How did hitler convince Germans to follow to National Socialist Party?

Through both coercion and a newfound sense of pride and community within Germany. By playing on post WW1 fears of economic downturn, weak government and a weak Germany internationally, Hitler promised to restore Germany to its rightful place as a respected world power. 

This was achieved by creating jobs with large nationalised infrastructure and manufacturing projects and a sense of national community - the “volksgemeinschaft”. This identity meant that Germans worked not for themselves, but for the greatness of Germany, meaning everyone had an identity as a creator of German pride - filling the identity void that had been increasingly present since WW1. Furthermore, opposition leaders, groups and dissenting voices were persecuted, placed in political concentration camps or assaulted. This combined with a constant presence of force - the SA (brownshirts) coerced those who may have disagreed to keep their thoughts behind closed doors whilst Hitler increased his influence over the German population through a combination of rousing speeches and daring international political moves (such as rearmament).

Answered by Sam H. History tutor

1911 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

Examine the ways in which Henry VII responded to the problem of his consolidation of power in the years 1485 to 1490, and whether or not he was successful.


How do I revise for a subject like History?


Explain the main features of the Weimar Constitution.


"“How can I prepare for and approach the synoptic essay question in paper 1 of the NI CCEA A Level History Paper on Communist/Capitalist conflict in the period 1917-1991?”


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences