2.3: The Collapse of Democracy (1928-1933) Flashcards
2.3.1: The economic, social and political impact of the Depression 2.3.2: The appeal of Nazism and Communism 2.3.3: Hindenburg, Papen, Schleicher and the 'backstairs intrigue' leading to Hitler’s appointment as chancellor 2.3.4: Political developments
What was the political impact of the depression
Falling tax revenues ruined state budget, splitting coalition. DVP wanted benefits reduced, SPD wanted protection. Müller resigned, and Brüning was appointed, influenced by Groener and Schliecher. Brünings coalition excluded SPD, leading to presidential decrees. Brüning disbanded Reichstag, leading to 1930 election with left and right gaining most votes, with KPD gaining 1 million and Nazis receiving 6.5 million, with 2/5 voting for antidemocratic parties.
What was the economic impact of the depression
Germany’s economic recovery was primarily financed by American loans, which were halted during the crash, prompting American banks to demand immediate repayment. Germany’s export trade declined significantly from 1929 to 1932, with industrial production falling 58%, largely due to the USA being its largest overseas market. Unemployment surged, reaching 8 million people by January 1933, primarily impacting industrial areas like Ruhr and Silesia, as well as port cities like Hamburg.
What was the social impact of the depression
The right wing campaign waged against double earners, leading to the May 1932 law allowing married women to be dismissed, causing economic setbacks during the depression. Hamburg’s youth unemployment rate has increased significantly, with 39% of 14-25-year-olds experiencing unemployment. Juvenile crime and political extremism have also surged, highlighting the need for stable membership.
Why was there a sudden appeal to Nazism
People’s distrust of the Weimar system led to societal threat, which Hitler exploited to offer Germans a return and unification with old Germany. The 25-point program from 1920, used in 1933, contained a wide range of ideas, including Mein Kampf, which was incoherent, inconsistent, and not widely read before 1933.
What electoral support did the Nazi Party achieve
The Nazi gained support from the middle class and farmers in a north-west district, with 68% vote. Geographical base was from north-east Protestant areas, with lowest Nazi vote in west Catholic cities like Cologne and Dusseldorf.
How did Anti-Semitism play a role in Nazi success
Nazi propaganda in 1932 focused on unemployment, anti-Semitic views, and anti-communist sentiments, with Nazis changing speeches to appeal to diverse audiences, despite the rapid expansion of the SA and its anti-Semitic tactics.
Why was there an appeal to Communism
Thälmann’s posters and Red Flag campaign garnered votes, demonstrating the people’s dissatisfaction with Weimar democracy, similar to the Nazis’ dissatisfaction for democracy. The KPD gained 2 million votes in Reichstag elections, increasing membership from 117,000 to 360,000 from 1928-32, shifting its focus from workforce presence to unemployed issues.
What were Goebbels five propaganda methods
Canvassing revealed propaganda needed to cater to different social and economic interests, offering benefits for farmers, bread and work for unemployed. In 1932, Hitler organized three major speaking programs for his ‘flight over Germany’ using technology such as radios, loudspeakers, film, and records. Hitler organized mass rallies to unify people using uniforms, music, flags, songs, and speeches to create an atmosphere of unity. The three unifying themes of Nazis’ ideology are the Führer cult, the Volksgemeinschaft, and German nationalism, which portrays them as revolutionary and reactionary. Scapegoats include identified groups like ‘November criminals’, Communists, and Jews who are blamed for suffering in Weimar democracy issues.
Why did Brunings Government collapse
The dissolved Reichstag and September elections allowed Nazis and KPD to gain seats, making government control difficult. President relying on presidential decrees, he implemented a deflationary policy, cutting government spending by 32%, leading to harsh measures and extreme support.
Who was Franz Von Papen
Catholic member of The ZP who took part in the 1932 election in Germany was marked by high political violence, resulting in 86 deaths. The ‘cabinet of barons’, with most of the presidential government lacking a Reichstag seat, was aimed at securing Nazi support, leading to the dissolution of the Reichstag, new elections, and the end of the SA and SS ban.
What tarnished Von Schleicher’s reign as Chancellor
Papen’s fall led to Schliecher’s resignation, despite losing Hindenburg’s trust. He attempted to persuade the bankrupt Nazis to form a coalition, but failed. Schliecher also attempted to divide the NSDAP by asking Strasser to join the government, leading to his resignation. Despite Schliecher’s failure to win trade union support, Strasser’s failure impacted the NSDAP’s power prospects.
What were the results in both 1932 elections
In July 1932, moderate parties experienced losses, with DDP and DVP only gaining 2.2%, while DNVP declined but gained some SPD, and higher turnout indicated Nazis’ attracting new members. In November 1932, the Reichstag party lost 2 million votes and 34 seats due to declining Nazi support, angered middle class, and Hitler’s refusal to join the coalition, and support for the Berlin communist strike.
What were the consequences of The Reichstag Fire
On February 27, 1933, Dutch communist Marius van der Lubbe set fire to the Reichstag building, justifying repressive measures, which the Nazi party used legally to ban opposition. The central government strengthened power to suppress communists, arrest 10,000 in two weeks, and ban KPD membership, backed by conservative police, judges, and civil servants.
What were the results in the 5th March 1933 elections
The Nazis achieved their highest voter turnout of 88%, largely due to government pressure and intimidation. Opposition parties like KPD and SPD faced destruction and confiscation of funds. The Nazis’ slogan was “the battle against Marxism.” However, they only gained 44% of the vote, a significant loss for any constitutional changes. Despite intimidation and violence, 64% of the votes went to non-Nazi parties.
What was the Enabling Act
The Kroll Opera House law, passed in 1941, granted the Nazi government emergency powers for four years without Reichstag or President approval and allowed Hitler to make foreign treaties with a promise to uphold Catholic Church rights and moral values. This legal framework.
