Hitler and the Nazi Party 1919-23
- Hitler and the origins of the German Workers’ Party. Small, Bavarian party with radical nationalist and ‘socialist’ policies, one of many small political parties in the chaotic political scene after 1918.
- Hitler joined in 1919, appointed head of propaganda. Hitler was a very effective public speaker. Main themes of speeches were – Germany’s weak government and the ineffectiveness of the Weimar political system; hatred of the Allies and Versailles; opposition to communists and socialists; opposition to Jewish influence in society and politics.
Changes and developments in the party, 1920-22: - ‘Twenty-Five Point Programme’, 1920 – a broad range of policies.
- Hitler became leader in 1920.
- Party re-named ‘National Socialist German Workers’ Party’ – Nazis.
- Increasingly attracted a following in Bavaria, even among the respectable classes. Stormtroopers (SA) – used to protect Nazi meetings, disrupt those of opponents, march in processions.
- Key Nazis – Rohm (1919), Goebbels (1922), Goering (1922), Himmler (1923).
- By 1923 the party had 3,000 members. Very vocal party.