The role of the SA
The Also known as Storm Troopers or Brown shirts. A military style organisation of the Nazi party formed in 1921 under Hitler. played a part in the Nazis’ increasing popularity by:
- intimidating the Nazis’ political opponents – especially the communists – by turning up at their meetings and attacking them
- providing opportunities for young, unemployed men to become involved in the party
- protecting Hitler and other key Nazis when they organised meetings and made speeches
By 1932, there were 400,000 members of the SA.
Attacking the Treaty of Versailles
The Nazis had consistently attacked the Treaty, calling it a An order imposed by someone in power without popular consent. that had been imposed on the German people, not only by the victorious During World War One, from 1917, the Allies were Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan and the USA. In World War Two the Allies initially included France, Poland and the UK but they were joined by USSR and USA. France was defeated in 1940 and further nations joined the group. However, Italy and Japan were enemies., but also by the new Weimar government who had signed it. Hitler promised to discard the restrictions of the Treaty and restore Germany’s armed forces and its position of strength and pride in international affairs. Hitler also promised to ignore the payment of reparations.