Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 1 Early development of the…
Full specification wording
Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 1 Early development of the Nazi Party, 1920–22: Hitler’s early career: joining the German Workers’ Party and setting up the Nazi Party, 1919–20.
Hitler’s early career was defined by his transition from a soldier to a political leader between 1919 and 1920.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 2
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Hitler’s early career was defined by his transition from a soldier to a political leader between 1919 and 1920. Following the First World War, Hitler remained in the army as an intelligence agent and was assigned to monitor the German Workers’ Party (DAP) in Munich. Impressed by Anton Drexler’s nationalist and anti-Semitic views, Hitler joined the DAP in 1919. He quickly became its leading public speaker, drawing large crowds with his passionate attacks on the Treaty of Versailles. In 1920, Hitler and Drexler co-authored the 25-Point Programme, outlining the party's core beliefs. Shortly after, to broaden its appeal, the party was rebranded as the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), setting up the Nazi Party.
What earns the marks
- Explain Hitler's initial role as an army spy monitoring the DAP in 1919.
- Describe Hitler's rise within the DAP due to his powerful public speaking and organisational skills.
- Detail the creation of the 25-Point Programme in 1920 and its mix of nationalist and socialist ideas.
- Explain the rebranding of the DAP to the NSDAP (Nazi Party) to increase its appeal.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that Hitler founded the German Workers' Party (DAP).
Put it right: Clarify that Anton Drexler founded the DAP; Hitler joined it later.
Confusing the 25-Point Programme with later Nazi policies like the Final Solution.
Put it right: Focus on the specific demands of 1920, such as overturning the Treaty of Versailles and anti-Semitic citizenship laws.
Assuming the Nazi Party was immediately successful and large.
Put it right: Emphasise that in 1919-1920, it was a fringe, regional party based in Munich.
Exam tips
- Clearly distinguish between the DAP and the NSDAP, explaining when and why the name change occurred.
- Use the 25-Point Programme to demonstrate the early ideological foundations of the Nazi Party.
- Highlight Hitler's specific talents, particularly his oratory, in transforming the party's fortunes.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 1 Early development of the Nazi Party, 1920–22: Hitler’s early career: joining the German Workers’ Party and setting up the Nazi Party, 1919–20. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which political party did Adolf Hitler join in 1919, which he later helped transform into the Nazi Party?
Listen
Hitler’s early career was defined by his transition from a soldier to a political leader between 1919 and 1920. Following the First World War, Hitler remained in the army as an intelligence agent and was assigned to monitor the German Workers’ Party (DAP) in Munich. Impressed by Anton Drexler’s nationalist and anti-Semitic views, Hitler joined the DAP in 1919. He quickly became its leading public speaker, drawing large crowds with his passionate attacks on the Treaty of Versailles. In 1920, Hitler and Drexler co-authored the 25-Point Programme, outlining the party's core beliefs. Shortly after, to broaden its appeal, the party was rebranded as the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), setting up the Nazi Party. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain Hitler's initial role as an army spy monitoring the DAP in 1919. Describe Hitler's rise within the DAP due to his powerful public speaking and organisational skills. Detail the creation of the 25-Point Programme in 1920 and its mix of nationalist and socialist ideas. Explain the rebranding of the DAP to the NSDAP (Nazi Party) to increase its appeal. A common slip: Stating that Hitler founded the German Workers' Party (DAP). Instead, Clarify that Anton Drexler founded the DAP; Hitler joined it later. Exam tip: Clearly distinguish between the DAP and the NSDAP, explaining when and why the name change occurred.
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