Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 3 The growth in support for…
Full specification wording
Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 3 The growth in support for the Nazis, 1929–32: Reasons for the growth in support for the Nazi Party, including the appeal of Hitler and the Nazis, the effects of propaganda and the work of the SA.
Between 1929 and 1932, Nazi support surged due to several key factors.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Between 1929 and 1932, Nazi support surged due to several key factors. The appeal of Hitler was central; he was presented as a charismatic saviour who could unite Germany and overturn the Treaty of Versailles. The Nazis appealed to various groups by tailoring their messages, promising farmers higher prices and businesses protection from communism. Propaganda, orchestrated by Goebbels, amplified this appeal through modern techniques like radio, rallies, and posters. Meanwhile, the SA (Sturmabteilung) played a crucial role by intimidating political opponents, particularly communists, and projecting an image of discipline and order during a time of economic chaos, making the Nazis appear as the only force capable of restoring stability.
What earns the marks
- Explain how Hitler's charismatic speaking style and image as a strong leader appealed to a population disillusioned with Weimar politicians.
- Detail how Nazi propaganda, led by Goebbels, used modern technology and targeted messaging to appeal to specific groups like farmers and businessmen.
- Describe the role of the SA in disrupting opposition meetings and creating an impression of discipline and anti-communist strength.
- Link the growth in support directly to the context of the Great Depression, which made the Nazi promises of bread and work highly attractive.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that the Nazis won a majority of the vote before 1933.
Put it right: Clarify that the Nazis never won an outright majority in a free election, peaking at 37.3% in July 1932.
Claiming the SA only caused chaos.
Put it right: Explain that while the SA used violence, they also projected an image of order and discipline that appealed to many Germans fearing communist revolution.
Ignoring the specific targeting of propaganda.
Put it right: Emphasise that propaganda was highly tailored, offering different promises to different social classes rather than a single generic message.
Exam tips
- When explaining the growth in support, ensure you link the actions of the Nazis directly to why people voted for them.
- Use specific examples of propaganda methods, such as the use of aeroplanes for Hitler's speaking tours or specific poster slogans.
- Evaluate the relative importance of different factors; for example, how the appeal of Hitler was amplified by the work of the SA.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 3 The growth in support for the Nazis, 1929–32: Reasons for the growth in support for the Nazi Party, including the appeal of Hitler and the Nazis, the effects of propaganda and the work of the SA. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was a primary role of the Sturmabteilung (SA) in increasing support for the Nazi Party between 1929 and 1932?
Listen
Between 1929 and 1932, Nazi support surged due to several key factors. The appeal of Hitler was central; he was presented as a charismatic saviour who could unite Germany and overturn the Treaty of Versailles. The Nazis appealed to various groups by tailoring their messages, promising farmers higher prices and businesses protection from communism. Propaganda, orchestrated by Goebbels, amplified this appeal through modern techniques like radio, rallies, and posters. Meanwhile, the SA (Sturmabteilung) played a crucial role by intimidating political opponents, particularly communists, and projecting an image of discipline and order during a time of economic chaos, making the Nazis appear as the only force capable of restoring stability. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain how Hitler's charismatic speaking style and image as a strong leader appealed to a population disillusioned with Weimar politicians. Detail how Nazi propaganda, led by Goebbels, used modern technology and targeted messaging to appeal to specific groups like farmers and businessmen. Describe the role of the SA in disrupting opposition meetings and creating an impression of discipline and anti-communist strength. Link the growth in support directly to the context of the Great Depression, which made the Nazi promises of bread and work highly attractive. A common slip: Stating that the Nazis won a majority of the vote before 1933. Instead, Clarify that the Nazis never won an outright majority in a free election, peaking at 37.3% in July 1932. Exam tip: When explaining the growth in support, ensure you link the actions of the Nazis directly to why people voted for them.
See it
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 3 The growth in support for the Nazis, 1929–32: Reasons for the growth in support for the Nazi Party, including the appeal of Hitler and the Nazis, the effects of propaganda and the work of the SA.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge