Germany and the Depression Flashcards
(38 cards)
Which two events occurred in 1929 that had devastating impacts on Germany?
- Stresemann died of a stroke on the 3rd October 1929
- On the 29th October 1929, the Wall Street Crash occurred in America
What caused the Depression in Germany?
In 1929, America experienced the greatest stock market crash in its history, causing a global depression
America grew rich after WW1 by manufacturing goods such as cars and fridges and selling them abroad
Regular Americans had leftover money from their high salaries, and invested into shares in companies, hoping they would make a profit
Some even borrowed money from banks to invest further
However, in October the Wall Street Crash occurred, as many Americans made less money than they hoped, and sold their shares
Share prices dropped as more people tried to sell theirs
Millions of Americans could not sell their shares for as much as they paid for them, and were put in debt
Soon, many Americans could not afford new goods, and companies went out business, causing millions to lose their jobs
America called back the loans they gave to Germany, causing German banks to go bankrupt
Germans lost their jobs and homes; the middle class had lost all of their savings for the second time in a decade
Why did the Nazis benefit from the Depression?
Unemployment and hunger changed how German people behaved
Millions blamed the Weimar Government
People were more prepared to listen to radical ideas, such as the communists and Nazis who promised solutions to the problems Germany was facing
It was the same message, but more people were willing to accept it
What two things did the Nazis promise the German people?
Work and bread
How did the failure of the Weimar government cause growth in support for the Nazis?
Weimar politicians struggled to solve Germany’s problems; they argued too much and achieved too little
Brüning and Müller were both Chancellor but had little impact
Brüning resigned after a dispute with President Hindenburg about giving land to peasants (Hindenburg did not want to donate land)
For many Germans, the current democratic system in Weimar Germany was simply not adequate, and they were being drawn towards more extreme parties, such as the Nazis.
How did the appeal of Hitler himself aid in the growth of the Nazi party?
Hitler had a charismatic personality, and made people trust his words
Many believed he would be able to transform Germany into a powerful nation once again
An inspiring speaker, Hitler captivated audiences and filled them with hope
How did the fear of communism help the Nazi party to grow?
Communist uprisings were becoming more prevalent in Germany, and were successful in other countries such as Russia, where they led to revolution
Middle and upper class Germans (such as businessmen and landowners) feared communists , as they did not want to lose the status and wealth they had worked for
Communists did not believe in religious institutions, so catholics and churchgoers were fearful too
Hitler promised to deal with this threat by fighting communist gangs with his SA, gaining him support from the middle and upper classes
How did the reorganisation of the Nazi party aid in its growth?
After the failure of the Munich Putsch, Hitler knew that he had to win power democratically, rather than by force
The Nazis spread their political ideas through persuasion and intimidation:
- Nazi party offices set up to recruit new followers and members of the SA
- Propaganda used in all forms of media to influence how German people thought
- Joseph Goebbels became chief Nazi propagandist in 1928
- Hitler took part in parades and gave speeches at rallies
- Hitler Youth organisation created to encourage younger followers
The Nazi party made itself appear organised, disciplined and modern during a time of chaos in Germany
Why did farmers vote for the Nazis?
Farmers heavily impacted by the Depression, had to lower prices as people were buying less food, not supported by the Weimar government, feared communists who would seize their land, Nazis promised them higher prices and better quality of life / status in society
Why did women support the Nazis?
Nazis believed family life, morals and self-discipline were important values, which women agreed with
Many women also disproved of Weimar culture, which the Nazis promised to change
Why did the Middle Class support the Nazis?
Wages cut by Government during the Depression, unemployed youth prevalent, feared communists, disliked indecisive Weimar government, Nazis promised to be decisive and disciplined + deal with the communist threat
Why did soldiers + the youth support the Nazis
Hitler was an ex-soldier who valued military strength and wanted to make Germany powerful again - would tear up the Treaty of Versailles
Youth were interested in the job opportunities that Hitler promised, and were impressionable so easily influenced by Hitler’s charismatic way of speaking
Why did the upper class + rich factory owners support the Nazi Party?
Nazis promised them strong leadership and the return of what Germany used to be - a strong, respected nation
Promised them opportunities to make even more money by building military resources and vehicles
Nazis fought communists who threatened to take their businesses
How were the parties represented in the Reichstag in September 1930?
Social democrats had the highest number of seats, 143
No single party had a majority, so Heinrich Brüning, part of a coalition in the Centre Party, became Chancellor
However, the Nazis gained more seats that expected - 108 (compared to 12 two years before)
What did the Nazis do after gaining more seats than expected?
The Nazis worked hard to maintain their image after this success, using propaganda and mass rallies to increase their support further
Hitler’s private army, the S.A., clashed with communist armies and those from other parties
The violence on the streets at this time was proof to many that the Weimar government was failing
When does Brüning resign, and Von Papen is appointed?
July 1932
What did Von Papen do as soon as he came to power?
Called an election hoping to gain more support
Nazis became the largest party
Hitler demanded the Chancellor’s job
Hindenburg uses his emergency power to keep Von Papen as Chancellor
What happens in November 1932?
Nazis lost seats but still largest party
Centre party lost seats
Von Papen resigns, and Hindenburg replaces him with Kurt Von Schleicher
What happens in January 1933?
Schleider had no support, so he resigned too
Hindenburg had no other options, so appointed Hitler as Chancellor of Germany on the 30th
When did Hitler become Chancellor of Germany?
30th January 1933
What did Hindenburg try to do to limit Hitler’s power as Chancellor?
Hitler was only allowed two fellow Nazis in the cabinet
Von Papen returned as Vice Chancellor
Hindenburg believed he could control Hitler, but was very wrong 😳
When did the Reichstag burn down?
27th February 1933
What happened immediately after Hitler came to power?
In February 1933 he called an election, hoping to win a majority in the Reichstag
A week before voting, the Reichstag mysteriously burned down
Hitler blamed the event on a Dutch communist, Marius Van der Lubbe, and cited it as the start of a communist plot to take over
Who started the Reichstag fire, according to Nazi officials?
Marius Van der lubbe, a Dutch communist
