January 5 1918 Nazi Party Foundation Formed

On January 5th 1918, the formation of the German political party, “Freier Ausschuss für einen deutschen Arbeiterfrieden” took place. Translated, it means “Free Committee for a German Workers’ Peace.” While the name may not be of much significance by itself, it is historically significant in that it was the foundation for what would in the 1920s become the NSDAP, and later the infamous Nazi Party.

The party was founded in Bremen, Germany and soon caused widespread sproutings of similar parties, among those one started in Munich by Antony Drexler. The party was part of a growing number of volkisch movements, which were based on a Romantic nationalistic pride for Germany, and a focus on German history and folklore in the face of the declining power of Emperor Wilhelm II. While many were generally peaceful, some had extremist roots, a key characteristic of the NSDAP.

In the face of German surrender in late 1918, Drexler formed the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, or the DAP. Into the 1920s, the party was a key player in the formation and spreading of the “stab in the back myth,” planted in German culture to suggest that politically powerful socialist parties like the SPD were responsible for the loss of the war. The creation of the post-war German democracy, and the abdication of Emperor Wilhelm II, saw socialist parties rise to prominence within the government and gain key seats in the German Parliament. The DAP, on the other hand, were of no real political significance until later on.

Adolf Hitler’s involvement in the party came out of pure irony when, as a corporal, he was sent by Army Intelligence to investigate the party due to the suspicions of the party’s extremist acts. While attending party meetings, he was noticed for his oratory skills and invited to join the party. The future dictator became the 55th member of the DAP, which became the NSDAP in 1920 in an attempt to gain greater political significance. Hitler’s quick rise to power within the party made no real impact on the party’s success in the German political framework until 1930, mainly due to the influence of powerful right-wing supporters the likes of President Hindenberg.