The Changing Fortunes of the Nazi Party (1924-1933)

The Lean Years (1924-1929)

After the failed Munich Putsch and Hitler’s imprisonment in 1924, the fortunes of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) were at a low ebb.
Hitler used his time in prison constructively to write Mein Kampf, which outlined his political ideologies, including anti-Semitism and anti-communism, and his vision for Germany.
The period of relative stability under Gustav Stresemann, with economic recovery and improved international relations, made extremist politics less appealing.
The Nazi Party was forced to change tactics, switching from violent revolution towards gaining power through democratic means. However, in the 1928 elections, it only gained 2.6% of the total votes.

The Impact of the Great Depression (1929-1933)

The Wall Street Crash of 1929 marked the onset of the Great Depression. This event had a devastating impact on the German economy, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty.
The Nazi Party exploited the economic chaos, blaming the Weimar Republic and Jews for Germany’s plight. Their message of restoring national pride and providing work resonated with desperate Germans.
By the July 1932 elections, the Nazis were the largest party in the Reichstag with 37.4% of votes. Despite this, President Hindenburg refused to make Hitler Chancellor due to his antidemocratic ideology.
However, under pressure from powerful conservative politicians like von Papen and underestimating his potential, Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor in January 1933 – which marked a significant shift in the party’s fortune.

The Role of Propaganda

Hitler and the Nazi Party made effective use of propaganda to win support. The Nazi’s charismatic propaganda chief, Joseph Goebbels, understood the power of appealing to people’s fears and emotions.
The use of mass communication, such as rallies, newspapers, and radio broadcasts, allowed the party to relay its message to a wider audience. They used simple slogans and imagery presenting Hitler as Germany’s saviour.

The SA and Violence

The SA (Sturmabteilung), the paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party, played a significant role in the Nazi success. They were used to intimidate opponents, break up rival political meetings, and provide security at Nazi events.
The presence of the SA helped to create an image of discipline, order, and power, which was attractive to many Germans feeling insecure in the unstable social and economic climate of the Weimar Republic.