iGCSE History Depth Study B: Why was Hitler Able to Dominate Germany by 1934?

When did Hitler join the DAP?

12 September 1919.

What was the DAP?

German Workers’ Party, a right-wing party founded by Anton Drexler in 1919.

What was the Twenty-Five Point Programme?

The Nazi Party’s political platform written in 1920, combining nationalist and socialist aims.

Name two key points from the Twenty-Five Point Programme.

Anschluss (point 1), banning Jewish citizenship (point 4).

What was the SA?

Sturmabteilung or ‘Brownshirts’ — Nazi paramilitary group formed in 1921 to protect meetings and intimidate rivals.

Why did Hitler create the SS?

To counter the SA’s lack of control and establish a loyal, elite bodyguard unit.

What were key beliefs in Mein Kampf?

Aryan superiority, anti-Semitism, Lebensraum, Führerprinzip, traditional values.

What was the Führerprinzip?

Belief that Germany needed a single, strong leader — dictatorship over democracy.

What was the Munich Putsch?

A failed Nazi coup in 1923 to seize power in Munich.

Why did the Munich Putsch fail?

Lack of support from army/police, poor planning, premature action.

What were the consequences of the Munich Putsch?

Hitler was imprisoned; Nazi Party banned temporarily; wrote Mein Kampf.

Why are 1924–28 called the ‘Lean Years’?

Nazis lost support due to Weimar recovery; only won 12 seats in 1928.

How did Hitler restructure the party after 1924?

Divided Germany into 35 gaue, appointed gauleiters, created SS, attracted business funding.

What was the Bamberg Conference (1926)?

Hitler asserted nationalist control over the party, reduced socialist influence, and won over Goebbels.

How did the Depression help the Nazis?

Created mass unemployment; discredited Weimar democracy; increased extremist support.

How many Germans were unemployed by 1933?

6.1 million.

What role did Goebbels play in Nazi success?

Managed propaganda: rallies, posters, radio broadcasts, speeches.

When did Hitler become Chancellor?

30 January 1933.

Why was Hitler appointed Chancellor?

Backroom deals, underestimation by elites, Nazi electoral success, fear of Communism.

What percentage of votes did Nazis win in July 1932?

38% — largest party in the Reichstag.

What was the Reichstag Fire?

27 February 1933; used to arrest Communists and suppress opposition.

What was the Enabling Act?

Law passed in March 1933 allowing Hitler to make laws without Reichstag approval.

What was the Night of the Long Knives?

Purge of SA leaders and other rivals in June 1934.

When did Hitler become Führer?

2 August 1934, after Hindenburg's death.

How many SA members were killed during the Night of the Long Knives?

Around 400.