Write an account of the Nazis’ development in the period 1924 to 1928 (15)
Between 1924 and 1928, the Nazi Party shifted its strategy following the failed Munich Putsch in 1923. After being imprisoned for the attempted coup, Hitler used his time in jail to write Mein Kampf, which outlined his vision for Germany, focusing on nationalism, anti-Semitism, and the concept of an “Aryan” race. Released in late 1924, Hitler realized that seizing power by force was unlikely, especially as the Weimar Republic stabilized under Chancellor Gustav Stresemann. Instead, Hitler pursued a strategy of gaining power legally, through public support and elections. This marked a turning point, as the Nazis began organizing systematically to win political influence rather than relying on violence.
To strengthen the party’s unity and direction, Hitler reorganised the party and created a number of affiliated groups such as the Hitler youth and the SS which would become Hitler personal bodyguard under Heinrich Himmler. In 1926 Hitler called the Bamberg Conference. At Bamberg, Hitler reinforced his position as the party’s absolute leader, (Fuhrer) emphasizing his vision and rejecting the more socialist ideas, which he believed would deter middle-class support. This conference was crucial in reestablishing Hitler’s control over the party and ensuring ideological consistency. Hitler also appointed regional leaders, or Gauleiters, who coordinated propaganda and party activities throughout Germany, building a cohesive, disciplined organization. Joseph Goebbels for example was gauleiter of Berlin. Goebbels had also been given full control of Nazi propaganda from 1924 and he produced a new newspaper in 1927 in Berlin entitled’Der Angriff’ (The attack) to target more German workers.
However, due to greater economic stability during these “Golden Years,” few Germans turned to extremism. This was reflected in the 1928 Reichstag elections, where the Nazis won only 2.6% of the vote which equated to only 12 seats and some were saying the Nazis were on the ‘lunatic fringe of German politics’. Despite their limited success in 1928, the period from 1924 to 1928 allowed the Nazis to establish a strong organizational structure and ideological platform. The unity achieved at the Bamberg Conference would later prove critical as the Nazi Party rapidly gained support during the economic crisis of the Great Depression after 1929.
To strengthen the party’s unity and direction, Hitler reorganised the party and created a number of affiliated groups such as the Hitler youth and the SS which would become Hitler personal bodyguard under Heinrich Himmler. In 1926 Hitler called the Bamberg Conference. At Bamberg, Hitler reinforced his position as the party’s absolute leader, (Fuhrer) emphasizing his vision and rejecting the more socialist ideas, which he believed would deter middle-class support. This conference was crucial in reestablishing Hitler’s control over the party and ensuring ideological consistency. Hitler also appointed regional leaders, or Gauleiters, who coordinated propaganda and party activities throughout Germany, building a cohesive, disciplined organization. Joseph Goebbels for example was gauleiter of Berlin. Goebbels had also been given full control of Nazi propaganda from 1924 and he produced a new newspaper in 1927 in Berlin entitled’Der Angriff’ (The attack) to target more German workers.
However, due to greater economic stability during these “Golden Years,” few Germans turned to extremism. This was reflected in the 1928 Reichstag elections, where the Nazis won only 2.6% of the vote which equated to only 12 seats and some were saying the Nazis were on the ‘lunatic fringe of German politics’. Despite their limited success in 1928, the period from 1924 to 1928 allowed the Nazis to establish a strong organizational structure and ideological platform. The unity achieved at the Bamberg Conference would later prove critical as the Nazi Party rapidly gained support during the economic crisis of the Great Depression after 1929.
