Nazis grew from a small right-wing party that Hitler led after 1919. He created a Programme rooted in hatred, with the SA defending Nazi meetings and attacking rivals. Nazis appealed mostly to the 'middling' classes and grew rapidly during the 1919-23 crises. However, after the Munich Putsch's failure and Stresemann-era prosperity, their support declined. Hitler focused on strengthening party organisation, aiming for power through elections.
Formation, Beliefs & Organisation
1. Start
The German Workers' Party (Anton Drexler, 1919) → Hitler joined and became leader.
Hitler blamed Germany's problems on:
• Allies
• Versailles Treaty/‘November Criminals’
• Communists
• Jews
Aim: revolution led by ('Stormtroopers').
2. Twenty-Five Point Programme (1920)
The party became National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazis). It promoted:
• Nationalism: German greatness
• Socialism: Equality & benefits for all
3. Mein Kampf (1923)
After the failed Munich Putsch, Hitler (in jail) wrote , outlining:
• National Socialism: Loyalty to Germany, racial purity, state control of the economy
• Racism: 'Master Race' superiority, esp. over Jews
• : Expanding into Poland/Russia for 'Living Space'
• Strong Govt: Absolute obedience to the Führer
Post-release, he resolved to gain power via elections, but was banned from public speaking until 1928.
4. Bamberg Conference (1926)
Gregor (Nazi northern organiser) expanded Nazi cells (71 in 1923 → 262 in 1926).
Northern Nazis (Strasser/Goebbels) advocated:
• More socialism (e.g., confiscating princely estates)
• Bolshevik alliances
• Revising the Twenty-Five Points
Hitler called the Conference, rejecting these, reaffirming the Führerprinzip: his total control over policy & organisation.
Decline, 1924-29
1. Elections & Decline
• Struggled electorally (Hitler banned from speaking).
• Appealed to workers/small businessmen but not unskilled workers.
• Stresemann-era prosperity → Nazi appeal weakened.
◦ 1924: 32 seats in the Reichstag.
◦ 1928: 12 seats.
2. Reorganising the Party
Hitler reorganised for future success:
• Reduced SA; formed loyal (SS, personal bodyguard).
• Created local party networks; absorbed right-wing rivals.
• Established Hitler Youth to attract young members.
• Appointed as propaganda chief. Campaigns used:
◦ Posters, leaflets, radio, film
◦ Rallies appealing to emotions > reason
• Secured backing from wealthy by promising to destroy Communism/Trade Unions
→ campaign funds.
Nazis grew from a small right-wing party that Hitler led after 1919. He created a Twenty-Five Point Programme rooted in hatred, with the SA defending Nazi meetings and attacking rivals. Nazis appealed mostly to the 'middling' classes and grew rapidly during the 1919-23 crises. However, after the Munich Putsch's failure and Stresemann-era prosperity, their support declined. Hitler focused on strengthening party organisation, aiming for power through elections.
Formation, Beliefs & Organisation
1. Start
The German Workers' Party (Anton Drexler, 1919) → Hitler joined and became leader.
Hitler blamed Germany's problems on:
• Allies
• Versailles Treaty/‘November Criminals’
• Communists
• Jews
Aim: revolution led by Sturmabteilung ('Stormtroopers').
2. Twenty-Five Point Programme (1920)
The party became National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazis). It promoted:
• Nationalism: German greatness
• Socialism: Equality & benefits for all
3. Mein Kampf (1923)
After the failed Munich Putsch, Hitler (in Landsberg jail) wrote Mein Kampf, outlining:
• National Socialism: Loyalty to Germany, racial purity, state control of the economy
• Racism: Aryan 'Master Race' superiority, esp. over Jews
• Lebensraum: Expanding into Poland/Russia for 'Living Space'
• Strong Govt: Absolute obedience to the Führer
Post-release, he resolved to gain power via elections, but was banned from public speaking until 1928.
4. Bamberg Conference (1926)
Gregor Strasser (Nazi northern organiser) expanded Nazi cells (71 in 1923 → 262 in 1926).
Northern Nazis (Strasser/Goebbels) advocated:
• More socialism (e.g., confiscating princely estates)
• Bolshevik alliances
• Revising the Twenty-Five Points
Hitler called the Bamberg Conference, rejecting these, reaffirming the Führerprinzip: his total control over policy & organisation.
Decline, 1924-29
1. Elections & Decline
• Struggled electorally (Hitler banned from speaking).
• Appealed to skilled workers/small businessmen but not unskilled workers.
• Stresemann-era prosperity → Nazi appeal weakened.
◦ 1924: 32 seats in the Reichstag.
◦ 1928: 12 seats.
2. Reorganising the Party
Hitler reorganised for future success:
• Reduced SA; formed loyal Schutzstaffel (SS, his personal bodyguard).
• Created local party networks; absorbed right-wing rivals.
• Established Hitler Youth to attract young members.
• Appointed Goebbels as propaganda chief. Campaigns used:
◦ Posters, leaflets, radio, film
◦ Rallies appealing to emotions > reason
• Secured backing from wealthy businessmen by promising to destroy Communism/Trade Unions
→ campaign funds.
