topic 1 - the development of the NSDAP under hitler (1921-23)

what did hitler want to emphasise once he came to power?

the differences between the NSDAP and traditional political parties

what was one way he planned to do this?

by consolidating his authority which he did by abolishing the autonomy of local branches

what did hitler do at a meeting of branch leaders in early 1922?

he had them swear their subordination to the Munich headquarters, meaning that his power over the party in munch was absolute

how many branches were there by may, 1922?

45

where were most of these branches based?

bavaria

in the summer of 1921, hitler employed…

armed squads to defend party meetings from being disrupted by political opposition

what were these squads known as?

the Sturm Abteilung (SA)

who did the SA appeal to?

ex-soldiers and ex-freikorps who were looking for violent action which had been banned since the dissolution of the free corps

were the SA a paramilitary group?

yes but hid they this by claiming to be the sports/gymnastics division of the party

what did the SA do?

they protected nazi meetings, assisted in propaganda activities and disrupted the meetings of other parties

the SA regularly…

intimidated the parties political opponents, especially members of left wing parties

who declared his support for hitler in late 1922?

notorious anti-semite Julius Streicher

why was Streicher an important acquisition for the party?

because he was en excellent public speaker and quickly became one of the most popular in the party

who else was hitler able to win the support of?

Hermann Goring

who was Hermann Goring?

he was from a bavarian landowning family

when did Goring join to party?

1922

what did Goring and Ludendorff (prominent ex-military member who also joined party) do for the party?

they increased their respectability amongst the upper class

when was the NSDAP’s first party rally?

1923

whos support did the party gain following this meeting?

the kampfbund (an ex-soldiers group)

what is important to note about the nazi party at this time?

they were still a small fringe party which was mostly limited to bavaria