Initially formed in 1922 as the Adolf Hitler Boys Storm Troop, the organisation adopted the name Hitler Youth in 1926. On 30 October 1931, Baldur von Schirach assumed leadership of the Hitler Youth. When the Nazis came to power in 1933, other youth groups were forcibly merged into the Hitler Youth and by the end of 1933 membership stood at just over 2 million. In December 1936, membership of the Hitler Youth became virtually compulsory for all boys and girls aged over 10 years - membership could only be avoided by not paying subscription fees, but this 'loophole' was relaxed in 1939 and membership increased to 8 million members by 1940.