Rise of the Nazi Party

Question 1

The Beginning of the Nazis

Answer 1

1. In 1919 Hitler joined the German Workers Party as a spy for the German Government.
2. In 1920 the party changes it’s name to NSDAP (Nazis) and adopts the 25 point programme (nationalist and anti-semtic)
3. Hitler became leader in 1921 and adopted the swastika emblem.
4. Hitler then set up the SA (brownshirts) as private “army” under the leadership of Ernst Rohm.
5. The Brownshirts break up left-wing meetings and attack communists and anti-Nazis

Question 2

The Munich Putsch 1923

Answer 2

1. When the French invaded the Ruhr Hitler saw an opportunity and decided to try and seize power.
2. He planned to first take the Bavarian government and then march on Berlin.
3. He was supported by a right-wing politician, Ludendorff, and declared himself President of Germany.
4. Hitler took over a Bavarian government meeting but couldn’t get enough support
5. His attempted coup was stopped by armed police.
6. The attempted coup was easily put down.

Question 3

Aftermath of the Munich Putsch

Answer 3

1. Hitler tries to escape but was later arrested and charged with treason.
2. He used his trial to make long public speeches which were widely and sympathetically reported.
3. He gets a very lenient sentence of 5 years in Landsberg Prison from the sympathetic judge.
4. While in prison he writes “Mein Kampf”

Question 4

Mein Kampf main ideas

Answer 4

1. The Aryan race is the master race (Herrenvolk).
2. Aryans should have “lebensraum” (living space) in a new German Empire (expanding to the East).
3. All other races inferior (especially Jews).
4. Treaty of Versialles should be reversed, and Germany and Austria should unite (Anschluss).

Question 5

Support for the Nazis Declines

Answer 5

1. Germany did well under Stresemann - support for extremists declined.
2. Hitler serves only 9 months in prison after his 5 year sentence is reduced.
3. During this time the Nazi Party splits and support declined dramatically.
4. In 1924 the Nazis win 24 seats in the Reichstag.
5. Hitler decides to reform the party on his release in December 1924 in order to place it under his complete control.
6. In 1928 the Nazis lose more seats and now have 12 seats in the Reichstag (2.6% vote).

Question 6

Hitler Reorganises the Nazis

Answer 6

1. In 1925 Hitler re-launched the NSDAP .
2. Power was concentrated in the leader.
3. Special sections set up for students, teachers, youth and farmers.
4. Party branches in all major towns - soon 100,000 members.
5. Hitler decided to use elections and works to exploit the weaknesses in German democracy and the constitution to gain power rather than through revolution.
6. The Nazis work to get support from industrialists – both financial and political. Industrialists see the Nazis as a bulwark against communists and trade unions.