Summary 5 - The appeal of communism between 1928 and 1932 Flashcards
The KPD received 10.6% of the vote in May 1928, what percentage of the vote did they receive in November 1932?
16.9%
Why did the KPD gain some support during the depression?
It acted against benefit cuts and organised marches against hunger.
How did the communists present themselves, particularly in relation to the violent encounters with the Nazi’s
The communists presented themselves as defenders of working class districts.
Give three KPD policies?
- Close cooperation with Russia
- The end of military spending
- The end to cuts in unemployment benefits and wages
What did the KPD blame for the depression?
Capitalism, they saw the depression as the last nail in capitalism’s coffin.
What did the KPD think that the depression would lead to?
They thought that the depression would lead to a workers revolution.
What was the KPD’s priority politically?
It aimed to undermine the SPD as the main party of the left.
How did the KPD successfully use propaganda?
They presented strong messages against capitalism and in favour of the workers taking control.
The SPD were portrayed as a tool of capitalism.
Why did the violence between the Red Fighters League and the Nazi’s increase support for the KPD?
The fighting demonstrated that the KPD were willing to stand up to the threat posed by the Nazi’s.
How close were the KPD to achieving a revolution?
The KPD never came close to achieving a revolution. Turnover of members was high and its support remained relatively restricted to industrial areas.
Were the KPD popular amongst women?
Support for the KPD from women was extremely limited.
Why did the KPD struggle financially?
Many of their supporters were unemployed thus the party struggled to raise money.
Why was the KPD’s focus on attacking the SPD disadvantageous to them?
It meant that they missed valuable opportunities to attack the Nazi’s, who posed a more serious threat to them.
