History: Why Did Germans Vote For Hitler? With Professor Alexander Watson From Goldsmiths, University of London

As part of Goldsmiths’ incisive Autumn History Series, Professor Alexander Watson asks ‘Why Did Germans Vote For Hitler?’

The full context/introduction to this live and interactive discussion is provided by Goldsmiths in a Headliner recorded resource (see below) which offers insights into the key academic research and debate related to this fascinating topic. This recording can be watched as a class activity or independently in preparation for the discussion and develops the points below:

On 30^th January 1933 Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, the first fateful step in the creation of a totalitarian Nazi dictatorship. Although backroom deals with political elites brought Hitler his chancellorship, it was the Nazis’ extraordinary electoral successes that made possible their rise to power. Since July 1932, when an absolute majority of Germans had voted for anti-democratic parties on the right and left and nearly 14 million, 37 per cent of the electorate, had voted NSDAP, Hitler’s party had become by far the most popular in Germany. This webinar draws on new research to explore why Germans voted for Hitler. It examines how religion, class and unemployment shaped the constituencies which supported the Nazis, and it also reconstructs how propaganda, passions and a polarised ‘culture war’ brought about Hitler’s rise, birthing a new age of extremes. 

The session aims to deepen students’ understanding of the topic whilst enabling them to access and experience a live online university tutorial.

The Headliner recording is below.

Lecturer Profile (Please Click): Professor Alexander Watson

For further sessions in this great series with Goldsmiths, please see below and click for details:

• 3 November, 12:45-13:45 – Why Did Alternatives to Appeasement Fail?  British Foreign Policy, 1935-39 with Professor Richard Grayson, Goldsmiths, University of London
• 17 November, 14:15-15:15 – Tryst with Destiny: the Path to Independence in India with Dr Erica Wald, Goldsmiths, University of London
• 1 December, 16.15-17.15 – The Unexpected History of the Pink Pound with Dr Justin Bengry, Goldsmiths, University of London

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom, or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. This means that sessions will continue irrespective of possible school closures.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but access to the Headliner recording will continue to be possible.

Suitable for: Key Stage 5 students (and equivalent) studying or with an interest in studying History and related subjects. We also welcome students from other disciplines with a more general interest in the topic. Teachers and members of school staff, as always, are welcome to join with a group from school/college or as individuals.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students are asked to watch the Headliner recording and consider the key issues and the questions posed by Professor Alexander Watson in advance.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Bluejeans and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via a microphone and/or typed comments and questions. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below: