The appeal of Nazism

Nazi Party Name

Why did the Nazis adopt the title National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP)?

To gain working-class support while differentiating themselves from the international socialism of the Communist Party

Ideology and Success

How coherent was Nazi ideology?

It was a loose collection of ideas, neither coherent nor consistent

How did Hitler tailor Nazi policy statements?

He acted opportunistically, modifying messages to appeal to his audience

What document first laid out the fundamental aims of the Nazis?

The 25 Point Programme of 1920

What later document provided Hitler’s most complete statement of aims?

Mein Kampf, written during imprisonment after the 1923 Munich Beer Hall Putsch

How did ideology help the Nazis succeed?

It projected an image of decisiveness and energy, offering hope of change as the Weimar system was failing

The Power of the Will

How did Hitler present himself and the Nazi movement?

As a force for change in Germany

What qualities did Nazi propaganda emphasise in Hitler?

Power, strength, and determination to succeed

How did the Nazi movement demonstrate discipline and unity?

Through parades of Stormtroopers (SA), presenting an image that would sweep all opponents aside

Struggle and War

How central were struggle, violence, and war to Nazi ideology?

They were central to the Nazi worldview

How did Hitler view politics?

As perpetual struggle, based on Social Darwinism, with conflict between races as natural

What was Hitler’s goal for German society?

Reconstruction through war, conquest, and subjugation of other races

What concept was tied to this expansionist goal?

Lebensraum (living space)

Which military virtues did Nazi ideology glorify?

Loyalty, courage, and self-sacrifice

How were organisations like the SA used in Nazi ideology?

As places where German males could demonstrate their manliness

Volksgemeinschaft

What was the Volksgemeinschaft?

The ‘people’s community,’ a key concept promoting national unity and racial purity

What did the ideal of Volksgemeinschaft promise?

Elimination of class differences, Germans working together for the good of the nation, access to employment and welfare benefits

Who could be citizens in the Volksgemeinschaft?

Only Aryans; non-Aryans were excluded and treated as “subjects”

What was the concept of Volksgemeinschaft rooted in?

Anti-Semitism, requiring elimination of "un-German elements," especially Jews

What social goal did Nazism aim for through Volksgemeinschaft?

Creating a ‘new man’ and ‘new woman’ aware of racial importance, committed to the common good, willing to follow leadership

How did the ideology view German history?

Backward-looking, seeking a return to a mythical pure German past before racial “pollution” and industrial class divisions

National Socialism

Why did the NSDAP include “Socialist” in its name?

To appeal to the working class, though in a nationalist, not Marxist sense

What radical economic demands did the official program contain?

Nationalisation of large monopolies and confiscation of war profits

How did Hitler interpret “socialism”?

Loosely, equating it with the idea of Volksgemeinschaft and acting for the community

Did Hitler commit to radical economic aims?

No, he acted opportunistically and later sought backing from big business

Which business leaders supported Hitler after 1929?

Hugenberg and Fritz Thyssen, assured their interests would not be threatened

What internal divisions existed within the Nazi Party regarding socialism?

Leaders like Gregor and Otto Strasser advocated genuine socialist policies appealing to the SA

What happened to Otto and Gregor Strasser?

Purged in 1930 and 1932 because their radicalism threatened middle-class support and Hitler’s authority

Führerprinzip

What was the Führerprinzip?

Hitler’s principle of leadership, an alternative to Weimar democracy emphasizing strong, authoritarian government

Why did Hitler oppose parliamentary democracy?

He believed it was weak, ineffective, and encouraged the growth of communism

How did Nazis view Weimar democracy?

As a betrayal due to the ‘November Criminals’ supposedly stabbing the German army in the back

What did the Führerprinzip demand?

The democratic state be destroyed and replaced by a dictatorship led by one supreme person

How did the Führerprinzip operate within the Nazi Party?

Hitler had undisputed control over all policy and strategy; party members had to subordinate themselves to his will

Aggressive Nationalism

What form of nationalism did the Nazis pursue?

Aggressive nationalism focused on restoring and expanding German power

Why was this attractive to Germans?

Especially to the conservative elite who resented the Weimar regime

What was Hitler’s aim regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

To overturn its “humiliation,” denouncing it as blackmail and shameful

What was the goal of uniting ethnic Germans?

Create a ‘Greater German Reich’ including Germans outside current borders

What was Lebensraum and why was it important?

Territory in the East for conquest to provide food and raw materials for Germany to sustain great power status

How was Lebensraum justified?

Through Hitler’s racial theories and belief in struggle as necessary

Anti-Semitism

What role did anti-Semitism play in Nazi ideology?

Jews were scapegoats blamed for Germany’s problems, including Weimar weakness, WWI loss, Versailles, and economic issues

How were Jews depicted in propaganda?

Greedy, cunning, motivated by selfish motives, blamed for both capitalism and communism

What was Hitler’s ultimate aim regarding Jews?

Complete removal (Entfernung) of Jews from Germany

How was anti-Semitism handled in campaigns?

Often downplayed during elections, with emphasis on economic promises like “work and bread”

Did anti-Semitism drive most new voters to the Nazis?

No, many voted Nazi despite anti-Semitism, not primarily because of it