Why did the Nazis have little success before 1930?

Another problem was that Hitler's image and ideas were unpopular in this period, decreasing the appeal of the Nazi party. Many people thought that he looked comical, and his appearance was often compared to that of Charlie Chaplin because of his moustache. His voice was harsh, having been damaged by mustard gas in the First World War, which caused many to think that his speech seemed crazed. Although some thought his words were powerful, many people saw it a sign of lunacy and instability. Also his racist ideas - that Aryans were a master race and all other races (especially Jews) were inferior - were unpopular with many people, as there were many Jews in Germany and anti-Semitism did not always gain support.

The reputation of the Nazis and several of their policies also did not gain the support of many social classes. The middle class, who were worried about revolution, were more conservative and restrained and associated law-breaking with the Nazis and found Hitler too violent. The lower and working classes supported either Socialism or Communism. The Nazis were really seen as a small Bavarian party, only really having support in Munich, and lacking the funds to mount a proper campaign. In addition, it was commonly felt that if the party could not manage to take power in Munich, then they would not be successful in controlling the whole of Germany.

The success of the Weimar Republic between 1924 and 1929 was another important factor in the lack of success of the Nazis. This was mainly due to the work of the chancellor at that time, Gustav Stresemann. He believed that Germany could regain its status by co-operating with other nations. Although many people criticised Stresemann for this, he felt that by co-operating he would be more likely to eliminate the Treaty of Versailles. Stresemann achieved both economic stability, through creating a new currency and by agreeing to the Dawes plan, in which Germany could spread out the payment of reparations, allowing Germany to pay them only when it was able, and stability in foreign policy. In 1925 Stresemann led Germany in the signing of the Locarno pact, in which France, Germany and Belgium agreed not to attack each other or change their borders and he also joined the League of Nations. This success made it very difficult for extreme parties such as the Nazis to get votes and seats in the Reichstag. The German people became better off, and were content with the system of the Weimar Republic, and so did not feel the need to vote for revolutionaries and extreme political solutions.

All of these factors were important in the lack of success of the Nazi party before 1930, but I think that the most important factor was the strength of the Weimar republic during the period. This meant that there was no need for extremist parties such as the Nazi party, and so it was very difficult for them to gain support, as their fundamental policies were not as relevant as they were later, when Germany was gripped by hyperinflation and unemployment. However, although the Weimar government seemed to be doing well, there were many underlying problems and all it took was one tipping point to bring the entire government down and when the Wall Street Crash occurred, the Nazi party, having prepared themselves, were ready to swoop in and take power.

Why did the Nazis have little success before 1930?