2. Introduction to Nazism and his reasons for joining the Nazi Party Flashcards
who were supporter of Nazism despite Speer’s mentor Tessenow not?
many of his fellow students were
Student’s view?
Hitler as man who offered hope for Germany, sacrifice own interest for good of nation and who sought to restore the virtues of pre-industrial age
Who did Nazi’s appeal to?
the middle classes’ fear of communism, community desperation in the face of economic turmoil and the German hatred of the Treaty of Versailles
What did Speer claim to be as young man?
uninterested in politics
apolitical
when was he invited to go nazi party rally?
Dec.1930
what happened at rally?
became inspired by Hitler’s speech and warmed/impressed to his oratory skills.
QUOTE for Hitler’s speech on Speer?
‘Here it seemed to me was hope’ “carried away on a wave of enthusiasm… which swept away any scepticism, any reservation.” (p. 46, Inside the Third Reich)
What did he later claim was the reason he joined party?
claimed that he joined the Nazi Party as a ‘follower of Hitler’. Not so much due to the Nazi ideals and ideology
when did he join Nazi party?
1 March 1931
What is there no evidence of?
anti-Semitic belief as reason of joining
What does Van der Vat argue?
no element of personal self-interest involved as became member 2 years before Hitler gained power. Case of “conviction rather than expediency”
