Skip to main content
The Rise of the Nazi Party   The Beginning of the Nazis   The Munich Putsch 1923   Aftermath of the Munich Putsch   ‘ Mein Kampf’   Support for the Nazis Declines   Hitler Reorganises the Nazis
The Beginning of the Nazis  In 1919 Hitler joined the German Workers Party as a spy for the German Government. In 1920 the party changes it’s name to NSDAP (Nazis) and adopts the 25 point programme (nationalist and anti-semtic) Hitler became leader in 1921 and adopted the swastika emblem. Hitler then set up the SA (brownshirts) as private "army" under the leadership of Ernst Rohm. The Brownshirts break up left-wing meetings and attack communists and anti-Nazis.
The Munich Putsch 1923  When the French invaded the Ruhr Hitler saw an opportunity and decided to try and seize power. He planned to first take the Bavarian government and then march on Berlin. He was supported by a right-wing politician, Ludendorff, and declared himself President of Germany. Hitler took over a Bavarian government meeting but couldn't get enough support His attempted coup was stopped by armed police. The attempted coup was easily put down.
Aftermath of the Munich Putsch  Hitler tries to escape but was later arrested and charged with treason. He used his trial to make long public speeches which were widely and sympathetically reported. He gets a very lenient sentence of 5 years in Landsberg Prison from the sympathetic judge. While in prison he writes "Mein Kampf"
‘ Mein Kampf’  Main Ideas – The Aryan race is the master race (Herrenvolk). Aryans should have "lebensraum" (living space) in a new German Empire (expanding to the East). All other races inferior (especially Jews). Treaty of Versialles should be reversed, and Germany and Austria should unite (Anschluss).
Support for the Nazis Declines   Germany did well under Stresemann - support for extremists declined. Hitler serves only 9 months in prison after his 5 year sentence is reduced. During this time the Nazi Party splits and support declined dramatically. In 1924 the Nazis win 24 seats in the Reichstag. Hitler decides to reform the party on his release in December 1924 in order to place it under his complete control. In 1928 the Nazis lose more seats and now have 12 seats in the Reichstag (2.6% vote).
Hitler Reorganises the Nazis   In 1925 Hitler re-launched the NSDAP . Power was concentrated in the leader.  Special sections set up for students, teachers, youth and farmers. Party branches in all major towns - soon 100,000 members. Hitler decided to use elections and works to exploit the weaknesses in German democracy and the constitution to gain power rather than through revolution. The Nazis work to get support from industrialists – both financial and political. Industrialists see the Nazis as a bulwark against communists and trade unions.
The Nazis Come to Power  Nazis use of Violence   Hitler’s Abilities   Hitler’s Political Strategy   Hitler’s Opponents   Hitler Consolidates Power
Nazis use of Violence   Hitler's SA or brownshirts were used to intimidate opponents and drum up support. Running battles were fought with rivals - the Communist party. Violence and rivalry were central to Nazi philosophy of survival of the fittest. Ernst Rohm led the SA for the Nazi party. The Nazis claim that they are the only party capable of restoring ‘law and order.
Hitler’s Abilities  Some of the claims made – Hitler had an ability for public speaking and an understanding of ordinary peoples desires. Hitler had 'his finger on the pulse of Germany' (Walden). His vision as highlighted in Mein Kampf. He demonstrated single-mindedness in his efforts to get into power. He stated the Nazis 'Enter the Reichstag holding our noses'.
Hitler appealed to many sections of society. 'Rip up the Treaty of Versailles' 'Work, freedom and bread' Sort out the communists. Guaranteed farm prices Regain national pride. Hitler is 'the last hope' for Germany.   Hitler’s Political Strategy
Hitler should have been kept from power, he never gained an overall majority in an election. Communists and Socialists were divided. The Stalinists attacked other Socialists as ‘social fascists’. Stalin declared ‘After Hitler, our turn’ Parties squabbled over how to deal with the depression. In 1933 January Hitler is invited as Chancellor in an attempt to control him and the Nazis  Hitler’s Opponents
Hitler Consolidates Power  Hitler in a weak position because he could be dismissed by President Hindenburg (other Chancellors hadn't lasted long!) He cooperates closely with Hindenburg. February 1933 - concentration camps are opened. Political opponents were put in these camps, beaten and forced to do hard labour unless they agreed to cooperate with the Nazis. Mainly Communists arrested.
On 27 February 1933 Reichstag burns down a week before a general election. Dutch Communist arrested. Hitler says it is a Communist plot and arrests 4000 Communists. Communists banned from the election. The ‘Enabling Act’ gave Hitler emergency powers to pass laws without the Reichstag. SS & SA surrounded the building to intimidate politicians. Hitler could pass any law he wanted. On 14 July 1933 - Hitler rules that the Nazis were the only legal party in Germany.   Hitler Consolidates Power
Presentation Prepared by: Dominic Haugh St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School Shannon Co. Clare Presentation can be used for educational purposes only – all rights remain with the author