Collapse Of Democracy 1928-33 Flashcards
(10 cards)
What happened on 24th and 29th October 1929?
24th Oct New York Stock exchange experienced worst ever fall in share priced in even that became known as ‘black thursday’
29th value of largest US companies fell by $10 billion
Impact start of US depression which spread around the world.
’ when america sneezes Europe catches a cold’
Impact on Germany of the depression?
German economy stagnating since 1928 as investment decreased. US loans following wall street crash dried up, and US banks that had given loans demanded German to repay immediately. Money was withdrawn from German economy in a time when it needed it the most.
1929-32 German exports declined by 62% and industrial output was 42% of 1928 level. Put Germany deep into depression.
Impact of depression on Germany?
Industrial production suffered bigger fall than other countries in Europe
Companies declared bankruptcy and made workers redundant
Unemployment jan 1933 8 million unemployed
White collar workers faced severe cuts in workforce and salaries reduced for those who kept their jobs
Farming had struggled even in golden age
Prices collapsed
Export of agricultural produce declined
Mary forced to give up farms when banks demanded repayment of loans
Farm labourers lost their jobs
The effect of poverty on society?
Mass unemployment had corrosive effect on German society
Despite advanced WR welfare system the welfare budget quickly overwhelmed limiting the number of payments that could be given out. Women given less than men and kids less than adults.
Towns dependent on single industry hit harder than those with more diverse economy.
Indicator of depression causing poverty is rise in conditions linked to malnutrition e.g. TB and rickets. Also by suicide rate going up and the appearance of shanty towns on the outskirts of big cities.
Hubert Knickerbocker an US journalist described the diet in depression in Germany as ‘too little to live on but too much to die from’.
Effect of depression on Brand-Erbisdorff?
Small town near Dresden that was a centre for glassworks. In 1931 after closing of glassworks almost half of town on benefits.
Most had been for over 2 years so didn’t qualify for state benefits and had to rely on much less generous relief from local authority
Impact of depression on youth?
Led to high rate of unemployment. In Hamburg 39% of males and 25.2% of females aged 14-25 unemployed
Gangs of young men with no jobs congregated in public spaces, alarming older middle class Germans
Impact of depression on juvenile crime?
Although overall juvenile crime rate didn’t increase, number of 14-25 year olds accused of crime did increase.
Number of young men charged with theft went up
Increasing rate of youths charged with offences against state went up. This included involvement in violent political demonstrations, reflecting the deteriorating political situation.
Impact of depression on political extremism?
Involvement of young men in extremist groups increased in depression
Kpd had some success recruiting unemployed youth to engage in street battles and political demonstrations
Organisations like SA and Hitler Youth offered unemployed young men and boys food, uniforms and shelter as well as excitement of street battles to alleviate boredom of unemployment.
Membership was unstable and most young men had no contact with political extremes, young women and girls even less involved.
Impact of depression on women?
In some ways fared better than men
Women as percentage of total workforce increased.
Reignited right wing campaign against ‘double earners’ led to 1932 act allowing married women in civil service to be dismissed.
Reich postal service dismissed 1000 married women. Cause for equal rights suffered in depression
Schemes to help unemployed youth?
Day centres provided training and social activity
Emergency labour schemes required youth to do unskilled labour for wages below legal minimum
Voluntary labour schemes sent youth to residential camps for 6 months vocational training
Aimed at keeping youth off the streets to maintain control rather than secure long term employment
