On February 24, 1920, the German Nazi Party held its first meeting under the name National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) at the Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in Munich. Originally known as the German Workers' Party, it was at this gathering that the party officially adopted the term 'national socialism' after a proposal from Rudolf Jung, which diverged from Adolf Hitler's initial suggestion of naming the party the 'Social Revolutionary Party.' At the time, Hitler was merely a party member, and the president was Anton Drexler.

During these early meetings, Adolf Hitler began making speeches in various Munich taverns, which laid the groundwork for his rise within the party. Formal leadership would come later when, on July 28, 1921, Hitler was appointed president of the party. His ascent would lead to critical developments in Germany’s political landscape, ultimately culminating in the party's significant role in World War II and the Holocaust.

The adoption of 'national socialism' as part of the party name signaled a shift in ideology that emphasized nationalism intertwined with social policies aimed at the so-called Aryan race. This marked the beginning of a movement that would have profound implications not just for Germany, but for the entire world during the 20th century, as the Nazis implemented policies that contributed to extensive social and political turmoil, leading to devastating consequences across Europe.