Topic 4: The impact of the depression

Question 1

What was the wall street crash?

Answer 1

• The wall street crash occurred in 1929 in the USA, and led to the great depression.
• It began in USA, when the US stock market crashed, individuals -banks and businesses in the USA lost large sums of money. 1 in 4 people became unemployed.
• It didn’t just affect the US, but instead spread to countries in Europe that it had traded with or borrowed money from. Germany was badly hit.
• The German economy depended on loans from America .

Question 2

How did the events in USA cause depression in Germany?

Answer 2

Cycle 1:

1) Wall street crash (1929) - America had massive financial problems.
2) This caused problems in many other countries, people don’t invest in businesses and there’s a decline a world trade.
3) Demand for German goods fall.
4) German firms go bankrupt.
5) Unemployment rises as people lose their jobs.
6) Many Germans now live in poverty and have less money to spend on goods.

Cycle 2:

1) Wall street crash (1929) - America had massive financial problems.
2) Us banks start to recall their loans, which hits Germany really hard as German business were heavily dependant on the US loans.
3) German firms go bankrupt.
4) Unemployment rises as people lose their jobs.
5) Many Germans now live in poverty and have less money to spend on goods.
6) Demand for German goods fall.

Question 3

How did the depression change life in Germany?

Answer 3

• The mood of the country changed: The depression changed peoples optimism and only reminded them of hyperinflation and the economic problems of the 1920’s. The mood turned into anger and despair.
• Businesses closed down: German companies found they couldn’t sell what they were making. Around 50,000 firms closed down, the business that survived saw their profits fall.
• Farmers struggled: No one was able to buy their produce at such high prices. They went out of business
• Unemployment increased: Around 1/3 of German workers were unemployed.
• Wages decreased
  -Welfare system couldn’t cope: The gov decided to cut welfare benefits by 60%.
• Homelessness increase
• Crime increased
• Street violence increased

Question 4

How did depressions aid the rise of the Nazis?

Answer 4

• After the depression hit Germany the Weimar gov became unpopular.
• This resulted in support for the more extreme political parties, such as the Nazis and communists to rise, which led to an increased fear of communism.
• Fear of this, led to many people voting for the Nazis as they were scared of the communists getting into power.

Question 5

What role did Hitler play in the rise of the Nazi party?

Answer 5

1) His beliefs and aims: The trial and publicity that followed the Munich Putsch gave Hitler a chance to make a name for himself. The judges on trial were sympathetic and explained that he’d only been at the Putsch by accident. While in prison he wrote a book called Mein Kampf, which outlined his main ideas about how Germany should be ruled.

2) His leadership skills and charisma: Hitler was able to make people believe that he could solve all Germany’s problems and came across as a saviour. He was a powerful and inspiring public speaker and seemed to fill his audience with a sense of hope.

Question 6

What role did the SA play in the rise of the Nazi party?

Answer 6

• The SA (storm troopers) were like the Nazis’ own private army.
• The SA was set up in 1921 to stop Nazi meetings being interrupted by followers of other parties. They would also interrupt the meetings of opposition groups.
• They protected Nazi speakers and helped deliver propaganda leaflets. which helped the Nazis’ campaign more effectively than their political opponents.
• Some Germans were put off by their violence but but many were impressed with their organisation and discipline.

Question 7

What role did propaganda play in the rise of the Nazi party?

Answer 7

In 1932 Hitler used an aeroplane to take him to 20 cities in 9 days. He would use grand entrances with the latest technology to interest people. The key messages of Nazi propaganda were:
- Hitler is a saviour
- He provides hope
- The Nazis are strong, determined and well-organised
- They can defend against communism
- They will hep the unemployed and support German families

Question 8

What helped Hitler rise to power?

Answer 8

• Fear of communism: Hitler seemed to be the only one standing strong against the communist party.
• Structure of the Nazi party: The Hitler youth was set up to encourage younger followers - this arranged special clubs and camping trips. The policies were designed to appeal to a ide group of people. They seemed organised and discipled - this appealed to people in the midst of chaos.
• Unhappiness with the Weimar republic: The population turned to extremist parties like the Nazis.