1.5 Early developments, the lean years, and the Munich Putsch Flashcards
(26 cards)
The German workers party (DAP) was set up by Anton Drexler in
1919 - Munich
Hitler joined later that year
Who was Anton Drexler?
He founded the German Workers’ Party, the pan-German and anti-Semitic antecedent of the Nazi Party. Drexler mentored his successor in the NSDAP, Adolf Hitler, during his early years in politics.
Hitler became second in command of the DAP after they set up…
permanent headquaters
The DAP the antecedent of the Nazi Party later became known as the…
NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers’ Party)
In July 1921, HItler became the…
leader of the Nazi party.
What was the 25-point programme?
The Nazi programme written by Hitler that published the ultimate goals of the Nazi party.
Key details of the 25-point programme
Treats of Versailles should be abolished
Nationalise Industries
Only German races can be citizens, i.e. no Jews can have a citizenship
Build up German armed forces
Everybody should have a job
The SA
The SA were a paramilitary force made up of unemployed, ex-soldiers. Put under the command of Ernest Rohm. Nicknames the brown shirts. They were employed to distrupt opposition meetings and rallies, and to control crowds and any opposition to Hitler - often through violent means. They represented loyalty and dicipline - intimidated people into voting or supporting the Nazis.
Short term causes of the Munich Putsch: The SA
The SA was growing and by 1922 they numbered about 800 and impressed people with their emphasis on power and organisation. Hitler believed that the SA would be an effective use of armed support.
Short term causes of the Munich Putsch: Inspired by Mussolini
In 1922, Mussolini led his paramilitary forces in a “March on Rome” forcing the democratic government of Italy to accept him as their leader - Hitler was heavily influenced by the right-wing movement in Italy initiated by the Fascists.
Short term causes of the Munich Putsch: Barvaria and Von Kahr
The NSDAP had been growing in its Munich base in Barvaria. The Barvarian state government were no fans of the Weimar government either and their leaders such as Von Kahr turned a blind eye to the violence of the SA. Hitler was convinced that Kahr would support him.
Long term causes of the Munich Putsch: Economic hardships under the Weimar government
Many Germans blamed the Weimar Republic for the economic hardships - with hyperinflation destroying the country’s economy in 1923. Hitler believed that since they shared a common hatred for the Weimar Republic, he would win national support.
Long term causes of the Munich Putsch: Stab in the Back
Just like the Nazis, a deep resentment grew amongst some Germans. Hitler hated the Treaty of Versailles and wanted to remove the terms of the Treaty. They felt that they had been betrayed by the Weimar Republic.
Why did Hitler attempt the Munich Putsch in 1923?
- SA stronger than ever
- The Weimar republic was weak and on the verge of collapsing
- The Weimar Republic had recently called off the general strike, which infuriated thousands of Germans.
- Hitler thought he would be helped by important politicians.
- The Nazis were stronger than ever before.
- Hitler hoped to replicate Mussolini’s success.
8 November 1923: Hitler enters a beer hall in Munich where the Barvarian government were meeting.
With 600 SA
At gunpoint, Hitler forced government leaders to support him.
Rohm took over local police and army headquaters.
Ludendorff behind Hitler’s back, let the government leaders go.
9 November 1923: The March into Munich
Hitler gathers 1000 SA and 2000 volunteer supporters and marched on Munich town centre to declare himself President of Germany.
The group was met by police. Someone opened fire and there was chaos. Ludendorff, Rohm and Streicher were arrested.
11 November 1923: Arrested
Hitler was found hiding at a friend’s house and was arrested.
Why did the Munich Putsch fail?: The main army barracks remained in the hands of army officers….
who remained loyal to the Weimar government.
Why did the Munich Putsch fail?: Most of the towns people remained…
indifferent. Hyperinflation was over, Germany was in it’s golden years and Stresemann was improving the state of Germany day-by-day.
Why did the Munich Putsch fail?: Poor planning
Hitler should have taken control of the media to stop the government finding out about the plans.
Why did the Munich Putsch fail?: Kahr and Ludendorff
did not really support Hitler. They allowed the news to reach Berlin and the government ordered the army in Barvaria to crush the putsch.
Consequences of the putsch: Publicity
Hitler used his trial to publicise his views. The Munich Putsch made the news headlines that month, and Hitler went from a nobody, to a somebody very quickly.
Consequences of the putsch: Mein Kampf
Hitler used his time in prison to write Mein Kampf and this outlined his political ideas - used later on as a form of propaganda.
Consequences of the putsch: Hitler’s epiphany
In prison, Hitler was able to reflect on the party’s situation and he decided to change his tactics, and sought to reorganise the party on his release.
