Early Supporters
Adolf Hitler rose to power in the early to mid-1920s, a time of unprecedented political and social upheaval in Germany. His rise was partly a result of support he received from powerful figures and influential organizations. One of the earliest high-profile individuals to endorse Hitler was the revered nationalist writer and public figure Houston Stewart Chamberlain. Chamberlain was one of the most influential German writers of the period, and he praised Hitler’s views on German nationalism. In an article for the Völkischer Beobachter, Chamberlain wrote that Hitler was the “man of the hour” and would be the “refreshing spring wind” that would bring Germany back to life.
Hitler also gained the support of the German army. General Erich Ludendorff was one of the key military figures of World War I and was hugely influential in the political and military circles of German society. He became a key early supporter of Hitler, recognizing the political and military potential of the young leader. Ludendorff was convinced that Hitler was the right man to lead Germany towards a brighter future.
Political and Economic Allies
Another key early ally was Alfred Hugenberg, a leading industrialist and prominent politician of the Weimar Republic era. Hugenberg was an outspoken opponent of the Weimar government, accusing it of betraying German national interests. He initially supported the Kapp Putsch of 1920, an attempted coup by nationalist forces against the Weimar government. Hugenberg and his allies formed a political alliance with Hitler and the Nazi Party, which was known as the Harzburg Front. The Harzburg Front provided Hitler and the Nazis with the political and economic support that they needed to gain power in Germany.
The economic influencers also included prominent bankers and industrialists, who found Hitler’s ideas of national socialism attractive. Jakob Goldschmidt, a Jewish banker who had fled Nazi Germany, wrote that the bankers and industrialists had seen Hitler as a potential saviour and a great reliable ally. He said that they believed that Hitler would be able to stop the bolsheviks and communists who were gaining increasing political power.
Heritage and Traditionalists
Traditionalist forces in Germany also looked to Hitler as a saviour of their vision of Germany. This group of supporters included aristocrats and members of the traditional elite. The idea of a racially pure German nation was appealing to them, as was Hitler’s promise to protect the traditional values of Germany.
Hitler also found favour with religious groups. Although not a religious man himself, he was able to channel the religious ideals of many Germans to his own advantage. He was capable of presenting himself as an almost messianic figure, and many Germans felt that he was capable of restoring German pride and prestige.
Media and Propaganda
Hitler also had the support of a powerful media machine. Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Minister for Propaganda, was instrumental in creating a positive image of Hitler in the German public. Goebbels’ skilled use of propaganda and media manipulation was hugely effective. Hitler’s charismatic public persona and his use of powerful oratory made him a popular figure in German society.
The Nazis also benefited from the support of major newspapers and magazines. Many influential publications, such as Der Stürmer and Völkischer Beobachter, glorified Hitler’s achievements and presented a positive image of the leader. These publications provided the Nazis with access to a wide audience, and helped to spread their message of German nationalism and anti-communism.
Violence and Intimidation
The Nazis also used violence and intimidation to gain and maintain power. The Sturmabteilung (SA), an early paramilitary force, played an important role in Hitler’s rise to power. The SA, also known as the “brownshirts”, were responsible for violent attacks against the political opponents of the Nazis. They were also influential in intimidating voters during elections.
The Schutzstaffel (SS) was another powerful paramilitary force that played an important role in the rise of Hitler. The SS was an elite, heavily armed unit and had the authority to arrest and detain political opponents of the Nazis. The SS was also responsible for the deportation, oppression and mass murder of millions of Jews, homosexuals and other minorities during the Nazi era.
General Public Support
In addition to the groups mentioned above, the Nazi Party gained popular support from large sections of German society. Hitler’s promises of a better and more prosperous Germany appealed to the millions of economically depressed Germans. He also garnered widespread support from the people who wanted a strong and powerful government.
The Nazi Party also benefited from a growing feeling of national pride. The humiliating terms of the Treaty of Versailles had been in place for years, and there were many who wanted this to be overturned. Hitler and the Nazis promised to restore German greatness and pride, and this was an attractive idea for many Germans.
Alliances With Other Countries
Hitler and the Nazi Party also forged strategic alliances with countries such as Italy and Japan that had similar authoritarian regimes. These countries saw an opportunity to further their own aims by supporting Nazi Germany, and they became key allies. Hitler was also able to influence politics in other countries and was able to build strong economic relationships.
The Nazis also sought support from the leaders of other countries. Throughout the 1930s, Hitler made several trips to countries such as England, France and the United States in an attempt to gain their support. Although he was not entirely successful, he was able to attract some foreign investment and foreign backing for his policies.
Conclusion of Allies
The success of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party was largely due to the support of powerful figures and influential organizations who saw Hitler as the answer to Germany’s problems. From the military and economic support of the elite to the violent tactics of the paramilitary forces, Hitler and the Nazis were able to stay in power until the end of World War II. The legacy of Hitler, and his supporters, is still felt around the world today.
