Appeal of Hitler & the Nazis (SQA National 5 History): Revision Note

Summary 

The Nazi Party appealed to many people because it promised jobs and an end to the crisis. They blamed the Weimar government for failure and said they would provide strong, united leadership.

The Nazi Party promised to reverse the Treaty of Versailles and restore German pride. Many people feared communism, and the Nazis said they would protect owners, farmers and workers from it.

Hitler was a powerful speaker, and the party used modern propaganda and rallies to spread simple messages. The Nazis seemed active and able to restore order because the SA were visible on the streets and the party had many local branches in towns.

The appeal of the Nazi Party

Jobs and money

• Many people were drawn to Nazi promises regarding jobs and money

• The Nazis said they would:

  • Give “Work and Bread”

  • Build roads and houses

  • Restart factories

• Nazi leaflets and speeches explained that public works and rearming would create millions of jobs, so families could afford food and rent again

The Treaty of Versailles

• Pride and anger over the Treaty of Versailles made the Nazis appealing

• The Nazis said they would:

  • End reparations

  • Defend Germany’s borders

  • Make the army strong

• This message appealed to veterans and young men who felt humiliated by the treaty and wanted Germany to be respected again

Fear of communism

• Fear of communism pushed voters toward the Nazis

• Shopkeepers, farmers, and factory owners were worried about strikes and the Communist Party

  • The Nazis promised to protect private property, churches, and restore order

• SA marches and tough talk made many believe the Nazis would stop street violence and keep businesses open

The appeal of Hitler and propaganda

• Hitler’s leadership of the Nazis and modern propaganda increased support

• Hitler flew around Germany in 1932 in the “Hitler over Germany” campaign

  • He held huge rallies with banners and music

  • He spoke in simple, direct sentences

• Posters, radio speeches, and cinema newsreels repeated easy slogans

  • This meant people remembered them

The Nazi Party at a local level

• Strong organisation at the local level made the party feel close to ordinary people

• There were thousands of local party groups that:

  • Ran meetings

  • Made door-to-door visits

  • Organised youth groups

  • Had help desks for job seekers

• The Nazi Party tailored promises to different groups

• The Nazis promised:

  • Better prices for farmers

  • Law and order for the middle classes

  • Jobs for the unemployed

• Many people felt the Nazis understood their needs