DEPTH STUDY B2

TOPIC ONE: THE EARLY YEARS OF THE NAZI PARTY

The Early Years of the Nazi Party

The Nazi party emerged in the aftermath of World War I, a time of immense
social and economic turmoil in Germany. The Treaty of Versailles, seen as
a harsh punishment by many Germans, fueled resentment and anger. This
fertile ground of discontent became the breeding ground for extremist
ideologies like Nazism.

In 1919, a small group called the German Workers' Party (DAP) formed in
Munich. This group, led by Anton Drexler, support extreme nationalist and
anti-Semitic (hostile to or prejudice against Jewish people) views. Soon, a
young Adolf Hitler, captivated by their ideology, joined the party and quickly
rose through the ranks.

Hitler's Charisma and the 25 Points:

Hitler's powerful oratory and charisma played a significant role in attracting

followers. He skillfully scapegoated Jews and other minorities for
Germany's woes, promising a return to national pride and prosperity. In
1920, the party was renamed the National Socialist German Workers' Party
(NSDAP) and adopted the infamous 25-Point Program, outlining its core
tenets, including racial purity, Lebensraum (living space) for the German
people, and hostility towards democracy and communism.

Beer Hall Putsch and Imprisonment:

In 1923, emboldened by growing support, Hitler attempted a failed coup

d'état known as the Beer Hall Putsch. This attempt to seize power resulted
in his arrest and imprisonment. During his time in jail, Hitler wrote Mein
Kampf, a manifesto that further solidified his radical ideology.
 Rise from the Ashes:

Upon his release in 1924, Hitler adopted a more strategic approach,

focusing on building the Nazi party through legal means. He exploited
economic anxieties and targeted vulnerable groups with promises of
national renewal. The party's propaganda machine, led by Joseph
Goebbels, used posters, rallies, and media manipulation to spread their
message effectively.

The Road to Power:

By the late 1920s, the Nazi party had gained significant support, particularly
in rural areas and among those disillusioned with the Weimar Republic's
political instability. The Great Depression further fueled their rise, as Hitler
capitalized on the widespread economic hardship. In 1932, the Nazis
became the largest party in the Reichstag, setting the stage for their
eventual seizure of power in 1933.

Lessons from the Shadows:

The early years of the Nazi party offer a stark reminder of how extremist
ideologies can exploit social anxieties and manipulate people's fears. It's
crucial to remember that their rise to power was not inevitable but a result
of a complex interplay of historical, political, and social factors. Studying
this period allows us to identify the warning signs of intolerance and
discrimination and work towards building a more inclusive and just society.

Remember:
 This is a sensitive topic, and it's important to approach it with respect for
the victims of Nazism.
 We can learn from the past to prevent similar atrocities from happening
again by promoting tolerance, understanding, and critical thinking.
 POINTS TO NOTE

Adolf Hitler fought in the German army during World War One. He was
badly wounded twice and won two Iron Crosses for bravery. Germany’s
surrender in November 1918 was a shock to him and had a profound effect
on his political views. Like many other German people at the time, he felt
they had been ‘stabbed in the back’ by politicians:

 Many Germans hated the government for signing the armistice in

November 1918 - and called them the 'November Criminals'.
 Many people were led to believe that Jews in the army and government
had encouraged the surrender.
 The German government also signed the Treaty of Versailles, which
blamed and punished Germany for starting the war. As many German
families had lost their men during the war, this was especially hard to bear.

The German Workers' Party and the start of the Nazis

With World War One over, Hitler returned to Munich and set on a path that
eventually led him to become the leader of the Nazi party.

 1919 – Hitler joined the German Worker’s Party (DAP), a right-wing group
led by Anton Drexler.

1920 – Hitler became the Party’s leading public speaker and
propagandist.
 1920 – The group changed its name to the National Socialist German
Workers Party (NSDAP) – or Nazis for short.
 1921 – Hitler was elected Party Chairman and leader of the Nazis.
 Nazi Ideology:
The Nazi worldview was built on a foundation of dangerous and harmful
ideas, including:

 Racial Supremacy: The Nazis believed in a hierarchy of races, with Aryans

at the top and Jews, Roma, and other groups deemed inferior. This hateful
ideology fueled discrimination, persecution, and ultimately, genocide.
 Lebensraum: Driven by a desire for expansion, the Nazis sought to acquire
"living space" in the East for the supposed Aryan master race. This
expansionist ambition led to World War II and the devastation it brought.
 Anti-Semitism: Jew-hatred was a central tenet of Nazism. Propaganda
demonized Jews as a threat to Germany and scapegoated them for the
country's problems. This anti-Semitism culminated in the Holocaust, the
systematic murder of millions of Jews.
 Authoritarianism: The Nazis rejected democracy and individual liberties,
advocating for a totalitarian state led by a charismatic Führer. This
suppression of dissent and opposition paved the way for unchecked
violence and oppression.

Under Hitler’s leadership the Nazi party quickly developed a 25-Point

Programme, a list of the policies it would introduce if it came to power.

Key Nazi beliefs contained in the 25-Point Programme:

 A strong Germany - the Treaty of Versailles should be abolished and all

German-speaking people united in one country.
 Führer - the idea that there should be a single leader with complete power
rather than a democracy.
 Social Darwinism - the idea that the Aryan race was superior and Jews
were 'subhuman'.
 Autarky - the idea that Germany should be economically self-sufficient.
 That Germany was in danger - from communists and Jews, who had to be
destroyed.
 Lebensraum - the need for 'living space' for the German nation to expand.
 Nazi Methods: A Machinery of Oppression

To implement their hateful ideology, the Nazis employed a range of cruel

and manipulative methods:

 Propaganda: The Nazis used sophisticated propaganda techniques to

control public opinion and spread their message of hate. Posters, rallies,
and films demonized Jews and other minorities, while glorifying Hitler and
the Nazi regime.
 Terror and Intimidation: The Gestapo, the Nazi secret police, used fear and
violence to silence dissent and enforce compliance. Torture, imprisonment,
and even executions were used to suppress any opposition to the regime.
 Concentration Camps and the Holocaust: The Nazis established a vast
network of concentration camps, where Jews, Roma, political prisoners,
and other groups were subjected to forced labor, starvation, torture, and
mass murder. The Holocaust, the systematic extermination of Jews,
remains one of the darkest chapters in human history.