The German Workers' Party, or Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (DAP), was founded in Munich in early 1919. The party emerged in the wake of Germany's defeat in World War I, a time characterized by social unrest, economic inflation, and political fragmentation. The founders, including Anton Drexler, sought to unify a discontented populace suffering from the consequences of the Treaty of Versailles and the economic instability that followed. The DAP was initially a small, fringe group, emphasizing themes of nationalism, anti-communism, and anti-Semitism, which resonated with many Germans feeling betrayed and economically marginalized.

Drexler, a key figure in the party's establishment, aimed to create a platform that advocated for the rights of German workers while promoting a vision rooted in a nationalist ideology. The party began to hold public meetings and rallies, gradually attracting attention and a growing membership. In this environment, Adolf Hitler, who had been sent to monitor the DAP for the army, would later become one of the most important figures in the party, transforming it through his oratory skills and radical ideas.

The transition from the DAP to the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) took place shortly after Hitler joined. The name change solidified their commitment to a broader and more radical ideology that encompassed not just worker rights but also a harsh critique of Jewish influence, promoting an aggressive nationalist agenda. This foundation was critical as the DAP morphed into a powerful political movement that would culminate in the NSDAP's control of Germany in the early 1930s, altering the nation's course dramatically.