The rise of Nazism Flashcards
When did Hitler become leader of the Nazi Party?
Mid-1921
What were the different factors that Hitler used to rebuild the Nazi Party?
Propaganda- Swastika, Nazi Paper, rallies, radio etc
Mein Kampf- Party manifesto, accessible to all, ideology
Party organisation-Loyal supporters, rewarded men with power, competition within the party, 35 Gaue
Party Branding- Swastika = unity, SA violence made people feel safe, household brand, popularity
Secure rural voters- Played down land confiscation, core supporters
Protect image of Fuhrer- charismatic, excellent orator, Rudolf Hess relieved Hitler of the routine administration- bureaucrats able to protect his image without posing threat to power
Who were Hitler’s closest supporters/advisors and what were their jobs?
Ernst Rohm- soldier
Hermann Goring - wealthy hero of German Airforce
Julius Striecher- founder of the Nazi Paper (‘Der Sturmer’)
Rudolf Hess- Hitler’s deputy
How did the Wall Street Crash of 1929 effect Germany?
- Bankers and financiers in the USA recalled loans made to Germany under the Dawes Plan in 1924- no money left
- Many German companies relied on American investment (Krupps & United Steel Works)
- Drop in industrial production (to 49% of its 1929 value)
What were the main factors that caused Hitler to become chancellor in January 1933?
Depression Weakness of Weimar Constitution Organisation Political Intrigue Hitler's Leadership Nazi Promises
What problems did Hitler face when wanting to establish his legal dictatorship?
- No majority in government
- KPD opposition
- Disagreeing public
- Hindenburg hated Hitler
- Constitution didn’t allow it
- Army loyal to the state
- SA has power to overthrow Hitler- led by Ernst Rohm
- Trade unions had power to question the government
What was the Hitler Myth?
A cultivated image that portrayed Hitler as someone who personified the nation, understood the people of Germany, represented popular justice and defended Germany.
How was the Hitler Myth encouraged?
- Enhanced by powerful propaganda
- Sustained by Hitler’s successes after 1933
- Powerful propaganda machinery was headed by Goebbels
What were the positive and negative consequences of the Hitler Myth?
Positive:
- Increased Hitler’s personal popularity
- 90% of German’s admired him
- Covered up inconsistencies and failures
- Brought Germans together
Negative:
- Eventually contributed to the decline of the third Reich
- Hitler became a victim of his own myth- he believed he was never wrong/untouchable
- Military failures in 1941 led to decline of the myth
- Day to day failures were blamed on minor party leaders
Who were the government officials and party officials for foreign policy, police, economy and labour?
Government Party
Foreign Policy - Ribbentrop Von Neurath
Police - Himmler Frick
Economy - Schact Goering
Labour - Seldte Ley
What was the structure of the Nazi Party?
30 Gau (Region) 760 Kreis (District) 2100 Ortsgruppe (Small town with 1500 households) 70000 Zelle (cell 160-480 households) 400000 Block (street block 40-60 households)
What were the Gauleiter?
- Regional party bosses
- Influential in determining how Germans experience Nazi rule
- Ensure people in their region kept in line
- Communicated directly with Hitler
What were the Blockleiter?
- Group that reported people spreading damaging rumours to the local leaders/state authorities
- Preacher and defender of Nazi ideals
- Remind party members of their duties
- Make sure children become part of Hitler Youth and other members part of the SA or SS
- Make sure their area are taking part in Nazi rallies/celebrations etc
What were the Nazis economic aims?
- Drag Germany out of worldwide recession
- Solve unemployment
- Make Germany an ‘autarky’ - self sufficient country
- Transform the economy to focus on rearmament and war
Who was Halmar Schacht?
President of the Reichsbank- directed Germany economic policy- responsible for Rentenmark
NOT a member of the Nazi Party
