Early Development of the Nazi Party and the Munich Putsch

By 1920, Adolf Hitler became the right-hand man of Anton Drexler in the German Workers' Party (DAP).
Role as Leader of Propaganda:
- Introduced significant changes to raise the party's public profile.
Permanent Office Established:
- In January 1920, the DAP set up a permanent office in Munich.
- Rudolf Schüssler, a military friend of Hitler, was appointed as the party's first full-time administrator.
Improvements in Party Meetings:
- Meetings became more organized and received better publicity, leading to increased party membership and funding.
Renaming the Party:
- Hitler proposed a new name: National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), commonly known as the Nazi Party.
- This new name highlighted the party's core ideologies:
- Nationalism
- Socialism
- Workers' rights
- By appealing to various demographics, it helped the party gain broader support.
Symbol and Salute:
- The NSDAP adopted the swastika as its emblem and the straight-armed salute as its party gesture, distinguishing it from other nationalist political groupings.
Financial Growth:
- By December 1920, enhanced organization allowed the NSDAP to purchase the newspaper "Volkischer Beobachter" (People's Observer) for 180,000 marks.
- Initial and Subsequent Circulation:
- Initial circulation: 11,000 copies, expanded to 17,000 within one year.
- Enabled the NSDAP to disseminate its message widely across Bavaria and Germany.

Leadership Contest:
- In July 1921, Hitler orchestrated a leadership contest within the NSDAP, resulting in Drexler's defeat and Hitler's ascension to party leader.
Consolidation of Power:
- Hitler surrounded himself with selected supporters with diverse skills and political imagery to solidify his leadership:
- Rudolf Hess: Wealthy academic and Hitler's deputy.
- Hermann Goering: Young First World War fighter pilot, known for charisma and wealth.
- Julius Streicher: Publisher and founder of the newspaper "Der Stürmer" (The Stormer).
- Ernst Röhm: Former army officer, popular among ex-soldiers, led the SA (Sturmabteilung).
Key Allies:
- Hitler cultivated relationships with influential figures like General Ludendorff, who commanded the German Army during the First World War.

Background of Julius Streicher (1885-1946):
- Joined the Nazi Party in 1922, having been an established nationalist politician and ex-army member.
- His entrance to the party caused its size to double overnight and broadened its geographical appeal.
Expansion into New Regions:
- Streicher helped extend the party's reach from its Bavarian base into Franconia, central Germany.
Founding of "Der Stürmer":
- In 1923, Streicher launched this newspaper, known for virulent anti-Semitic headlines that encouraged readers to join the Nazi Party.
- By 1927, it reached a circulation of 14,000 copies.

Occurred in November 1923; it is, at times, referred to as the Beer Hall Putsch.
This event was an armed attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic.

From 1918 to 1923, various grievances brewed among Germans, including:
- The narrative of the 'stab in the back', post-war reparations, and loss of colonies.
A prevailing resentment towards the Weimar Republic fueled support for nationalist parties like the NSDAP.
The NSDAP's influence was growing within Bavaria, particularly as local leaders, such as Gustav von Kahr, were sympathetic to their views.

The NSDAP took inspiration from the right-wing Fascist party in Italy under Mussolini from 1921-1922:
- They emulated the Italians’ salute and the use of flags.
- In 1922, Mussolini's paramilitary forces marched on Rome, compelling the Italian government to concede power to him.

Hyperinflation peaked in 1923; costs escalated dramatically:
- Goods that cost 100 marks in 1922 skyrocketed to 200,000 billion marks by 1923.
- Ordinary purchasing became exceedingly challenging, rendering savings effectively worthless.
French occupation of the Ruhr in 1923 and subsequent German resistance led to arrests and deportations of workers, exacerbating public outrage towards the Weimar government.
The perceived inability of the Weimar Republic to address these crises led to heightened sentiments of unrest, presenting an opportunity for Hitler to attempt a coup in November 1923.

Formation and Purpose:
- Established in August 1921, a month after Hitler's takeover, as a paramilitary wing.
- Recruited mainly from the unemployed, ex-soldiers, and students; identified by their brown uniforms (known as "Brownshirts").
Public Display of Force:
- The SA showcased strength through parades and demonstrations.
- As of August 1922, their numbers grew to about 800, contributing to a sense of power and organization prevalent in the NSDAP.
Regulation of Meetings:
- Used to maintain order at NSDAP meetings, stifling opposition frequently through violent means.
- Actively disrupted opposition meetings, thus reinforcing NSDAP strength.

By the January 1922 party conference, Hitler had cemented complete control:
- Influenced members to renounce their right to elect their leader.
- Policy discussions were absent; every policy decision was dictated by Hitler.
- Hitler's key speech lasted two and a half hours, exemplifying his command over the party.

Membership figures of the NSDAP reflected dramatic growth:
- 1921: 10,000
- 1922: 40,000
- November 1923: 50,000
Graph Analysis:
- Membership growth demonstrates increasing influence and organization during the early development phase.