Hitler's Rise to Power, 1919-1933 Flashcards
When did Hitler enter politics?
Hitler entered politics around the time that the Weimar Republic was formed. By the time the Nazi Party was formed in 1920, he was growing in popularity and influence as well as becoming an opponent of the Weimar Government.
Who originally ran the German Worker’s Party?
Anton Drexler
When did Hitler join?
Hitler joined the party in 1919 (he was the 7th member) when he was still in the German Army. He became known for his powerful and passionate speeches and people gathered to hear him talk.
How did the Party rely on Hitler?
The party relied on Hitler to recruit new members with his talks and in 1920 he was made Chief of Propaganda. In 1919 the Party had about 60 members but by the end of 1920 it had around 2000.
What changes did Hitler cause in the German Worker’s Party?
In 1920 the party was re-branded as the National Socialist German Worker’s Party (the Nazi Party). In July 1921 Hitler became leader.
What were the Nazi Party’s original values after Hitler became leader?
The party was a nationalist party and thought that the interests of Germans should be at the centre of the government’s policy. It was anti-Semitic and opposed the Weimar Republic. Above everything it wanted to restore Germany’s greatness.
What was the Twenty-Five Point Programme?
Stressed the superiority of the German people and promoted anti-semitism.
Raise pensions, improve health and educations but only for Germans
Rejecting the Treaty of Versailles (this gave it nationwide appeal)
What was the SA?
Hitler founded the SA in 1921 as his own party militia. The SA were political thugs that carried out anti-Semitic attacks and intimidates rival political groups. Many were scared of them but some Germans admired them.
How did the Nazis use anti-semitism to promote their ideologies?
The Nazis used the Jewish people as scapegoats for Germany’s economic problems and encouraged German’s to blame them.
Why were the Nazis so supported by many ex-military?
The ex-military were encouraged to join the SA which gave ex-soldiers a job and a purpose. The Nazis also stated in their Twenty-Five Point Policy that the Treaty of Versailles should be abolished which would give many ex-soldiers their jobs back.
Why did Hitler think 1923 was the right time to attempt a putsch (revolt)?
Hyperinflation was at its peak and there were food riots.
Many Germans were angry at the French and Belgian invasion of the Ruhr. When the government stopped reactance by ending the strike there in 1923 discontent increased.
All this made the Weimar Republic seem weak.
What happened in the Munich Putsch (Beer Hall Putsch)?
In November 1923 the Nazis marched on Munich, Hitler soldiers occupied a beer hall where local government leader were meeting. He announced that the revolutions had begun. Hitler felt he would be supported as the local Bavarian government was also Right Wing. When they did not support him he threatened Gustav Kahr and other members.
The next day Hitler marched into Munich supported by his SA but someone had informed the police who were now waiting for him. Both sides fired at one another but the revolt ended quickly with 16 Nazis dead and 3 police dead.
How did the Munich Putsch still help Hitler despite its failure?
Hitler was sentenced to 5 years in prison but only served 9 months.
He became the most famous person in Germany.
His trial gave him loads of free publicity.
Though the Nazi Party was banned it was now very popular.
While in prison Hitler wrote Mein Kamf (My Struggle) describing his beliefs and ambitions.
Mein Kamf was vital in spreading Nazi ideology and millions of Germans read it. It introduced Hitler’s belief that Aryan race (which included Germans) was superior.
How did Hitler change tactics after the Munich Putsch?
By the mid 1920s Germany’s economy was beginning to recover under Stresemann and as a result popularity for the Nazi Party declined.
Hitler was released from prison in December 1924 and the ban on both the Nazi Party and the SA was lifted in February 1925.
After than ban Hitler re-established the Nazi Party with himself as supreme leader and now focused on gaining control through the democratic system. This meant reconstructing the Nazi Party to be more successful in national elections.
What does the dip in Nazi support during the golden years show?
That economic unrest was important to Hitlers success and that Nazi ideology thrived when Germany was struggling.
