The Development of the Nazi Party 1920-29

• What significant social and political changes did Germany experience after the First World War?

  Germany experienced tremendous social and political upheaval.
• What were the political conditions in Germany during the five years following the First World War?

  Several new parties emerged, and there were communist and right-wing uprisings.
• What was the original name of the NSDAP?

  The original name was the DAP (Deutsche Arbeiterpartei).
• Who became the leader of the NSDAP during its transformation?

  Adolf Hitler became the leader during its transformation.
• How did Hitler's leadership change the DAP?

  Hitler transformed the DAP from a small party to one that attempted to take over the Bavarian state government.
• What significant event occurred in 1923 related to Hitler's political ambitions?

  Hitler attempted to take over the Bavarian state government in 1923.
• What was the outcome of Hitler's attempted takeover in 1923?

  The attempted takeover failed, but Hitler gained considerable publicity.
• Where was Adolf Hitler born?

  Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria-Hungary.
• What were the three significant events that shaped Hitler's early life?

  The death of his father, the death of his mother, and his rejection from the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
• What did Hitler want to pursue as a career?

  Hitler wanted to attend art college.
• How did Hitler's relationship with his father influence him?

  Hitler frequently said he had never been close to his father, and they disagreed about his career choice.
• What happened to Hitler's mother in 1907?

  Hitler's mother died in 1907.
• How did Hitler react to his mother's death?

  He was profoundly affected and was described as being prostrate with grief.
• What was the outcome of Hitler's applications to the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna?

  His application was rejected, as was a further one the following year.
• What did Hitler do after his applications to the Academy were rejected?

  He spent five years living an odd existence, selling hand-painted postcards.
• Why did Hitler flee to Munich in 1913?

  He fled to avoid military service in the Austrian army.
• What motivated Hitler to join the German army during World War I?

  He felt that joining the army provided him with a purpose in life.
• What rank did Hitler achieve in the German army?

  He reached the rank of Gefreite (lance corporal).
• What recognition did Hitler receive for his bravery during World War I?

  He won the Iron Cross Second Class in 1914 and First Class in 1918.
• How did Hitler's experience in World War I influence his political views?

  He was angered by Germany's surrender and blamed the politicians for it.
• What was the political situation in Bavaria after the First World War?

  There was political chaos, with the Communists seizing power in Munich.
• Who founded the German Workers' Party (DAP) in 1919?

  Anton Drexler founded the DAP.
• What were the ideological characteristics of the DAP?

  The DAP was right-wing, socialist in some ideas, and very nationalistic.
• What was the membership size of the DAP by the summer of 1919?

  The DAP had about fifty members.
• What was the völkisch idea promoted by the DAP?

  The völkisch idea stressed the notion of a pure German people.
• What role did Hitler play in the DAP after joining?

  Hitler was made responsible for recruitment and propaganda.
• What were the main themes of Hitler's speeches in the DAP?

  His speeches included themes of the Dolchstoss, disgust at the Treaty of Versailles, hatred of Weimar, and a conspiracy against Germany.
• What was the Twenty-Five Point Programme?

  It was a political manifesto written by Hitler and Drexler in February 1920.
• What was the significance of the Twenty-Five Point Programme for Hitler?

  Hitler kept to most of the ideas in the programme throughout his life.
• What was the name of the Nazi Party's newspaper?

  The newspaper was called the Völkischer Beobachter (People's Observer).
• What title did Hitler adopt as the leader of the Nazi Party?

  Hitler adopted the title Führer (leader).
• What did the Führerprinzip represent in the Nazi Party?

  The Führerprinzip represented the idea of absolute power and authority in the party.
• What were the key points of the Twenty-Five Point Programme?

  1. Union of all Germans to form a Greater Germany.
  2. Scrapping of the Treaty of Versailles.
  3. Citizenship granted only to people of German blood.
  4. Right to vote allowed only to German citizens.
  5. Deportation of foreign nationals if necessary.
  6. Nationalisation of businesses formed into corporations.
  7. Profit-sharing in major industries.
  8. Seizure of land for communal purposes without compensation.
  9. All newspaper editors to be German.

  10. Religious freedom unless it threatens the German people.

  11. Creation of a strong central government for the Reich.
• What was the SA, and who led it?

  The SA (Sturmabteilung) was the private army of the Nazi Party, led by Ernst Röhm.
• What was the role of the SA in the early years of the Nazi Party?

  The SA was used to protect Nazi speakers and disrupt meetings of opposing parties.
• How did Hitler ensure maximum publicity for the Nazi Party?

  Hitler ensured maximum publicity through his speeches and growing membership.
• What was the membership growth of the Nazi Party from June 1920 to November 1923?

  Membership grew from about 1,100 in June 1920 to about 55,000 in November 1923.
• How did Hitler's views on Jews evolve during the early years of the Nazi Party?

  Hitler increasingly viewed Jews as scapegoats for Germany's problems.
• What was the Munich Putsch?

  The Munich Putsch was an attempted coup by Hitler and the Nazi Party to overthrow the Bavarian government.
• What motivated Hitler to launch the Munich Putsch in 1923?

  Hitler believed the Nazi Party could overthrow the regional government in Munich and march on Berlin.