Hitlers Rise to Power 1919-33

Question 1

Hitlers early political career

Answer 1

1. German workers party (DAP) set up by Anton Drexler in February 1920. Hitler joined in September.
2. DAP set up permanent headquarters with Hitler second in command
3. Hitler changes DAP name to NSDAP
4. Hitler takes over Anton Drexler and becomes leader of the Nazi party.

Question 2

25 Point Programme

Answer 2

A programme set up by Hitler and Drexler in 1920 opposing the politicians who signed the Treaty of Versailles stating:
> Elderlys pensions increased
> Everybody should have a job and education
> Remove the Treaty of Versailles
> Build up armed forces

Question 3

The Sturmabteilung (SA)

Answer 3

A paramilitary force made up of unemployed ex soldiers formed in August 1921 by Hitler under the command of Ernst Röhm. They controlled crowds opposing Hitler and were named the ‘Brownshirts’ for their brown uniforms.

Question 4

Causes of the Munich Putsch (long/short term)

Answer 4

Long term causes:
‘stab in the back theory’

Short term causes:
hyperinflation
French occupying the ruhr in 1923 and taking over german businesses

Question 5

Events of the Munich Putsch

Answer 5

In Munich, Bavaria the Catholics were very traditional - disliked Weimar
Hitler plotted to take over Munich in a revolution, however Kahr and Lassow called off the rebellion. November 1923, Hitler and 600 SA members burst into a beer hall where Kahr and Lassow were meeting and took over the army headquarters as well as local newspapers. However, Hitler and the SA failed due to Kahr’s reinforcements.

Question 6

Consequences of the Munich Putsch

Answer 6

Hitler was arrested for 5 years and NSDAP banned - defeat and humiliation.
However, it created national publicity and Hitler realised to create a party with national support he needed to use democracy. When NSDAP ban lifted, 32 Reichstag seats won.

Question 7

Bamberg conference 1926

Answer 7

Nazi conference to resolve disagreements between the North and the South. The North had focuses on the 25 Point Programme whereas the South focused around nationalist, racist policies.
Hitler ensured communist policies were NOT pursued.

Question 8

Wall Street Crash 1929

Answer 8

The USA stopped sending loans to Germany and demanded all loans were repaid. This led to the closing down of many businesses and a significant rise in unemployment - dissatisfaction with the Weimar government and an increase in membership of extreme left and right wing parties. Hitler benefited from this.

Question 9

Reasons for growth of the Nazi party

Answer 9

Fear of communism - upper / middle class people losing their wealth, status and land. NSDAP funded by rich industrialists who saw Hitler as the best defence against communism.

Appeal of Hitler and the SA - Hitler seen as a strong leader who promised to restore law and order and was passionate about his speeches increasing national support. SA made the party seem stronger and more disciplined.