Changing fortunes of the Nazi Party 1924-33 Flashcards
Why was Hitler’s trial a big propaganda success? When was it?
In February 1924, he formed his trial into an opportunity to gain more publicity as he knew many people would be watching
What can you conclude about his prison term?
Served 9 months instead of 5 yrs in Landsberg prison, the “spell of prison” gave him the time to come to very important conclusions, including the fact that the strategy adopted between 1919-23 was no longer feasible
What happened to the sales of Mein Kampf?
Sales rose rapidly after it not selling huge quantities (sold 1.5. million copies in 1533 making him rich)
What was the NDSAP like at the time of Hitler’s release?
Were in disarray when he was released on the 20th December 1924 and level of Nazi support fell sharply as party only won 3% of the vote and had just 4 seats
Why was Hitler content with the state the NDSAP when he had left prison?
His own claims to leadership had been strengthened
What was his plan from the start of his time in prison regarding leadership of the NDSAP?
Turn the reins of the party over to Rosenberg, whom Hitler believed proved feckless as a leader and thus no ultimate threat to his own authority
When was the Bamberg Conference and why did Hitler choose Bamberg?
It was in February 1926, and Hitler had called a party conference in Bamberg, which he chose on purpose as it was the centre of a strongly Nationalistic region in Germany
What happened at the Bamberg Conference?
Hitler wanted to re-establish his dominance over the party, and restore unity and agree on a future programme
What happened as a result of the Bamberg conference?
What should have been a debate turned into a 5 hour monologue in which he challenged the left of the party
When did Gregor Strasser become propaganda leader?
September 1926
What was Strasser’s plan?
While Hitler was in prison, Strasser decided that the party had to go in a new ideological direction.
Whereas Hitler had preached the Nazi value of ‘Blood and Soil’, Strasser believed in the opposite – that the urban man and industrialisation were the way ahead
How did they become the largest party in Germany?
1. Hitler’s leadership skills and pledge
Provided a charismatic leadership, and was a powerful orator who pledged to restore German cultural values, reverse provisions of the Treaty of Versailles and return Germany to it’s rightful position as a world power
How did they become the largest party in Germany?
2. What was he able to capitalize on?
German people’s thoughts and beliefs
How did they become the largest party in Germany?
3. What was an attractive commodity of Hitler?
He gave people faith, especially during a time where the majority of Germans perceived the coalition government as weak and unable to alleviate the economic crises
How well organised were the Nazis?
They were organised by a series of areas - each led by a Gauleiter.
The Nazis had associations for teachers, students, women and factory workers - wanted everyone to be won over by Nazi ideas
Who were the types of people voting for the Nazis?
People from the most rooted and traditional section of the population like peasant farmers
Suprisingly more and more women began to vote for the Nazis
Nazi propaganda:
What is so significant about the Nazi propaganda?
It was tailored to fit different people.
Nazi propaganda:
How did they appeal to farmers, the unemployed and medium sized companies?
Hitler had a working class demographic to gain support.
For farmers, Hitler offered special benefits to offset the collapse of agricultural prices
For the unemployed he promised jobs
For medium-sized companies, he promised that their company would be safe in the future if they let him limit their control and give it to him
Nazi propaganda:
How did the Nazis benefit from technology?
Modern technology was exploited, like loudspeakers, radio, film and records. Expensive cars and airplanes were hired to project a statesman-like image of Hitler
Nazi propaganda:
How did they use violence?
The growth of the SA unleashed an unprecedented wave of violence, and many people joined out of desperation for food and accommodation
When the Wall Street Crash had happened in October 1929, what happened and how did this benefit Hitler?
Unemployment reached over 6 million in 1932, allowed Hitler to appeal to the unemployed and hopeless
Why is Hitler more of a functionalist than an intentionalist?
He used the state of Germany to his advantage by abusing their will for a Volksmeinschaft
From when was Goebbels promoted to do what?
From April 1930, Goebbels was promoted and put in complete charge of the party’s propaganda machine. The electorate was deluged with posters and leaflets
