Germany KT2 Flashcards
when and where did Hitler begin his political career
he began in the German workers’ party - a nationalist party led by Anton Drexler. He joined in January 1919 when he was still in the Germany army. He became known for his talent as a passionate and skilled speaker. Crowds gathered to hear him talk and he became the voice of the party.
In relation to the German workers’ party what happened to Hitler in 1920 and 1921
the party began to rely on him to get new members and in 1920 he was made chief of propaganda
in 1919 they had around 60 members
in 1920 they had around 2000 members
The party set up a permanent headquarters and Hitler became second in command
in 1920 the party was re-branded as the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (the Nazi party)
In July 1921 Hitler became it’s leader
Hess, Goering, Streicher and Rohm were some of his supporters
what political stance was the National Socialist German Workers’ Party
Nationalist - thought that the interests of Germans should be at the centre of government policy
It was also anti-Semitic (anti jewish) and was opposed to the Weimar republic.
Above everything it wanted “to restore Germany’s greatness”
what was the 25 point programme
In February 1920 the Nazi Party promoted its policies in the programme. Things the party promised to accomplish
the programme stressed the superiority of the German people and promoted anti-Semitism. they wanted to raise pensions and improve health and education but only for Germans
the programme appealed to many as it rejected the treaty of Versailles and stated it should be abolished. It also stated that only people with German blood should be classed as citizens - anti-Semitism. the programme gave the Nazi’s a nationwide appeal
what is anti-semitism
anti-jewish (against the jews)
who did the 25 point programme appeal to and give an example of a policy
an ex WW1 solider :
land and territory from the treaty of Versailles to be returned
a working class German: a new and better education system look after the health of children, introducing more sport and healthier lifestyles
would appeal to a nationalist:
non- Germans are only guests in Germany and not real citizens
all journalists have to be German
anti-Semite:
jews are not members of the German race
help for small business and large department stores often owned by Jews to be closed down
what did Hitler do in 1921
Hitler founded his own party militia called the SA (storm troopers or brown shirts). They were political thugs and they carried out violent anti-sematic attacks and intimidated rival political groups.
Many people were scared of them but some people admired them
The SA gave the party a military feel which made it seem more organised and disciplined. It also gave many ex-soldiers a job and a purpose
what happened to his mum when he was a boy that affected his views in life
she died of breast cancer and couldn’t be helped and he was told this by a jewish doctor
what did Hitler believe about the Jews
they were causing moral decadence
what were four reasons why Hitler’s support grew
- charisma
- Nazi emblem turned the party into a household brand
- the SA as he could swiftly remove opposition
- close supporters, he surrounded himself with people he knew were loyal and could do his dirty work for him and he would reward them with power positions
what was the aim of the Munich Putsch
overthrow the government of the German state of Bavaria in November 1923
who were General Ludendorff and Gustav Von Kahr
General Ludendorff - a famous WW1 army general who was well respected by the army and German people
Gustav Von Kahr - Bavarian prime minister, Bavaria is a region in the South of Germany where Munich is with some of its own powers
what happened in 1923 that made it an ideal time to carry out a putsch
- hyperinflation was at it’s peak and people were mad at the government and wanted an alternative
- German workers’ party was increasing
- occupation of the Ruhr in January left many Germans angry and were mad at the government for surrendering
- Weimar republic seemed weak
- angry at the TOV
- Hitler was inspired by Mussolini’s successful March of Rome in 1922
- Germany lost the war in 1918 and signing of armistice
what were the events of the Munich Putsch of 8th and 9th November 1923
- during crisis of 1923 Hitler plotted with Kahr
- 4th October Kahr called of rebellion
- 8th November Hitler and 600 SA burst into a meeting Kahr was holding in a Beer Hall and held a gun to his head
- General Ludendorff let Kahr go home
- SA took over army headquarters and local government newspaper offices
- 9th November Hitler and Nazi’s marched into Munich but were met by army and police that Kahr had called
- Hitler put on trial in March 1924 for 24 days
- sentenced to 5 years in prison but parole after 9 months
what was the significance of ‘Mien Kampf’
vital in spreading Nazi ideology - millions of Germans read it
it introduced Hitler’s belief that the Aryan race (which included Germans) was superior to all other races and that all Germans had a right to ‘Lebensraum’ (more space to live)
