The appeal of Nazism - Hitler & Antisemitism

Importance of Hitler to Nazi Success

Why was Hitler central to the Nazi Party’s rise?

He transformed it from a fringe group to the largest political force in Germany

What lesson did Hitler take from the failed Munich Putsch?

Power must be achieved through winning mass support, not armed overthrow

How did Hitler assert control after prison?

He took undisputed control over the NSDAP, ensuring members were subordinated to his will

How did Hitler reorganise the party?

Around the Führerprinzip (principle of leadership) as the basis for running the party since 1925

Why was the Führerprinzip important?

It was viewed as essential to replace weak Weimar democracy with a dictatorship

What did the chaos during Hitler’s imprisonment demonstrate?

His indispensability to the Nazi movement

How did Hitler shape Nazi ideology?

He provided overall direction and core vision, especially on anti-Semitism, anti-Bolshevism, and Lebensraum

What was Hitler’s personal agenda regarding war?

He pushed the party toward the pursuit of a war of racial annihilation

Leadership and Strategy

Why were Hitler’s personal qualities crucial?

He had charisma and unparalleled oratorical skills

How did Hitler’s speeches affect audiences?

Repetition and lies had a hypnotic effect, playing on emotions and fears, convincing people he had the answers

How did Hitler tailor his message?

He acted as an opportunist, adjusting speeches to appeal to his audience

How was Hitler presented in Nazi propaganda?

As embodying power, strength, and determination to succeed

The Hitler Myth

What was the "Hitler Myth"?

Portrayed him as architect of Germany’s economic miracle, representative of popular justice, and aloof from selfish interests

How powerful was Hitler’s image?

He was hailed as the "symbol of the nation" and the "leader for whom the nation had been waiting"

Why was Hitler’s popularity important to the regime?

It integrated the Nazi system, sustained the regime, provided a foundation for radicalisation, and masked failures

The Role of Anti-Semitism in Nazi Electoral Success

Was anti-Semitism central to Nazi electoral success?

No, while central to ideology, its role in mass electoral success was limited and often secondary

What was Hitler’s ultimate objective regarding Jews?

The complete removal (Entfernung) of the Jewish people

How did Nazi propaganda use Jews?

As scapegoats, blaming them for Germany’s economic and political problems

What historical events were Jews blamed for?

The loss of WWI and the Treaty of Versailles

Which groups were particularly susceptible to blaming Jews during the Depression?

Shopkeepers and small business owners

How did the SA express anti-Semitism?

Through radical chants like ‘Juda verrecke’ (‘Down with the Jews’) and street violence

Anti-Semitism as Ideology and Scapegoat

How much did anti-Semitism feature in Nazi propaganda during 1931–32?

Statistical analysis shows overwhelming focus on economic issues, not anti-Semitism

What key appeal did the Nazis emphasise?

"Work and bread"

How did the Nazis adapt propaganda locally?

Opportunistically, tailoring messages according to local circumstances

Did Hitler speak about Jews to businessmen in Düsseldorf in 1932?

No, he made no mention, prioritising financial backing from the elite

How many new Nazi voters were motivated primarily by anti-Semitism?

Only a small minority

Did people vote Nazi because of or in spite of anti-Semitism?

Many voted in spite of anti-Semitism, not because of it

What were the main motives for joining the SA?

Anti-communism, comradeship, or economic necessity (“a meal ticket”), not primarily anti-Semitism

The Role of Propaganda in Nazi Electoral Success

Who directed Nazi propaganda?

Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels

How important was propaganda to Nazi electoral success?

Indispensable in generating mass support and ensuring electoral success

The Mechanism and Goals of Propaganda

Who was Joseph Goebbels?

Reich Propaganda Chief from 1928, considered a "master of the medium"

How did Goebbels describe propaganda?

As their "sharpest weapon in conquering the state"

What did Hitler insist about effective propaganda?

It must be reduced to a minimum of essential concepts, expressed through a few stereotyped formulae, relying on repetition and stark "black and white" contrasts

What were the goals of Nazi propaganda?

Keep the population content, win support for policies, and indoctrinate people into the Volksgemeinschaft

How did propaganda target different groups?

Messages were adapted to specific groups; for example, promising farmers higher prices and protection against imports

Methods and Impact on Voters

What was the main thrust of Nazi propaganda?

Blaming Weimar democracy for economic depression, national humiliation, and internal divisions

What vision did the Nazis offer voters?

A vague but powerful vision of a prosperous and united Germany

Which media did the Nazis use for propaganda?

Newspapers, posters, leaflets, film shows, and rallies

How did Hitler use technology in campaigns?

Travel by aeroplane and car, exemplified in the 1932 "Führer over Germany" campaign

Why were mass rallies effective?

SA parades with banners, songs, and discipline created a powerful image of Nazi strength and fostered belonging

What beliefs did propaganda reinforce?

Nationalism and anti-socialism

How did propaganda influence middle-class voters?

Convinced millions that Nazis alone could contain the threat of a communist revolution

By 1932, what was the Nazi Party’s status?

Established as the main party of the right