Germany In Transition (1919-1939) - Nazi Rise To Power And End Of The Weimar Republic Flashcards
What did the President of Germany say about Hitler in 1932?
Put him in charge of the Post Office. That is the best job he will ever be able to get.
What was Hitler’s early life like?
Born on 20th April 1889 in Austrian town of Braunau
4th child
Father entered him into technical college where he didn’t do well
Quit school at 16
Father dies in 1903, mother in 1907
Refused entry to Vienna College of Art
Moved to Vienna
What happened to Hitler during WWI?
Hitler avoided enlisting in the Austrian army before WWI. When military police came to him he was found to be unfit, too weak and unable to bear arms
Enlisted in Bavarian army as a runner - Iron Cross for bravery
Temporary blinded in a mustard attack in Oct 1918
Remained convinced Germany was winning war
Devastated, angry and humiliated at Germany’s surrender
What happened after WWI?
He felt stabbed in the back and blamed Jews
Racist and anti-semitic views grew
Who founded the DAP?
Anton Drexler in Munich, Bavaria
What was the 25 point programme, launched in 1925?
A political manifesto, shortly after which the DAP became the NSDAP
When did Hitler become leader of the DAP?
July 1921
What were some of the points of the 25 point programme?
The union of all Germans and scrapping of TofV
No Jew to be declared a German citizen
Only German citizens allowed to vote
Foreign nationals to be deported
All non-Germans who had entered the country after 1914 to leave
Government to profit share in major businesses
All newspaper editors and contributors to be German
Religious freedom given it did not threaten Germany
What was the Nazi newspaper known as?
The Peoples Observer
Why did Hitler launch the Munich Putsch?
Gustav von Kahr supported the return of the Kaiser
The Weimar was weak
Nazis were growing in popularity
How would you describe Hitler?
Deflects the blame
Mind like a sponge
Glorifies war
Jingoistic
Lonely
Socially awkward
Quick to anger
What was Hitler’s number when he joined DAP and what was his role?
Education officer
555 (actually 55)
Allegedly jumps onto a table and makes a speech, Drexler tells him to join DAP
Who were the SA?
Storm Troopers or Brown Shirts
Used violence
Protection squad
Storm section
Intimidate and attack
Demonstrate
Propaganda
March
What was the Beer Hall Putsch 1923?
First attempt to take power
Poorly led and planned
Over ambitious
Adopted swastika and raised arm salute
By Nov 1923, around 55,000 members
Munich is a proud and patriotic Bavarian city
Took place at Burger-Brau Keller
Popular place to discuss politics
What was the plan?
On 8th November 1923 Bavarian PM von Kahr was meeting with his two most senior officials
3000 businessmen
March to Keller
Convince von Kahr to support Putsch
Get army to support or subdue them
Take over Munich
March on Berlin
What actually happened?
Marched to Keller
Convinces von Kahr to support Putcsh
Von Kahr, von Seisser and von Lossow are allowed to leave
No army support because von Kahr alerts them
Nazis and army fight
16 Nazis + 4 policemen die
Hitler injured
Nazis scatter
Breakaway group unsuccessfully attempt to rob a bank
Hitler hides
Hitler is arrested
What happened after the Putsch?
People know who Hitler is and what party he is leader of
Burned papers that contained truths that the Nazis wished to hide
Trial was event
Hitler gave brave speeches
Judge was sympathetic -> serves 9 months
What was Hitler’s time in jail like?
Access to food, books, newspapers
Own possessions
Could go out on weekends
Rudolf Hess was allowed to accompany him in prison
Served only 9 months out of 5 years
Dictates Mein Kampf
Allowed visitors
No security
Landsberg prison
Refused to exercise
Allowed mail
What were the main ideas of Mein Kampf?
Volksgemeinschaft
Lebensraum
All ills were caused by Jews
Abolish TofV
Gave him publicity
Nazi Party banned in Feb 1924
What was the Bamberg Conference?
Nazis continued in secret while Hitler was in prison
Government in Bavaria is right wing
Hitler was bale to persuade them to legalise Nazis
1924 political stability
Hitler changes Nazi structure
Creates SS
Replaces Rohm with von Solomon
Hitler Youth
Removes rivals or wins them over
Who was the new Nazi leader?
Alfred Rosenburg
When was the Golden Age?
1924-29
When was the peak of the Nazi Party?
1932
When was the Depression?
1929-1932
How often were elections?
Twice a year (extreme instability)
Who originally leads SS?
Julius Shreck
Who was the original secretary of the Nazi Party in 1924?
Philip Bouhler
Who was the treasurer in 1924?
Franz Shwarz
How did different classes support Nazis?
Farmers because of economy
Middle class anti-Semitism
Wealthy businessmen hatred of communism
Donations from Bosch and Krupp
Who was the party propaganda leader in 1924?
Strasser
What happened as a result of the Depression?
Unemployment hit 6 million
Poverty increased
Businesses shut down
40% factory workers unemployed
5 major banks crashed in 1931
Homelessness and cost of living increase
Economically worst hit nation in the world
Why was the Weimar weakened?
Unpopular economic policies
Presidential rule
Rise of extremism
When was the Nazi Party the largest party in the Reichstag?
July 1932, never a majority
What was the appeal of the Nazis?
Organised
Skillful
Propaganda
Support of industrialists
Technology
Promises
Weak opposition
Flexible
Hitler as a strong leader
What factors played a role in Nazi success?
2 rounds of voting needed
Hindenburg did not camapign
Financial support from industry
120 Nazi owned daily/ weekly newspapers
Mass media
SA
Charismatic Hitler
What were the 3 sections Nazis targeted?
Mood
Money
Manipulation
What did Weimar do to deal with Depression?
High taxes
Cut benefits
How did the number of Nazi seats change?
July 1932 -230 seats
Nov 1932 -196 seats
30th Jan 1933 -Hitler Chancellor
Who was Franz von Papen?
Favourite of Hindenburg, did not trust Hitler. Leader of Centre Party.
Who was General von Schleicher?
Former army leader who was Hindenburg’s main advisor. Supports von Papen, distrusts Hitler
What were the main events between July 1932 and January 1933?
July largest party Nazis with 230 seats, Hindenburg refused to let Hitler become Chancellor
August von Papen made Chancellor but has no support
November new election called
December and 4th Jan von Schleicher made Chancellor who has difficulty keeping power. Von Papen says he will support Hitler becoming Chancellor if he can be vice Chancellor
5th and 6th Jan the army lose faith in von Schleicher
22nd Jan Hindenburg refuses von Papens request to make Hitler Chancellor
28th Jan von Schleicher resigns
30th Jan Hitler becomes Chancellor
What are the long term and short term causes of Hitler becoming Chancellor?
SA
25pp
Weaknesses of Weimar
Propaganda
Leadership
Economic depression
Political intrigue
