Growth of Nazi support and Hitler becoming Chancellor (1929-23)

When did the Nazi party become the largest party in the Reichstag and what percentage of seats did they hold?

July 1932, holding 32% of seats

When was the Nazi Party originally set up, who set it up and what was its original name? What were their political ideas?

The German Worker’s Party was first formed in 1919 by Anton Drexter. They were a right wing party with strong nationalist and socialist ideas, being against the Treaty of Versailles.

When did Hitler join the German Worker’s Party and what was his main role? How did his personal appeal affect the party’s membership?

Hitler joined in 1919 and became the groups main public speaker and propagandist due to his strong charisma and speeches. The party’s membership increased by 2000 by the end of 1920, after some of Hitler’s changes.

What was the three main ideologies proclaimed in the 25 point programme? What are the definitions of Social Darwinism and Lebensrawm?

Nationalism, Socialism and Antisemitism

Social Darwinism = The idea of a superior Aryan race outliving all others in natural selection

Lebensraum = Living space for all Aryan Germans

What three key changes did Hitler make to the DAP in June 1920? What was the aim of these changes?

He changed the name to The National Socialist German Workers Party and assigned it the logo of the Swatsika. He bought the newspaper ‘The People’s Observer’ and made it the parties official newspaper. The aim was to spread the ideas to the masses through appealing to more groups of people (the workers).

When did Hitler become leader of the Nazi Party and how?

July 1921 through forcing Drexter out

What was the name of the Nazi newspaper founded in 1923 and who founded it? What was typically in these newspapers?

Julius Streicher who founded ‘Der Stümer’. The newspaper contained extreme antisemitism and shocking imagery.

When was the SA created and what were their purpose? Who did their recruits typically consist of and what was their nickname? How did Goering and Rohm benefit them?

The SA was a paramilitary group first formed in August 1921. Their role was to control crowds and protect Nazis using violence. They also disrupted opponent meetings and intimidated political enemies such as the communists. Recruits were typically unemployed ex-soldiers who wanted a sense of belonging. Ernst Rohm and Goering helped organise the SA and gave them prestige as they were ex-war heroes. They were nicknamed the ‘Brownshirts’ due to their uniform.

What major event in 1929 happened in the USA and what major effect did it have on the German government and people?

The Wall Street Crash of October 1929 led to America asking for its loans to Germany back, which the German government couldn’t afford. This led to wage cuts for government workers and higher taxes that forced businesses to shut down or fire staff. This caused the unemployment crisis.

Who won the majority after the 1930 election?

Nobody, a coalition had to be formed.

What happened the the coalition government and what affect did this have on the people’s opinions that made them turn towards the Nazis?

After 1930, the coalition government quickly broke as different political parties had different views. This meant the Reichstag couldn’t pass laws and became ineffective. Brüning was therefore forced to rely on Article 48 to pass laws. People began to criticise the Weimar Government as they were viewed as weak. They also began to see democracy as failing in crisis and began to turn towards more extreme, anti-democratic parties such as the Nazis.

Who asked Hindernburg to appoint Hitler as chancellor and what was their reason for it? What date was this.

Von Papen convinced Hindernburg to appoint Hitler as chancellor. They believed they could control Hitler and use his popularity to their advantage. January 1933

Who was appointed chancellor after the Wall Street Crash and what were his policies to fix the economy?

Heinrich Brüning. He proposed higher taxes to pay for unemployment benefits. However as unemployment increased he was forced to lower benefits causing him to become majorly unpopular.

What groups of people gravitated towards the Nazis due to fear of communism and why?

Middle Class people - Feared communists would abolish private businesses ,which they relied on for jobs (employers), and destroy their way of life. Also communists were anti religious which could disrupt churchgoers.

Farmers - Feared communists would steal their private farming land.

Wealthy businessmen - Frightened of communists taking over and confiscating their land, businnesss and wealth.

What happened in March 1932?

Presidential elections were held and Hindernburg, who was vey old, was re-elected. Hitler campaigned relentlessly.

Who became chancellor after Brüning and when, what couldn’t he do?

Von Papen in July 1932 (appointed by Hindernburg) who then called two elections as he had no support and couldn’t pass any laws.

Who was the final chancellor, appointed by Hindernburg, before Hitler and what happened to him?

Von Schliecher who resigned after he couldn’t pass laws.

When was Hitler finally appointed Chancellor and how did Hindernburg limit his power?

30th January 1933

Hindernburg appointed Von Papen as Vice Chancellor and restricted the number of Nazis in the coalition government to two.