How did Adolf Hitler create the Nazi Party? Starter: Explain two things you can learn (infer) from this source about the impact of Treaty of Versailles on Germany. In this lesson, we will: Describe how Adolf Hitler changed the German Workers Party

One thing we can learn is that the reparations imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles had a damaging effect. We know this because the source shows Germany being crushed by a huge bag of money suggesting it’s too big for Germany. Another thing we can learn is that Germany did not know how to deal with the massive post-war repayments. We know this because the man representing Germany is laying under the bag and appears to have given up, almost ‘shrugging’.

Who was Adolf Hitler? Adolf Hitler was born in Branau, Austria in 1889 into a middle class family. He did not exceed at school – though talented at art, he failed to get into art school. Early in his life he lived on the streets, trying to make money by selling his paintings to portraits. In 1914, Hitler signed up to join the Germany army during the First World War. Returning to Munich after the war, Corporal Hitler was put to work spying on the various political activities in the city. As part of this, he began to attend the meetings of the German Worker’s Party (DAP). Under his leadership, the DAP would transform from a small, unheard of group of men to a highly popular and highly organised political party.

Learning Task Target 9-7 Using a different coloured pen, explain how it would have benefitted the party (A02) All targets Cut out and glue your picture of Adolf Hitler in the middle of your page. Around it identify ways that he transformed the Nazi Party. Use precise A01 to detail exactly what he did. Target 6-4 Using a different coloured pen, explain the impact that it would have. (A02) Target 3-1 Go through and highlight the key words in each part e.g. Goering, democracy etc.

Party policies His personality Leadership Organisation of party In 1920, Hitler became head of party propaganda. He wrote a 25 point document outlining the policies of the DUP: Weimar politicians who had accepted the Versailles treaty were criminals and had betrayed Germany. Democracy; it was weak (as shown in the Kapp Putch and Spartacist Risings) Jews were blamed for losing Germany the war and ruining their economy His personality Hitler rehearsed his speeches carefully. They began quietly and slowly, building up tension towards an impassioned, frenzied rant. They were very popular and persuasive. His gestures were a key party of his appeal. He would lean forward, bang desks and keep his eyes on the audience. He used photos and paintings of himself to boost his image. Leadership He forced a leadership contest in 1921 to allow himself to become the new leader. He surrounded himself with supporters like Hess, Goerig, Streicher and Rohm. He also made powerful friends for the party, such as General Ludendorff. Organisation of party DAP were given a permanent office in Munich. Rudolf Schussler was made full-time administrator. Meetings were more organised and more advertised He came up with a new name the NSDAP or Nazi Party for short. This appealed to more people NSDAP adopted a new logo: the swastika and a new one armed salute. This made easily recognisable. They bought a newspaper selling over 17,000 copies. This meant the party was more vocal across Germany. “The People’s Observers” Introducing the SA Hitler used ‘strom troopers’ to keep control of the party. They were ex soldiers and students. They dressed in brown shirts. They paraded through the streets to show force and numbered about 800. They would control crowds and put down opposition with violence.

The ‘Brownshirts’ or SA (Strormtroopers)

Publicity shots of Hitler practising his speeches and movements.

Many of Hitler’s closest followers such Goerring, Hess and Rohm

Checkpoint : Can you remember five things Adolf Hitler did to change the DAP?