Germany - Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party Flashcards
Describe Hitler as a child
1 Born on 20 April 1889
2 He had ability but performed poorly at school
3 He had a poor relationship with his father but was close to his mother
4 Aged 15 he left school altogether
5 The death of his mother affected him deeply
What sort of family did Adolf Hitler come from?
A middle-class family that was comfortable by the standards of the day.
Describe Hitler as a young man
1 In 1908 he moved to Vienna (aged 19)
2 By 1910 he had gained an interest in politics
3 It was in Vienna he came into contact with Anti-Semitism
4 By 1913 he had moved to Munich and was living there when WWI broke out
What was Hitler’s role in WWI?
For most of the war he was a dispatch runner
Express Hitler as a soldier
1 He was loyal and conscientious
2 Unlike the other soldiers he never complained about hardship/conditions and never sought leave.
What 2 awards did Hitler receive in WWI?
Iron Cross Second Class and Iron Cross First Class
How did Hitler’s war end?
In 1918 he was caught in a gas attack and partly blinded
Where did Hitler hear of the German surrender?
In hospital recovering, after his gas attack injury
What was the impact of the German surrender on Hitler?
It had a profound impact on him. He passionately believed in the idea that Germany had been betrayed.
How did Hitler join the German Workers’ Party?
He attended one of their meetings and was stirred by his sense of nationalism regarding Bavaria separating from Germany. He spoke and vigorously opposed the proposal. Such an impact was made he was invited to join.
What was Hitler put in charge of when he joined the German Workers’ Party?
Publicity and propaganda
What did the German Workers’ Party change their name to?
The National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP, or NAZI)
Describe the Nazi symbols and emblems
1 The swastika
2 Distinctive party salute
3 Party colours of black, red and white.
What was the 25 Point Program?
A wide-ranging statement of what the Nazis stood for
Describe what was included in the 25 Point Program
Points on: 1 Nationalism 2 Socialism 3 Anti-semitism 4 Foreign policy
Explain what the SA was
The military group that supported the Nazis
Who did the SA attract?
Men of all types, many of them no better than thugs and street bullies
What was the aim of the SA?
Promote the party in rallies and parades, and above all protect the party leaders from their political opponents.
Explain what the Munich Beerhall Putsch in 1923 was
Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted to seize the government of Bavaria by force (it failed)
What was the result of the Munich Beerhall Putsch?
16 Nazis and 4 police were killed, and Hitler as well as leaders of the putsch (eg. Ludendorff), were arrested
Due to the Munich Beerhall Putsch in 1923, what happened to Hitler’s status?
He went from unknown Bavarian politician to national figure
What was the punishment for Hitler as a result of the Munich Beerhall Putsch in 1923?
Hitler received 5 years imprisonment, with parole after 6 months. The court’s leniency showed the judicial system’s attitude towards the Weimar Republic.
After the failed Munich Beerhall Putsch in 1923, what did Hitler learn?
Power could not be achieved by force. From that day on, Hitler was committed to coming to power legally, according to the constitution.
What was ‘Mein Kampf’?
It was a book written by Hitler in prison. The bulk of the book outlines some of Hitler’s political ideas and his views on race and Germany’s future role in world affairs.
How was Hitler treated in prison?
1 He was given his own room
2 Allowed unlimited visitors
3 Given special food
4 He had the company of other Nazis who were also in prison.
In ‘Mein Kampf” what were Hitlers beliefs that made up his “worldview”?
1 Extreme nationalism
2 Anti-Semitism
3 Anti-Communism
4 A contempt for liberal democracy and the parliamentary system
Explain ‘Social Darwinism’
A concept that suggested that what applied to nature could apply to human society - that the strong prevail over the weak, and that superior races prevail over inferior races.
How long was Hitler in prison for?
8 months
What happened to the Nazi Party while Hitler was in prison?
A possible rival had emerged in Gregor Strasser, who had increased the party’s influence in the industrial regions of northern Germany.
What was the SS?
A highly disciplined elite group, whose initial role was to be Hitler’s personal bodyguard
Name some important figures in the Nazi movement
1 Hermann Goring 2 Joseph Goebbels 3 Rudolf Hess 4 Heinrich Himmler 5 Ernst Rohm 6 Martin Bormann
