The rise of Hitler and the Nazis

The rise of Hitler and the Nazis

1. The Nazi party started as a small German Workers’ Party in Bavaria, Hitler joined in 1919 as Head of Propaganda and was a very effective public speaker, the main themes of which were his opposition to Jews, Communists, Socialists, the current government etc

   • The party changed and developed between 1920-22 with their ‘Twenty-Five Point Programme’ and new leadership under Hitler from 1920 when the party was renamed to Nazi (National Socialist German Worker’s Party). Increasingly attracted support in Bavaria even among higher classes. They used Stormtroopers (SA or ‘Brown Shirts’) were used to protect meetings, disrupt those of the opposition and march in processions. High profile members included Rohm (1919), Goebells and Goering (1922), Himmler (1923). By the end of 1923 they had 3,000 members as a very vocal party

2. Launched the Munich Putsch in 1923 (inspired by Mussolini’s ‘March on Rome’ in 1922). Hitler hoped to bring about a strong anti-Weimar feeling among the people (especially Stresemann’s plans to restart reparations) and also expected to have support of the army and Bavarian government (see earlier). He also enlisted support of war hero Ludendorff as a ‘celebrity figurehead’ The key consequences of the Putsch were: the trial allowed Hitler to make long and very well publicised speeches (lot of media coverage), his imprisonment weakened the party dramatically (in the following years they lost support as they were seen as too radical and violent, in the 2 elections of 1924 the number of Nazi Reichstag seats decreased from 32 to 14), Hitler wrote ‘Mein Kampf’ while in prison, Hitler then changed the approach of the party (be elected democratically through the Reichstag not by violence)

   • Reorganisation of the Nazi Party 1924-28:aftermath of the Putsch caused short-term chaos and weakness in the party but on release from prison Hitler worked to broaden the appeal of the party by adapting policies to suit voters (with core messages the same). The Youth and Student wing of the party was created, evening classes and branches of the party throughout Germany were set up (became national). Membership grew 100,000 in 1928, but in the 1928 election they won only 12 Reichstag seats (2.6%) this was a low point for them. From 1928 onwards they then worked to appeal to farmers, the middle classes, shopkeepers, small business owners. The use of Goebbels’ Propaganda and the SS (created in 1925) as Hitler’s bodyguards
     • Impact of the depression on Germany (1930-32) led to increase in Nazi support. The US loans were recalled, unemployment quickly rose to 6m in 1932, the economy floundered, 5 major banks collapsed. This made the government look ineffective and caused political chaos, many blamed the reparations and constitution. These economic problems led to a rise in political extremism (more people looked for extreme parties), the government failed to control the Reichstag, Presidential use of ‘Article 48’ increased. In 1931 the Reichstag was temporarily suspended
       • Nazi electoral successes: 1930 Reichstag elections 107 seats (18.3%), July 1932 230 seats (37.3%). Presidential election April 1932 Hitler gained 13m votes, Hindenburg 19m votes; showing Hitler’s personal popularity. By mid 1932 they were the single biggest party in Germany (but could not poll a majority)
         • Between 1932 and Jan 1933 events worsened, Article 48 used extensively, Hindenburg re-elected in 1932 but following July 1932 Reichstag election Hitler demanded to be Chancellor in a Nazi-led government; Hindenburg wouldn’t allow this as he saw Hitler as too radical. Von Papen unsuccessfully tried to form a Right-wing coalition as he didn’t have Nazi support. Fresh elections in November, Nazi vote decreased to 196 seats (33.1%). It looked as though the Nazis may have missed their chance for power, but Von Schleicher’s government proved ineffective. In response Von Papen struck a deal with Hitler to form a right wing government with Hitler as Chancellor (Von Papen thought he could use Hitler as a puppet) – Hitler became Chancellor on 30th January 1933

3. Nazis won because of: promises to voters, weakness of opposition, support of industrialists, organisation, flexibility with policies, use of technology, ‘Hitler the superman’, propaganda

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