Reasons for the Growth in Support of the Nazi Party

• The Weimar Republic seemed weak, and the appeal of a strong leader like Hitler became attractive.
• Nazi policies of offering a scapegoat (in the form of the Jews), and blaming Germany’s problems on the stab in the back and the Treaty of Versailles suddenly seemed a lot more relevant in a time of crisis.
• Hitler capitalised on the crisis with effective propaganda, using aeroplanes to speak in as many cities as possible.
• The uniformed SA also gave an appearance of organisation, but more importantly they were able to disrupt the campaigns of their rivals. The 400,000 stormtroopers outnumbered the Communists Red Front Fighters by 3 to 1 and the violence they caused at rival meetings added to the sense of chaos under the Weimar Republic.
• Hitler also won over businessmen who were increasingly convinced the Nazis were an effective defence against Communism. Wealthy businessmen like Benz and Krupp donated to the Party and Alfred Hugenberg, a newspaper owner, allowed Goebbels to use his newspapers for propaganda.
• The Nazis won some working class voters with promises of work and bread.
• They had more success with the middle classes who had lost savings, pensions and businesses after the Wall Street Crash and saw the Nazis as a defence against Communism.
• The Nazis won earlier support from farmers in 1928 when they promised to reverse their policy of confiscating private land, except if owned by Jews. The Nazis won 60% of the vote in some rural areas in 1930.
• For many young voters the Nazis seemed exciting and colourful.
• Some women were won over by the Nazi claim of being the best protection for the family.
• The main Nazi advantage, as reflected in their Party name, was that there was something for everyone, unlike the other parties, who mainly appealed to particular interest groups.