Rise of the Nazis is a compelling and critically acclaimed BBC documentary drama series that explores how Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power in Germany and dismantled a democratic society to create one of the most infamous dictatorships in modern history. Blending documentary interviews with dramatized reenactments, the series presents a gripping and educational account of historical events that reshaped the 20th century.
The series first aired in 2019 and has since expanded into multiple seasons, with each focusing on a particular aspect of the Nazi regime’s ascendancy and rule. Through expert historical commentary, reconstructed drama, and archival footage, the series manages to balance scholarly depth with emotional impact, making the events accessible to a broad audience while retaining historical accuracy and insight.
Overview and Structure
The original Rise of the Nazis series is split into three key episodes:
- Politics
- The First Six Months in Power
- Night of the Long Knives
These episodes trace the years from 1930 to 1934, a period in which democratic institutions in Weimar Germany were manipulated and ultimately destroyed by Hitler and his supporters. Later series, such as Rise of the Nazis: Dictators at War and Rise of the Nazis: The Downfall, continue the narrative through World War II, Hitler’s invasions of Europe, and the ultimate collapse of the Third Reich.
The format is one of the show’s strengths. Each episode weaves together dramatizations of key moments, narrated segments, and analyses from historians and political scientists. This approach allows viewers to understand the broader socio-political climate while also getting inside the minds of the historical actors involved—whether members of the Nazi leadership, political opponents, or ordinary citizens.
Episode Breakdown
Episode 1: Politics (2019)
The first episode establishes the chaotic and fragmented political environment of Weimar Germany in the early 1930s. The country was reeling from the economic devastation of the Great Depression, hyperinflation, and widespread unemployment. Political extremism flourished in this volatile climate, with the Communist Party and the far-right Nazi Party gaining strength.
The series shows how Hitler, once seen as a fringe agitator, gained traction by appealing to nationalistic fervor, anti-Semitism, and dissatisfaction with the status quo. Through charismatic speeches, relentless propaganda, and strategic use of violence (via the SA, or “Brownshirts”), the Nazis capitalized on Germany’s instability.
A key moment depicted in this episode is Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor in January 1933. Despite having never won a majority in a democratic election, Hitler maneuvered his way into power with the help of conservative elites like President Paul von Hindenburg and General von Schleicher, who believed they could control him. Their miscalculation proves to be fatal for democracy.
Episode 2: The First Six Months in Power
This episode explores how the Nazis, once in government, moved quickly to consolidate power. After the Reichstag Fire in February 1933, Hitler convinced President Hindenburg to pass the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties and allowed for the arrest of political opponents.
The Enabling Act, passed in March 1933, effectively gave Hitler dictatorial powers under the guise of legality. It allowed the cabinet to enact laws without the Reichstag’s approval, dismantling the last checks on Nazi authority.
The series details how the Nazis began transforming state institutions to serve their ideological goals. The judiciary, civil service, media, and education system were purged of dissenters. The episode also depicts how ordinary Germans were seduced or coerced into compliance through fear, propaganda, and the promise of national rejuvenation.
What stands out is how quickly a democratic state can be dismantled from within, especially when aided by apathy, opportunism, and fear.
Episode 3: Night of the Long Knives
The final episode in the first series focuses on the Night of the Long Knives in June 1934—a violent purge of Hitler’s rivals within the Nazi movement and other perceived threats to his power.
One of the central tensions explored is between Hitler and Ernst Röhm, the leader of the SA, which had grown into a powerful paramilitary force. Röhm’s desire for a “second revolution” alarmed both the German army and the conservative establishment.
Under pressure, Hitler ordered a brutal purge. In a matter of days, over 80 people (possibly more) were executed without trial. This event marked a turning point: Hitler showed that he was willing to kill even his closest allies to secure absolute authority. Afterward, the German army pledged an oath of loyalty not to the constitution, but to Hitler personally.
Subsequent Seasons and Themes
Following the initial season’s success, the series expanded:
- Dictators at War (Season 2) explores Hitler’s strategic decisions during World War II, his rivalry with Stalin, and the miscalculations that would lead to Germany’s military disaster in the Soviet Union.
- The Downfall (Season 3) examines the final phase of the Nazi regime—its internal collapse, the Allied invasion, and Hitler’s last days in the Berlin bunker.
These later series continue the approach of blending personal stories, dramatizations, and expert commentary. The military campaigns, ideological decisions, and horrific policies of genocide are addressed with clarity and humanity.
Historical and Educational Value
Rise of the Nazis stands out among historical documentaries for several reasons:
- Humanizing History: Rather than treating events as abstract or distant, the series delves into the personalities and decisions of real individuals—both leaders and ordinary citizens. By dramatizing moments of decision and uncertainty, it brings a human scale to vast historical processes.
- Moral Complexity: The series avoids simplistic good-vs-evil narratives. It explores how many in Germany, including conservative elites and military officials, believed they could manipulate or benefit from Hitler’s rise. It shows how ideological fervor, fear, and ambition combined to erode democracy.
- Relevance to Today: The show underscores the fragility of democratic systems and how easily they can be undermined from within. In an age of rising populism and political polarization, the series serves as a stark warning.
- Scholarly Rigor: Featuring leading historians such as Sir Richard Evans and Professor Mary Fulbrook, the series maintains academic integrity. The experts help unpack complex issues like propaganda, fascist ideology, and the mechanics of authoritarianism.
Visual and Narrative Style
The visual style of Rise of the Nazis is both atmospheric and informative. The use of chiaroscuro lighting, minimalist sets, and slow tracking shots in dramatizations evoke the menace and uncertainty of the period. Rather than overwhelming the viewer with facts, the narrative unfolds with a steady, suspenseful pace.
The score and cinematography complement the serious tone, while the clear narration and interviews guide the viewer through the timeline. The series does not over-rely on CGI or spectacle, instead trusting the power of history and storytelling.
Conclusion
Rise of the Nazis is more than a history lesson—it is a chilling examination of how democratic institutions can be corrupted, how fear and propaganda can enable tyranny, and how ordinary people can become complicit in extraordinary evil. The BBC’s production succeeds in being both accessible and intellectually rich, appealing to viewers with varying degrees of historical knowledge.
As a work of public education, it is timely, resonant, and deeply important. Through its dramatizations, expert insights, and careful attention to historical nuance, it invites us not only to understand the past but to remain vigilant in the present. In doing so, Rise of the Nazis reaffirms the enduring power and necessity of historical storytelling.
