5) The Rise of Adolf Hitler and The Nazi Party (1929 - 1933)

Question 1

What was the Wall Street Crash and ‘Great Depression’?

Answer 1

The Wall Street Crash was when the American stock markets fell through in October 1929, causing them to demand their money back from Germany.
The Great Depression was a result of this. American banks demanded money back from German banks who in turn tried to reclaim that money from businesses causing many, if not all, places to go bankrupt.

Question 2

Give one reason why the Great Depression helped increase support for Hitler and the Nazis.

Answer 2

The German people were angry, hungry, homeless and were willing to listen to extremist parties like the Nazis who offered radical solutions.

Question 3

Why was Adolf Hitler appealing to the German people?

Answer 3

He was charismatic, convinced people he could be trusted to ‘Make Germany Great Again’ and his speeches filled people with hope.

Question 4

How did the Nazis use PROPAGANDA to increase their support?

Answer 4

• They went door-to-door leafleting
• Radio channels
• Cinema
• Mass parades and rallies

Question 5

Who was Joseph Goebbels?

Answer 5

He was one of Hitler’s most loyal followers. He was put in charge of propaganda in 1928.

Question 6

Why did the fear of communism in Germany increase support for the Nazis?

Answer 6

• The middle class and wealthy Germans didn’t want to loos their wealth and positions in society
• Churchgoers were in fear as the communists were anti-religion
• Working class such as farmers didn’t want to loss their land to the government

Question 7

Who were the SA (Brownshirts)?

Answer 7

The SA were Hitler’s private army who tried to influence voters and protect Hitler at his meetings.

Question 8

How did the actions of the SA increase support for the Nazis?

Answer 8

• They would go on structured marches through the street to show the organisation and power of Hitler and the Nazis
• They beat-up communists and interrupted their meetings.

Question 9

When did Adolf Hitler become Chancellor of Germany (month and year)?

Answer 9

January 1933

Question 10

Give two reasons why Hitler was still in a weak position when he became Chancellor of Germany?

Answer 10

• President Hindenburg could dismiss Hitler at any point
• Tried to restrict his power using vice-chancellor Von Papen
• Only allowed Hitler to have two other Nazi’s in The Cabinet