1 Führer Myth and Führer Movement 2 Hitler and the Nazi Party
The Nazi Party (NSDAP) arose in a völkisch-nationalistic environment and was able to fill assembly halls and conquer the street by means of its inflammatory style and unscrupulous use of violence. Hitler had almost no background and few characteristics that predestined him to become the »Führer«. His rise from an unknown soldier in the First World War to »Leader« of the Nazi Party rested on his propaganda activities and the expectations of his growing »following«. They saw in him the »German Mussolini« and the longed-for »Führer«. Despite the fact that the November putsch had failed in 1923 he was able to secure his dictatorial powers over the Nazi Party. Bolstered by a successful mobilization of the masses, he transformedthe NSDAP into a »Führer movement« based on his own personal following.
