Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 2 The Munich Putsch and the…

The idea

Between 1924 and 1928, Nazi electoral support remained limited, largely due to the economic recovery and political stability of the 'Golden Age' under Stresemann. The introduction of the Rentenmark and the Dawes Plan reduced extremist appeal, leaving the Nazis with just 12 Reichstag seats in 1928. Despite this, Hitler focused on extensive party reorganisation. He established a national network of Gauleiters to run regional branches and created the SS as a loyal bodyguard. The pivotal 1926 Bamberg Conference allowed Hitler to reassert his absolute authority, marginalising the socialist-leaning northern faction led by Gregor Strasser in favour of the nationalist, anti-Semitic southern faction, creating a highly disciplined machine.

What earns the marks

• Explain how Stresemann's economic policies, such as the Dawes Plan, reduced the appeal of extremist parties like the Nazis.
• Describe the structural reorganisation of the party, including the creation of Gauleiters to build a nationwide presence.
• Identify the formation of the SS and the Hitler Youth as key elements of expanding the party's organisational reach.
• Analyse the significance of the Bamberg Conference in centralising Hitler's power and defeating the socialist wing of the party.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming the Nazi Party was inactive or declining internally between 1924 and 1928.

  Put it right: Highlight that while electoral support was low, this was a crucial period of internal growth, restructuring, and consolidation of leadership.

• Confusing the outcomes of the Bamberg Conference.

  Put it right: Ensure it is clear that Hitler defeated the socialist-leaning northern faction and cemented the nationalist, anti-Semitic agenda.

• Attributing the lack of support solely to Hitler's imprisonment.

  Put it right: Focus on the broader context of Weimar's economic recovery and political stability under Stresemann as the primary reason for reduced extremist support.

Exam tips

• Use the phrase 'lean years' to describe this period, but always balance the lack of electoral success with the vital internal reorganisation that took place.
• When discussing the Bamberg Conference, explicitly mention the ideological split between the northern and southern factions of the party to show depth of knowledge.
• Connect the creation of the Gauleiter system to the party's later ability to campaign effectively on a national scale once the Depression hit.