup?

8th November 1923: the Nazis successfully seize power – but overnight it begins to unravel

With Hitler in prison, an unpublished writer is drawn to the Nazi Party: Joseph Goebbels.

Hitler recognises Goebbels’ propaganda skills and draws him deeper into the movement.

September 1930: the Nazi vote jumps from 2% to 18%. How did that happen?

Excluded from government, the Nazis need an edge. And then the Depression hits Germany.

Hitler’s niece commits suicide in his apartment – was he more than just an uncle to her?

Joseph Goebbels finds his soulmate. But will Magda’s Jewish former lover disqualify her?

July 1932: the Nazis win 230 seats in parliament. The jockeying for power begins.

December 1932: no-one can form a government without Hitler, no-one will form one with him.

January 1933: the grandees grant Hitler the Chancellorship – they reckon he’s boxed in.

February 1933: The Reichstag is on fire. Parliament is forced to vote for dictatorship.