The appeal of Hitler and the Nazi Party

• • While the Weimar Republic was dealing with uprisings, reparations and hyperinflation, a right-wing group was slowly building in Bavaria in the south of Germany.
  • The German Worker's Party (DAP) was founded by Anto Drexler in Jan 1919.
  • Local authorities were suspicious so they sent an army intelligence officer, Adolf Hitler to investigate
• • Hitler spied on the DAP and found that he agreed with their ideas and criticism of the Weimar Republic. Joined the DAP in Sept 1919.
  • Rose through the party ranks. Excellent speaker and began to build up a personal following. Argued that the party would get more support if developed more nationalist policies.
  • Feb 1920, Hitler and Drexler changed the name of DAP to National Socialist German Worker's Party (NSDAP), more commonly known as the Nazi Party.
  • Set out the Nazis' main beliefs in the 25-point programme
• Main beliefs:

  • Abolition of the Treaty of Versailles
  • Nationalisation of large industries and businesses
  • Anschluss (union) between Germany and Austria
  • Generous provision for old-age pensioners
  • Only 'true' Germans are allowed to live in Germany; Jews in particular to be excluded
  • Creation of a strong central government in Germany
• Hitler becomes the Leader of the Nazi Party (By 1921):

  • Was clear that Hitler was a dominant figure in the Nazi Party.
  • July 1921, overthrew Drexler and became the leader of the party, ruling it with an iron fist.
  • Hitler appointed close allies to key roles. (Herman Goering in charge of the Strom Troopers)
• Hitler became the leader of the Nazi Party (Nov 1923):

  • Hitler's prominence increased, and so did membership
  • Nov 1923, 50,000 members
  • Thousands turn up to hear Hitler speak at Nazi meetings
  • Many were impressed by the energy and commitment of the Nazis, Hitler felt he was ready to overthrow the hated Weimar Republic.
• The Munich Putsch (Nov 1923):

  • Hitler believed now was the time to take power. The Weimar Republic experienced years of problems. He was popular and fairly well-known in Munich. Plus had the support of important figures like Erich Ludenorff who was a senior commander of the army in the war (national hero).
  • On 8 Nov, Hitler and followers marched on Munich as an open act of rebellion. Expected the local government there to support him.
• The Munich Putsch (Nov 1923):

  • Misjudged the situation when the Nazis reached the centre of Munich, met by armed police and battle broke out. Hitler was unharmed as one of his bodyguards threw himself into the firing line. Goering was shot and went into hiding.
  • Total of 16 Nazis and 4 police officers were killed.
  • Hitler escaped but was arrested 2 days left.
  • Nazi Party was banned subsequently.
• The Munich Putsch (Aftermath):

  • Putsch was a humiliating disaster for the Nazis. But in the following months, it became a key event that helped them.
  • Ludendorff was released and faced no punishment. In 1924, he was even elected to the Reichstag.
  • Hitler faced trial but turned it into a showcase for him as the Judge allowed him to make long speeches criticising the Weimar Republic and setting out his ideas. The judge had strong nationalistic ideas and disliked the Weimar Republic.
• The Munich Putsch (Aftermath):

  • The court case was covered extensively in newspapers and made Hitler a national celebrity.
  • Sentenced to serve 5 years in Landsburg Prison but only served 9 months. Conditions in prison were very comfortable.
• The Munich Putsch (Aftermath):

  • He had visitors and had access to books.
  • Spend this time writing his autobiography (Mein Kampf, My Struggle)
  • Became clear that the views of the Nazi Party resonated with powerful groups in Germany like the courts.
• Rebuilding the Nazi Party:

  • Hitler realized the Nazis could not seize power by force, would have to work within the democratic system, once in power, they could destroy that system.
  • After release, Hitler began rebuilding the Nazi Party
  • Set out Nazi policies simply and clearly based on Mein Kampf
  • Reestablished control of the party
• Rebuilding the Nazi Party:

  • Created a new force, the Protection Squad (SS)
  • Hitler would not tolerate any rivals or disagreements
  • Now secured as supreme leader of the party
  • Set about building support for the Nazis among the German people
• Rebuilding the Nazi Party(Winning support):

  • Hitler was very persuasive and charming, a powerful and confident speaker who prepared and practised his speeches. He was good at gauging the mood of the audience and appeared sincere.
  • His speeches, many of which were in beer halls, addressed the concerns of the people.
  • Managed to win over many important business owners and industrialists who agreed to his anti-communist and anti-trade union views
• Rebuilding the Nazi Party(Winning support):

  • Contributed to the party's financers
  • Hitler also created a network of local Nazi parties which produced good results in elections.
  • Nazi candidates stood for elections in the Reichstag in May 1924 and won 32 seats.
• Rebuilding the Nazi Party(Hurdles):

  • Most industrial workers in towns supported either the SPD or the communists. Nazis had more success with farming communities in rural areas.
  • Hitler targets propaganda and recruitment in these communities.
  • Nazis praised faring communities as 'true' Aryan Germans and attacked the Weimar Republic for not looking after their interest.
• Rebuilding the Nazi Party(Hurdles):

  • 1924-1929, the Weimar Republic was relatively stable and prosperous. Loans and interests from US banks had helped stabilize the economy.
  • The government provided generous welfare benefits like old-age pensions and housing.
  • In 1928, after all the hard work, the Nazis were still a small minority part and supporters were less than 3% of the population.
  • In the 1928 elections, the Nazis were the smallest party and gained 12 Reichstag seats