Collapse of Democracy (1928-33) Flashcards
(14 cards)
What triggered Germany’s collapse in october 1929?
The Wall Street Crash, which ended US loans and plunged Germany into depression
Evidence: unepmployment soared from 1.8 million to over 6 million by 1932
Why were presidential decrees used more after 1930?
Bruning lacked majority support in the Reichstag
How did the Depression increase support for extremist parties?
Economic despair made people turn to radical solutions
Evidence: Nazi vote increased from 2.6% in 1928 to 37.3% by 1932
What was the SA and its role in this period?
Nazi paramilitary wing used to intimidate opponents and create chaos
Evidene: by 1932, the SA had 400,000 members
How did propaganda contribute to Nazi popularity?
Emphasised nationalism, anti-communism and Hitler’s leadership
Evidence: Goebbels masterminded effective use of radio, posters and rallies
Why was Hitler appointed Chancellor in Jan 1933?
Due to elite manipulation (backstairs intrigue) and underestimation of Hitler
Evidence: Von Papen believed he could control Hitler in a conservative-led cabinet
What was the Reichstag Fire in 1933?
A communist was blamed for burning the Reichstag - helping the Nazi cause
Evidence: The Decree for the Protection of the People and state followed, suspending civil liberties
How did the Nazis secure the Enabling Act?
By suppressing Communists and securing support from the centre party
Evidence: it was passed with 444 votes to 94
What was the role of the SA and SS in early Nazi rule?
Used to arrest and detain political opponents and instil fear
Evidence: SA set up early concentration camps (Dachau)
How did Hindenburg’s role aid Hitler’s rise?
He appointed Hitler, used article 48, and didnt block a Nazi takeover
How did Communism help fuel Nazi fears?
Middle and upper class Germans feared a bolshevik revolution
Evidence: KPD support was at 16.9% in 1932
What was Backstairs Intrigue?
Negotiations among Papen, Hindenburg and others to appoint Hitler for their own ends
Evidence: Papen told Hindenburg “we have hired him”
What was the Nazi strategy in the July 1932 election?
A present Hitler was Germany’s saviour; Nazis became the largest party
Evidence: Nazis won 230 seats, but Hindenburg still refused to appoint Hitler
What state was democracy in by maarch 1933?
Effectively dead; the Nazis used legal means to dismantle Weimar democracy
Evidence: All opposition banned, trade unions dissolved, press censored
