The Wall Street Crash and Depression Effect on Germany Flashcards
Why were Germany hit by the Wall Street Crash?
The USA began to call in its loans, draining money out of Germany.
What happened in 1931?
A further financial crisis occurred with the collapse of a number of major banks.
What pushed the economy into further depression?
Chancellor Bruning followed a deflationary policy of wage and spending cuts.
Compared to 1929 what was the amount of industrial production in 1939?
It was just half of what is had been in 1929.
How many people were unemployed?
1 in 3 of all adult workers.
What did unemployment lead to?
Food shortages and strikes which lead to death from malnutrition and hypothermia.
What did this cause voters to do?
Turn to extremist parties as they blamed the Weimar.
In July 1932 what were more than half of votes cast for?
Anti-democratic parties.
Where did the Communists grow influence?
Berlin.
Who saw the rise of the communists as a threat?
The middle class.
What did this prompt Hitler to do?
To act as the only hope against the communists. He gained support from the army, the police, landowners and industrialists.
How did the Nazi’s campaign?
They portrayed Hitler as Germany’s ‘last hope.’
What had happened by May 1930?
Government by coalition had become impossible and government by decree had taken over.
What did Nazi propaganda focus on?
Groups worst hit by the depression - small businesses, shop keepers, farmers. Also young, educated middle class.
Why did Hitler appeal to all classes?
He was classless.
