Hitler’s leadershipof the Nazis

In July 1919, an intelligence agent named Adolf Hitler was

assigned to monitor the German Workers’ Party

(DAP).

The party was led by Anton Drexler and Hitler became

attracted to Drexler’s arguments in favour of strong

government, anti-Semitism and anti-Communism.

Hitler joined the DAP and soon became an extremely active

member.

The party changed its name to the National Socialist German

Workers’ Party (NSDAP). Hitler would later personally

design a new logo: a black swastika in a white circle on a

red background.

After leaving the army, Hitler became more and more

prominent not only in the Nazi Party but also German society.

In June 1921 the Nazi Party came close to splitting over

plans to merge with the German Socialist Party. Fearing Hitler’s

resignation, the party instead made Hitler leader.

Hitler attracted great support within the party, and also new

members too.

Hitler then attempted to take power in the 1923 Munich

Putsch. Hitler and members of the SA broke into a public

meeting in a beer hall. They then attempted to take control

of the Bavarian government.

The Beer Hall Putsch did not succeed – but helped Hitler.

Hitler was put on trial and during this period received huge publicity, becoming a national

figure. Whilst he was in Landsberg Prison he wrote Mein Kampf, outlining his

political views. He was released after only a few months.

The NSDAP’s decline – and infighting – when Hitler was in

prison had shown how important he was to the party.

After being released, Hitler set about reorganising the Nazi Party. He had come to believe

that a putsch would not succeed and that the Nazis must win electoral power.

Hitler believed that Germany could only succeed through

Fuhrerprinzip – and he believed the same was true of

the Nazis.

This was the idea that democracy cannot properly

function (giving weak government) and so a one-party state with a strong

leader was needed.

Hitler realised the value of image and propaganda in

winning public support.

As well as designing the new Nazi logo, he also introduced the right arm salute. He also gave the SA stormtroopers a

brown shirt uniform, to make them seem more organised and

militaristic.

Hitler himself was a key part of the propaganda. He was a powerful speaker at mass

meetings, most famously the Nuremberg Rallies (although

people said he was not very impressive when spoken to on

an individual level).

Hitler also worked alongside Joseph Goebbels who became

his propaganda chief.

The Nazis’ use of propaganda was not restricted to rallies. They

made leaflets and posters, produced radio and cinema

adverts and used planes too.

In addition the Nazis aimed to win support from prominent

local people such as butchers or teachers, to persuade others to

join them.

The Nazis were organised by Gregor Strasser. Local party branches were divided into

Gaues and organised under a Gauleiter. They ran soup

kitchens and organised food parcels to win public backing.

This was especially important during the economic

depression, when voters became attracted due to this.

There were numerous Nazi organisations too, to attract all

members of society. They had groups for young people, women, student, lawyers,

factory workers and others too.

The Nazis called themselves a Bewegung (movement) to set themselves apart from other

political parties.

The Nazis also win support through their political policies.

They offered a simple message to Germans, including:

• Lebensraum (living space)

• Volksgemeinschaft (national community)

• End the Treaty of Versailles

• Anti-Semitism and Communism

Hitler also ensured that the Nazis could challenge any

opposition using violence if required.

The SA (Sturm-Abteilung or stormtroopers) were the Nazis’ paramilitary wing. They were

formed in 1920 to help protect Nazi speakers but soon played

a much bigger role.

The SA wore brown shirts and portrayed the Nazis as

controlled and disciplined. By 1933, the SA had 500,000

members.

They engaged in marches and distributing leaflets, but also

often fell into violent confrontations with rival

groups, especially Communists.

Due to the violence they were involved in, the SA were

banned by Chancellor Bruning in 1932, although Chancellor

Papen ended this.

For most of the 1920s and early-1930s, the SA were led

by Ernst Rohm, who supported a more radical and

socialist Germany.

Historians’ views

• Frank McDonough: Propaganda was key to Nazi success, thanks to Josef Goebbels. It is no coincidence that the great surge in Nazi electoral support took place in the period after Goebbels took control of Nazi Party propaganda.

• Jill Stephenson: Nazi propaganda was a powerful weapon, with mutually irreconcilable promises made to different social or regional groups at the same time but in different locations. But what enabled the NSDAP to disseminate its propaganda was the growing strength of its organisation.