The Rise of Hitler and the Nazis Flashcards
What were the origins of the German Workers Party
Founded in Munich 1919
Only had 6 members
Gained support from those who felt betrayed by the Weimar government
What were the German Workers Party’s views
Democracy was weak
Needed a strong leader
Jews caused weakness
Communists and Socialists has brought about the fall of the kaiser
The Socialist Weimar Politicians had betrayed Germany from the treaty of Versailles
When did Hitler join the party
12th September 1919
What changes were made between 1920-22 in the party
The aims were rewrote and a 25 point programme was made
It included the end of the treaty of Versailles, Demands for Land and Territory and only German blood could be part of the nation
The Party was renamed the National Socialist Germany Workers Party
In 1921, Hitler became party leader
What was Hitlers role
Talented speaker
An increase in members meant that the party could buy a newspaper
Who led the SA
Ernst Rohm
When was the SA set up
1921
What was the role of the SA
Disrupt opposing party meetings and parade in the streets
What were the causes of the Munich Putsch
Anger at the Weimar Republic - Treaty of Versailles, occupation of the Ruhr, Hyperinflation
Situation in Bavaria - Leaders of Bavaria supported the Nazis
Influence of Italian Fascists - Mussolini’s take over of Rome
Nazi Party Strength - SA, Luddendorf, thought the Army would support him
What were the Successes of the Putsch
Light sentences were handed out
Hitler wrote his book - Mein Kampf
Why did the Putsch fail
Hitlers poor leadership - Misjudged support in Bavaria, didn’t take over the media, Lied in his speech
Lack of Support in Bavaria - Bavarian Army helped stop the putsch
Bad Timing - Stressemann had helped get the country out of hyperinflation, less support for extreme groups
Actions of the WG - Ebert acted very fast and announced a national emergency
What were the main ideas of Mein Kampf
Master Race - Aryan Race
Nationalism
Peoples Community - people work for the good of others
Anti-Communism
How did Hitler reorganise the party
Interest Groups - Hitler Youth
Propaganda
Districts
How much support did the Nazi’s have between 1923 and 29
Party had over 100,000 members
Little success in gaining seats in Reichstag
This was because of Massive support for Stressemann
What was the Great Depression
It was a long and extensive economic crisis caused by the stock market crash in New York in 1929
What was the effect of the Great Depression on Germany
Banking - Banks struggled and many folded
Industry - Little demand for product and many factories closed - Production fell by 42%
Unemployment - 1.5 million unemployed by 1929 and eventually exceeded 6 million
Social Impact - Most couldn’t afford food and diseases such as TB came back
What was the effect of the Great Depression on the people of Germany
Young People - More than 50% of the population between 16-30 were unemployed
Factory Workers - 40% unemployed and unemployment benefits reduced
Farmers - Struggled with falling food prices
Businessman - People with businesses struggled
What did Bruning do as Chancellor
Became chancellor in 1930
Schleicher wanted a cabinet with SPD even though it was the biggest party
Left Bruning with little support
He increased taxes and cut unemployment benefits
What did the Nazis focus on
Appeal of Hitler - Strong speaker, presented as superhuman
Activities of the SA - They made the Nazis appear strong and disrupted meetings
Use of Propaganda - Rallies, Newspapers, Goebbels was head of it
What happened in the July 1932 elections
Nazi’s became the biggest party
What was the Cabinet of Barons
Papen had a Cabinet full of non-reichstag members
Coalition of Papen was weak
Papen resigned after the July 1932 elections
How was Von Schleicer as Chancellor
Tried to split the Nazis
Had Little support
He wanted a military dictatorship
Lost all support
