Fuhrerprinzip
The Fuhrerprinzip
The Fuhrerprinzip originates from Hitler’s planning whilst in prison. It relates to the structure of the party and the dominance of the leader. This was a policy of dedication to and obedience of the Fuhrer (leader) and as such became known as the Fuhrerprinzip.
Whilst in Landsberg jail (1924) Hitler realised that a number of issues must be resolved in order for his party to remain, not only intact, but be able to move forward and become a genuine contender within the Weimar political arena. If he was eventually to become chancellor he accepted that he must use the legal structures as set out within the Weimar Constitution (1919) and make a number of ‘adjustments’ within the party.
Aims (1924)
* Unite the party after his release from prison.
* Consolidate party manifesto – as was based on his ideas set out in Mein Kampf
* Gain more seats in the Reichstag for the the Nazi party.
Principles of Obedience, The Fuhrerprinzip
1. Hitler was the sole authority within the party
2. Hitler will not share power with anyone else within or outside of the party.
3. Hitler’s decision is final
4. Power was not devolved to others – Hitler was the guardian of power, acting in Germany’s best interests.
5. Others would act out and achieve his aims – this was called acting in the will of the Fuhrer. Many of Hitler’s ideas were rarely set out on paper and so through this vague platform many of his Generals and ministers created what they felt was what he wanted.
6. He would only intervene in the party when necessary – the natural running of the party will be managed by others taking his direct orders
7. (From 1926) The party will follow the 25-point charter
8. Appeal for the party was manifestly interlinked with attraction to the party – attraction to success and the future Germany.
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