Hitler & the Nazis

When and where was Adolf Hitler born?

Adolf Hitler was born in a small town in Austria in 1889.

What happened to Hitler's parents when he was 18?

Both of Hitler's parents were dead, and he was homeless at the age of 18.

How did Vienna influence Hitler's political views?

Vienna's political and social climate, along with various writings, shaped Hitler's extreme nationalist and antisemitic views.

What military service did Hitler participate in during World War I?

Hitler joined the Bavarian Army and participated in battles including Ypres, Arras, Somme, and Passchendaele, where he was recommended for and awarded the Iron Cross.

What significant event happened to Hitler during World War I?

He was temporarily blinded in a mustard gas attack and learned about Germany's defeat while in the hospital.

What was the DAP, and how did Hitler become involved with it?

The DAP (Germany Workers’ Party) was established in Munich in January 1919, and Hitler became its 55th member and the 7th member of the leadership committee after agreeing with many of its ideas.

What significant changes occurred under Hitler's leadership of the DAP?

In February 1920, Hitler suggested changing the DAP's name to the National Socialist German Workers Party (Nazi Party), which was adopted, along with the swastika as their emblem.

What was the SA and its purpose?

The SA, or Stormtroopers, was created by Hitler in 1921 as a private army for the Nazi Party, comprised of ex-soldiers, providing security at meetings and combating opposition groups.

What was the Munich Putsch?

The Munich Putsch was a failed coup attempt by Hitler and the Nazis to seize control of Munich and eventually march on Berlin in November 1923.

What was the outcome of the Munich Putsch for Hitler?

Hitler was tried for treason, sentenced to five years in prison but was released after nine months, during which he wrote 'Mein Kampf'.

What were some key outcomes from the Bamberg Conference of 1926?

The Bamberg Conference reaffirmed the Nazi Party's 25-Point Plan, addressed growing tensions within the party, and established the 'Leader Principle' that positioned Hitler as the absolute leader.

What was the impact of the Weimar Republic's improving confidence on the Nazi Party?

As the Weimar Republic's international standing improved and economic stability returned, confidence from the public increased, leading to reduced support for extremist parties like the Nazis.

What strategies did the Nazis adopt after their ban post-Munich Putsch?

After their ban, the Nazis committed to democratic politics, participated in elections, and restructured the party while strengthening Hitler’s authority.

What popular support did Adolf Hitler seek during the 1920s?

Hitler aimed to attract popular support from disillusioned Germans, particularly focusing on nationalistic and anti-Semitic sentiments.

What was the significance of 'Mein Kampf'?

'Mein Kampf' outlined Hitler's fascist ideas and plans for a changed German society, and became a key text in spreading Nazi ideology.

What economic conditions contributed to the rise of the Nazi Party?

High unemployment, hyperinflation, and the Great Depression created social unrest and disillusionment with the Weimar Republic, leading many to support extremist parties like the Nazis.

What role did propaganda play in the Nazi Party's rise?

The Nazis effectively used propaganda to promote their ideals, manipulate public opinion, and create a cult of personality around Hitler, enhancing their appeal.

Who were the primary opponents of the Nazi Party during its rise?

The main opponents included the Communist Party, Social Democrats, and other political groups that resisted Nazi ideology and sought to protect democratic governance.

What was the significance of the 1932 elections in Nazi Germany?

The elections in July and November 1932 marked the Nazis as the largest party in the Reichstag, which increased their political power and visibility, despite not achieving an outright majority.

What factors led to Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in 1933?

Political maneuvering by conservative elites, underestimating Hitler's ambitions, and the belief that he could be controlled led to his appointment as Chancellor on January 30, 1933.

What was the Reichstag Fire, and how did it impact the Nazis?

The Reichstag Fire in February 1933 allowed Hitler to claim a Communist threat, leading to the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties and facilitated the arrest of political opponents.

What legislation did the Nazis pass to consolidate power in 1933?

The Enabling Act of March 1933 allowed Hitler to enact laws without the Reichstag's consent, effectively giving