1. Impact of the Great Depression on Germany

Question 1

why was German economy already in risky position before Depression?

Answer 1

Relied heavily on foreign loans to make reparations and for industrial investment

Question 2

what happened 29 Oct 1929?

Answer 2

stock market collapse sent world into economic freefall.

Question 3

what did depression cause?

Answer 3

o German trade collapsed, gov unable to secure foreign loans and US demanded loans to be repaid
1931, unemployment peaked at 20%. By 1932, 7 million unemployed in Germany

Question 4

how come depression didnt cause collapse of democracy?

Answer 4

it created the unique and powerful social and economic circumstances that eventually led to collapse of Weimer republic

Question 5

Quote by Gustav Stresemann about reliance on foreign loans negative

Answer 5

Germany “lived on borrowed money… if a crisis every hit us… We are not only military disarmed, we are also financially disarmed”

Question 6

what did depression create in german citizens? what it lead to?

Answer 6

created feelings of desperation and psychological disillusionment within German people -> polarisation of German politics and increasing political violence

Question 7

What did depression do for Hitler?

Answer 7

Gave Hitler and Nazi Party opportunity to gain support and made possible the behind the scene manoeuvring by conservative elites which would lead to Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor

Question 8

W.H Simon impact of depression quote?

Answer 8

“The depression created a situation in which the parliamentary system broke down, opening way to presidential government by decree”