History Germany KQ2 Hitler's Rise to Power

The early development of the Nazi Party 1919-1922

Early role of Hitler

-After WWI, Hitler joined the DAP and became head of propaganda in 1920.

-He used his public speaking skills to increase party membership from 1,000 to 3,000.

-Hitler focused on the Dolchstoss myth, the Treaty of Versailles, and a communist-Jewish conspiracy, delivering passionate speeches with strong gestures and using publicity photos to build his image.

The SA

-Sturmabteilung (SA), or Brownshirts, were a paramilitary force.

-Comprised mainly of unemployed and ex-soldiers.

-Wore brown uniforms and were known for their power and -organisation.

-Used to control crowds at NSDAP meetings and suppress opposition.

-Disrupted meetings of rival parties like the Social Democrats.

-Led by Ernst Röhm but expected to be loyal to Hitler

The 25 Point Programme

-In 1920, Hitler and Drexler wrote the 25 Point Programme for the DAP.

Key aims included:

-Unite all German-speaking people in one country.

-Abolish the Treaty of Versailles.

-Expand Germany's borders for lebensraum (more living space).

-Deny Jews the right to be German citizens.

-Oppose democracy and destroy the government.

-Destroy communism.

-Create a strong central government.

-Establish government control of key industries like coal and steel production.

Hitler's changes to the Party

-The Nazi Party set up a permanent office in Munich, with Rudolf Schüssler (an army friend of Hitler) as administrator.

Party meetings became more organised and better advertised, boosting membership and funds.

-Hitler renamed the party to the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) to appeal to a wider range of people - nationalists, socialists, and workers.

-The swastika and straight-arm salute were adopted, making the Party more recognisable.

-These actions helped membership rise from 1,100 (June 1920) to 55,000 (November 1923).

Party leadership

-In July 1921, Hitler challenged and defeated Anton Drexler in a leadership contest, becoming leader of the NSDAP.

-He appointed loyal supporters to key roles:

Rudolf Hess - Hitler's deputy

Herman Göring - ex-WW1 fighter pilot

Julius Streicher - nationalist who founded the Nazi newspaper Der Stürmer, increasing Nazi support

Ernst Röhm - ex-army officer who led the SA

Gained support from General Ludendorff, ex-leader of the German army in WW1.

-By 1922, Hitler convinced party members to abolish elections for leadership - he now had total control over party policy and decisions.

The Munich Putsch, 1923 (Why did Hitler attempt the Putsch?)

-Hitler hated the Weimar government, which was blamed for hyperinflation and the Treaty of Versailles. He believed the German people would turn to him instead.

-Germany's humiliation over the French occupation of the Ruhr angered many. The Weimar government's decision to end passive resistance caused further resentment.

-Hitler believed he could persuade Bavarian leaders (Gustav von Kahr, von Lossow, and von Seisser) to join a march on Berlin, as they disliked the Weimar Republic. He also had General Ludendorff's support, a highly respected WW1 figure.

-By 1923, the Nazi Party had grown to 55,000 members, and Hitler had the SA as a private army.

-Hitler was inspired by Mussolini's successful March on Rome in Italy, where the fascist leader took power by force.

The Munich Putsch, 1923 (What happened?)

-8th November 1923: Hitler and 600 Nazis stormed the Bürgerbräukeller beer hall in Munich during a political meeting of von Kahr, Seisser, and Lossow.

-Hitler fired into the ceiling and declared he was taking over the Bavarian government, aiming to then march on Berlin.

-The Bavarian leaders were held at gunpoint and gave promises of support.

-However, once released, Seisser and Lossow withdrew support and organised the police and army to stop Hitler.

-9th November: Hitler and around 2,000 Nazis marched through Munich, but were met by armed police.

-Shots were fired: 16 Nazis and 4 police officers were killed.

-The Nazis scattered, Hitler fled but was arrested two days later, and the Nazi Party was banned.

The Munich Putsch, 1923 (Why was it important?)

-Hitler used his 1924 trial for treason to spread Nazi ideas and gain national publicity.

-He blamed the Weimar government, November Criminals, and Jews.

-The judges were lenient, and he was sentenced to 5 years but served only 9 months.

-In prison, he wrote Mein Kampf, outlining his beliefs.

-His time in prison was comfortable, with access to visitors, mail, and books.

The Munich Putsch, 1923 (What was the impact on the Nazi Party?)

-Short term: Hitler was imprisoned and the Nazi Party was banned.

-Long term: The trial gave Hitler national publicity and increased support.

-He realised he needed full control of the Party and that legal methods, not violence, were the path to power.

-From 1924 onwards, the Nazis began to focus on winning elections.

Hitler's ideas in Mein Kampf

Nationalism

-Breaking the restrictions on Germany in the Treaty of Versailles -Reviving the power of Germany

-AUTARKY: Making Germany self-sufficient, not dependent on imports from abroad.

-Expanding Germany's borders • Purifying the German 'race'

Struggle

-Hitler believed life was a struggle that made people and nations stronger.

-Germany should fight other countries for Lebensraum (living space) to unite all Germans.

-Inside Germany, they should fight non-Germans to strengthen the pure German race.

Socialism

Like the Communists, Hitler wanted to control big businesses. For Hitler, Socialism meant running the economy in the national interest. Both agriculture and industry would flourish Businesses should not make unfair profits

Totalitarianism

The belief that the Nazi Party should control every aspect of life. Hitler despised democracy. He said it was weak. The Fuhrerprinzip (leadership principle) - total loyalty to the leader.