Trace the fall of democracy and the rise of dictatorship.
This 180-minute lesson challenges middle and high school students to investigate how Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power. Through guided discussions, primary source analysis, and interactive activities, students examine the social, economic, and political factors that fueled dictatorship—propaganda, economic despair, and public choices. By studying how democracy unraveled in 1930s Germany, students strengthen critical thinking and reflect on lessons that remain urgent today.
 
Audience
Middle & High School Students
 
What Students Will Do
Read History Cat’s article “The Rise of Nazi Germany.”
Analyze primary sources including documents, propaganda posters, and excerpts.
Trace cause-and-effect relationships between economic hardship, propaganda, and dictatorship.
Engage in scaffolded activities, guided discussions, and reflection tasks.
Connect historical lessons to modern issues of democracy, media, and power.
 
What’s Included
History Cat article: “The Rise of Nazi Germany” (printable for classroom use)
Scaffolded lesson plan with guided discussions and analysis tasks
Primary Source Analysis with propaganda posters and documents
Printable worksheets: Guided Reading Notes, Read & Reflect questions, cause-and-effect activities
Answer Keys for all activities
Teacher’s Guide with adaptations for diverse learners
 
Estimated Duration
3 class periods (180 minutes total)
 
Standards Alignment
Aligned to the NCSS C3 Framework for Social Studies.