During World War I, the German Empire was one of the Central Powers that lost the war. It began participation in the conflict after the declaration of war against Serbia by its ally,Austria-Hungary. German forces fought theAllies on both the eastern and western fronts, although German territory itself remained relatively safe from widespread invasion for most of the war, except for a brief period in 1914 when East Prussia was invaded. A tight blockade imposed by the Royal Navy caused severe food shortages in the cities, especially in the winter of 1916–17, known as the Turnip Winter. At the end of the war, Germany's defeat and widespread popular discontent triggered the German Revolution of 1918–19which overthrew the monarchy and established the Weimar Republic. 

After Germany's defeat in World War I, the country went through a period of political instability and economic downturn, which laid the foundations for the rise of Nazism. Here is a trace of the initial development in Germany after its defeat in the World War, focusing on the emergence and growth of Nazism:

1. Treaty of Versailles (1919): Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles, which placed full blame for the war on Germany and imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions. This treaty caused widespread resentment among the German population.

2. Weimar Republic (1919-1933): The German Empire was replaced with the Weimar Republic, a democratic government. However, the republic faced numerous challenges, including hyperinflation, political extremism, and economic crises, which weakened public trust in democratic institutions.

3. Formation of the Nazi Party: In 1919, Adolf Hitler joined the German Workers' Party (DAP), which later became the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) or Nazi Party. Hitler quickly rose through the ranks and became the party's leader in 1921.

4. Beer Hall Putsch (1923): In an attempt to seize power in Munich, Hitler and the Nazis staged the Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup d'état. Hitler was arrested, and the party was temporarily banned. During his imprisonment, Hitler wrote "Mein Kampf," outlining his ideologies and plans for Germany's future.

5. Economic Recovery: In the late 1920s, Germany experienced a brief period of economic recovery, known as the "Golden Twenties." However, the Great Depression hit Germany hard in 1929, leading to mass unemployment and social unrest.

6. Weakening of Democracy: As the economic and political situation worsened, support for extremist parties grew. The Nazis capitalized on this discontent, blaming the Weimar Republic, Communists, and Jews for Germany's problems. They gained popularity by promising to restore Germany's greatness.

7. Appointment of Hitler as Chancellor: In January 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg, hoping to stabilize the government. However, Hitler swiftly consolidated power, dismantled democratic institutions, and established a totalitarian regime.

8. Enabling Act: In March 1933, the Nazis passed the Enabling Act, granting Hitler dictatorial powers and effectively ending democratic governance. The Nazis suppressed political opposition, banned other parties, and established a one-party state.

9. Persecution of Jews and other minorities: The Nazis implemented anti-Semitic policies, including the Nuremberg Laws (1935), which stripped Jews of their rights. The regime also targeted other minority groups such as Romani people, disabled individuals, and political dissidents.

10. Expansionist Policies: Hitler pursued aggressive foreign policies, violating the Treaty of Versailles. Germany annexed Austria in the Anschluss (1938) and later invaded Czechoslovakia (1939), triggering the outbreak of World War II.

These initial developments in Germany after its defeat in World War I set the stage for the rise of Nazism, leading to a catastrophic period in history marked by war, genocide, and immense human suffering.