Who was the founder of the German Workers' Party, which later evolved into the National-Socialist German Workers' (Nazi) Party?

Anton Drexler, a toolmaker by trade, founded the German Workers' Party on January 5, 1919 in a hotel in Munich. He also served as the Party's first chairman. The Party was formed at a time when the nation was looking for answers in the aftermath of Germany's defeat in WW I. The name lasted only until February 1920 when it was changed to the National Socialist German Workers' Party. It initially had a very small following. At one early meeting, only ten members were present. Drexler was a far-right nationalist. He also was an anti-semite. His goal was to form a party which was nationalistic but anti-monarchist and based on mass appeal.

Adolph Hitler, while still in the German Army, attended a Party meeting on September 12, 1919 as an assignment to evaluate the Party's political leanings. He was attracted to the group's nationalistic, anti-semite, anti-capitalist, and anti-marxist leanings. During an argument, Hitler impressed the group with his oratory skills and was invited to join. He became the Party's 55th member.

Hitler quickly gained influence, easily sidelining Drexler. Due to Hitler's influence, the Party was renamed to appeal to a broader spectrum of the population on February 24, 1920. Attempts to thwart Hitler failed. By1921, Hitler was the undisputed leader. Drexler resigned from the Party in 1923. Drexler later rejoined the Nazis but had no further real power. He died in Munich on February 24, 1942.