The Nazi Party, officially known as the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), left an indelible mark on German history between 1920 and 1945. This far-right political party, led by Adolf Hitler, championed the ideology of National Socialism and exerted significant influence over the nation during its reign.
Origins in the German Worker’s Party
The roots of the Nazi Party can be traced back to the German Worker’s Party (GPW), formed in 1919 by Anton Drexler, Gottfried Feder, and Dietrich Eckart in Munich. Drexler, a passionate German nationalist, sought to merge völkisch nationalism with economic socialism to establish a popular, nationalist-oriented workers’ movement. Adolf Hitler, who had been sent to spy on the party, joined it after being impressed by Drexler’s ideas and charisma. Hitler’s oratory skills propelled him to a prominent position within the party, which grew steadily in membership and influence over time.
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The Party Gets a New Name
Amidst the growing popularity of socialism in Germany, Hitler proposed a name change for the party. In April 1920, the German Worker’s Party became the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP). By placing the word “National” before “Socialist,” Hitler sought to distance the party from socialist ideas involving racial or sexual equality. The term “Nazi” was a colloquial and derogatory word for a backward peasant, but it gained popularity later.
The Nazi Program
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In February 1920, the NSDAP published its “Twenty-Five Points,” outlining its political program. The party rejected the terms of the Versailles Treaty, called for the reunification of all German people, and advocated for strong German nationalism. The program also included discriminatory elements, such as revoking the citizenship rights of Jews and non-Germans and promoting the superiority of the so-called Aryan “master race.” The NSDAP gained support by appealing to the working class through promises of income redistribution, nationalization of trusts, and increased social benefits.
The Beer Hall Putsch
The NSDAP faced a setback in November 1923 when Hitler’s attempt to seize power in Munich, known as the Beer Hall Putsch, failed. Despite the failure, Hitler’s trial for high treason turned into a political rally, allowing him to gain public attention and sympathy. He served a brief prison sentence during which he wrote his book, “Mein Kampf,” outlining his political philosophy.
Hitler Goes Legit
After Hitler’s release from prison in 1924, the NSDAP reemerged as a political force. Hitler sought to present a more moderate image, appealing to industrialists and disavowing revolutionary methods. The party grew in membership, but electoral success remained elusive until the Great Depression hit Germany. The economic crisis fueled discontent and boosted support for the NSDAP, which won a significant share of the vote in the 1930 elections.
Consolidating Power
In 1933, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany through a backroom deal, leading to the gradual erosion of democratic institutions. The Reichstag fire in February 1933 provided Hitler with a pretext to suppress political opponents, and subsequent legislation granted him dictatorial powers. Hitler’s regime gradually dismantled the democratic system, eliminated opposition parties, and purged society through intimidation and violence.
Anticipating the Holocaust
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The NSDAP’s anti-Semitic beliefs turned into horrific reality during the Holocaust. The party sought to exterminate Jews, Romani, Poles, and other groups it deemed racially inferior. The Nazis also targeted political opponents, homosexuals, the physically and mentally handicapped, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The scale of the atrocities committed resulted in the murder of millions of innocent people.
Denazification
After Germany’s defeat in World War II, the Allied powers declared the Nazi Party illegal and initiated denazification efforts to cleanse the country of Nazi influence. Trials were held for war criminals, and symbols associated with the party were banned in many countries.
The rise and fall of the Nazi Party serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremist ideologies and the importance of safeguarding democratic values to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
Sources: Spartacus Educational, Wikipedia, History Channel, USHMM.
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