German Workers’ Party

The German Workers’ Party was an obscure

political group that the German Army asked Intelligence Officer Hitler to investigate.

Instead he ended up joining the party and

leading it.

Hitler’s speeches

One of the main reasons that Hitler took control of the

party was his public speaking; he was very

passionate and attracted strong support.

This was true throughout his time as Nazi and German

leader.

Hitler’s ideas

Hitler’s ideas – as described in Mein Kampf - agreed with what many

Germans believed.

He wanted a strong, united Germany, to end

the Treaty of Versailles and was also very anti-

Semitic.

Hitler’s organisation

Hitler also showed himself to be an excellent

organiser, capable of getting work completed.

The Nazi Party reorganisation was

either led by him, or the people he recruited.

Arguments for influence

Hitler was the heart of the Nazi Party – without him

the party would never have succeeded.

Even if he did not fully control all events, only he

was skilful enough to exploit them.

Arguments against influence

Many of the reasons for Hitler’s success and

support were outwith his control.

The Treaty of Versailles was hated across Germany, not just by the Nazis. And

economic problems came from elsewhere.