Rise and appeal of the Nazis

What were the Nazi Party also known as?

NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers’ Party)

What has the NSDAP began as?

The NSDAP began as the German Workers’ Party, under the leadership of Anton Drexler.

What was Hitler’s involvement in the German Workers’ Party?

Hitler attended meetings and was soon placed in charge of propaganda and political ideas.

What did the German Workers’ Party announce in 1920?

In 1920, it announced its 25-point programme and changed its name to the NSDAP. 

In 1921, Hitler became the leader.

When was the Munich Putsch?

November 1923.

How successful was Hitler’s attempt to seize Bavaria?

Hitler’s attempt to seize power in Bavaria failed (Munich Putsch), but it had important consequences.

What were the important consequences of the Munich Putsch?

• Led to a change in tactics, as Hitler decided to win power through the ballot box.

• It brought him national publicity.

What happened following the Putsch?

Following the putsch, Hitler’s light sentence of 5 years (although he only served 9 months), showed there was sympathy for his views.

What did Hitler write while he was in prison?

Hitler wrote the book Mein Kampf, which set out his ideas for Germany.

What happened to the Nazi party from 1924-29?

During this time, the party had collapsed and Hitler had to rebuild it.

Why was there little support for the NSDAP during this period?

There was little support for the party, as Weimar appeared to be recovering.

Although the Nazis won 32 seats in elections in 1924, this decreased to 14 by the end of the year and 12 in 1928.

What did Hitler use this time from 1924 to 1929 to do?

Hitler also used this time to build up support. A network of local parties and the Hitler Youth and Students’ League were established.

What happened in 1929?

Goebbels was put in charge of propaganda.

What was it that allowed the Nazis to make an electoral breakthrough?

The impact of the Depression allowed the Nazis to make an electoral breakthrough.

How many seats were there for Nazis in Reichstag 1928 - 1933?

1928 - 12

1930 - 107

July 1932 - 230

November 1932 - 196

1933 - 288

For what reasons did the Depression increase support for the Nazis?

• Weimar government appeared weak and unable to deal with the crisis.

• Unemployment was rising and the Nazis offered public works to reduce it.

• Many people feared communism, and support for it was growing due to the Great Depression.

What other factors increased their support and enabled Nazis to become the largest single party?

• Support of industrialists - frightened of communism, so turned to Nazis and gave them financial backing. 

• Nazi’s made promises to various groups in society - unemployed were promised jobs, businesses promised restored profits and farmers promised higher prices for produce.

How did propaganda increase Nazi support?

Propaganda was used to reinforce Nazi promises and to attack communism.

They used radio broadcasts, posters, rallies and parades to reach all voters.

How did technology increase Nazi support?

In 1932, Hitler used a plane to fly to election meetings.

How did the party’s organisation increase their support?

The party had been reorganised in the 1920’s and local leaders were well trained.

How did Hitler’s image increase their support?

Propaganda showed him as a strong leader and he was an excellent leader.

How did opposition help to increase support for the Nazis?

Opposition was weak and divided and did not see the Nazis as a serious threat.

What can be said about people who voted for the Nazi’s?

Not all who voted for the Nazis shared their views, but they shared Nazi fears - this is known as negative cohesion.

What did the election results for November 1932 show?

The election results for November 1932 suggested that support for the Nazis had peaked and was starting to decline.