how did nazism become popular in germany?
Answers
- Hitler's wonderful oratory skills and huge Nazi rallies arranged in German cities such as Nuremberg
- Fear of proletarianisation in the German people and society
- Anger towards the Weimar government for accepting the' Treaty of Versailles '.
Adolf Hitler was disillusioned and bitter after World War One. He felt the war had ended too soon and the Weimar Republic had sold Germany out by agreeing to the Treaty of Versailles.
In 1919 he joined a small political party in Munich, known as the German Workers' Party. Before long he was its leader.
He changed the party name to the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP). This became known as the Nazi party.
Nazi policies
The Nazi party’s policies were deliberately vague so they might appeal to as many people as possible. People of both right and moderate-left wing politics joined because they agreed with at least one of their policies:
an aim to abolish the "unfair punishment" of the Treaty of Versailles was popular with many Germans
promises of better pensions and increased employment appealed to the common man and many traditional socialists
opposition to communism led many landowners and businessmen to support the Nazis – they were seen as the only credible right-wing alternative to the left-wing parties.
belief in the supremacy of the German race appealed to nationalists.
paramilitary groups reminded people of the comradeship they shared as soldiers during World War One
the promise to re-militarise Germany would bring in huge industrial contracts – bringing support from many industrialists
Hitler's hatred of Jews struck a chord with many people - they were a convenient scapegoat for all Germany's problems
Use of propaganda
Propaganda poster aimed at women saying “German women, think of your children – Vote Hitler”Propaganda poster “German women, think of your children – Vote Hitler”
Propaganda is information spread to promote a political cause and to persuade people of a certain point of view.
Information about what the Nazis believed in and who they blamed for Germany’s dire situation was effectively spread by the Party’s propaganda machine. Hitler put Josef Goebbels in charge of Nazi propaganda.
Methods of campaigning that the Nazis used in the 1920s included
radio
mass rallies
newspapers (eg 'Der Sturmer')
Hitler's speeches
posters
The Nazis used simple slogans to introduce their ideas and to make them appeal to the ordinary people of Germany.
At the same time Goebbels prevented those who opposed Nazi policies from expressing their views. This helped ensure only Nazi messages got across to the public.
Nazi organisation
The Nazi Party was extremely organised. This meant they were able to convey policies to a wide range of people, while appearing to be competent and able to run the country:
The Nazis were present in many German cities and towns with many local offices
Nazi party members worked efficiently to spread policies through propaganda
the SA appeared to be a strong organisation which could protect Germany from its enemies – internal as well as external.
When social unrest increased, after benefits were cut in 1930, Hitler used fear of Communism to get support from indutrialists. Alfred Hugenberg, an industrialist who owned a chain of newspapers ,and Fritz Thyssen, a steel manufacturer, along with other industrialists formed the Harzburg Front.
The Harzburg Front helped finance the Nazi election campaigns in 1932-1933. This ensured the Communists were defeated.
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