1929 - 1933 (Reichstag Fire) Flashcards
(27 cards)
What were the causes of the wall street crash?
Speculation on the US stock market during the 1920s.
Shares became overvalued; panic selling led to collapse.
What is the significance of the wall street crash?
Triggered a global economic crisis.
US banks called back loans from abroad, including from Germany (Dawes Plan loans).
What were the consequences of the wall street crash?
German economy collapsed — heavily dependent on American loans.
Businesses closed, unemployment soared.
Created widespread suffering and loss of faith in democracy.
What were the details of the wall street crash?
4 October 1929 = “Black Thursday”
US loans recalled from Germany led to a banking crisis and industrial decline.
Over 6 million Germans unemployed by 1932.
Causes to the Great Depression?
Wall Street Crash caused collapse of American lending to Germany.
Germany’s economy was built on fragile foundations (foreign loans, reparations).
What was the significance of the Great Depression?
Weimar government seen as weak and unable to handle crisis.
Extremist parties (Nazis and Communists) gained support.
Consequences of the Great Depression?
Massive unemployment and poverty.
Collapse of public services, businesses, and banks.
Paved the way for Hitler’s rise — he promised jobs, stability, and strength.
What were the action of Gustav Stressmann?
Introduced Rentenmark (1923) to end hyperinflation.
Negotiated Dawes Plan (1924): loans from USA and restructured reparations.
Died in 1929 — just before the Depression struck.
Significance of Gustav Stresemann?
Stabilised economy (e.g. Rentenmark, Dawes Plan).
Improved international relations (Locarno Pact, League of Nations).
What lead to the appointment of Gustav Stressmann?
Germany in crisis after hyperinflation and Ruhr occupation.
Stresemann appointed Chancellor (1923), then Foreign Minister.
What happened in the 1930 Reichstag elections?
The Nazi Party rose from 12 seats in 1928 to 107 seats, becoming the second-largest party behind the SPD.
Why were the 1930 elections important for the Nazis?
It was their first major electoral breakthrough, showing that the Great Depression had shifted public support away from democratic parties.
How did the Nazis use propaganda to gain support?
Joseph Goebbels led a powerful campaign using posters, radio, films, and mass rallies, focusing on unity, anti-communism, and blaming Jews and the Treaty of Versailles.
What role did the SA (Brownshirts) play?
They created an image of discipline and order while intimidating political rivals, especially communists and socialists, to weaken opposition.
What was General von Schleicher’s role in 1932–33?
A military advisor who became Chancellor after von Papen. He failed to gain support from the Reichstag or unite the right wing. Hindenburg lost confidence and dismissed him.
Why was Hitler appointed Chancellor despite the Nazis not having an outright majority?
Conservatives like Franz von Papen believed they could control Hitler and use his popularity to stabilize Germany.
How did Hitler use his position after becoming Chancellor?
He quickly moved to consolidate power, using the Reichstag Fire Decree and the Enabling Act to establish a dictatorship.
Why was Hitler’s appointment a turning point?
It marked the end of the Weimar Republic and the beginning of Nazi dictatorship.
When did Hitler become Chancellor of Germany?
On 30 January 1933.
What were the limits to Hitler’s power?
Hindenburg kept all presidential powers. Hitler’s cabinet of twelve included only two other Nazis. Only a third of the Reichstag members were Nazis.
What was the significance of this deal?
What was the significance of this deal?
What was the Reichstag Fire?
The burning of the German parliament building (Reichstag) on 27 February 1933.
Who was blamed for the fire?
A Dutch communist named Marinus van der Lubbe was arrested and blamed for the fire.
Why was the Reichstag Fire significant?
It was used by Hitler to claim a communist plot to overthrow the government, creating fear of a communist revolution.
