9 - The Impact of the Depression of 1929 Flashcards
1
Q
When did the Great Depression start?
A
24th October 1929
2
Q
What triggered the depression?
A
New York Stock exchange received it’s worst ever fall in share prices
3
Q
Why was Germany hit so hard by the depression?
A
- reliant on American short term loans that were required to be repaid
- America was the biggest market for German goods
- America - Germany trading was reduced by 61% from 1929-23
4
Q
What is the evidence that Germany suffered more than other countries?
A
Germany suffered a 58% decline in industry, Britain has 11%
5
Q
Why could unemployment be higher than recorded?
A
- redundant and women weren’t registered as unemployed
- 1/3 registered by 1932, but by 1933 estimated 8 million
6
Q
Which areas were hit the worst by the depression?
A
- Industrial Areas, Rhur, Upper Silesia, Hamburg
- white collar workers badly hit, lots of jobs cut
- farming struggled, many had to sell their farms
7
Q
Unemployed - welfare budget
A
- 1930s, political moves to reduce budget
- men and old people prioritised
8
Q
Unemployed - poverty
A
- a poverty diet, 6 potatoes, 5 slices of bread, cabbage and a small knob of margarine
- a herring 3 sundays a month
- tuberculosis and rickets increased in children
- shanti towns on the edges of cities like Berlin
9
Q
Unemployed - Brand Erbidsorff
A
- near Dresden, a centre for glass making
- by April 1931 had closed and nearly half population on welfare benefits
- however once out of work for 2 years no longer qualified for benefits
10
Q
Young People - unemployment
A
14-25 in June 1933
- 25.2% of women
- 39% of men
11
Q
Young People - crime
A
- number of 14-25 year olds involved in crime increased
- the political demonstrations crime reflected the political situation of the time
- by 1930, 700 accused of crime in Hamburg, 1000 by 1932
12
Q
Young People - political extremism
A
- KPD recruited working class men for wild cliques
- Hitler Youth and SA provided food, uniform, shelter
- membership was not stable
13
Q
Young People - schemes
A
- 6 months of voluntary labour schemes to residential work
- strikes for higher wages in Oct 1930 and June 1932
- day centres of job related skills
- mandatory labor schemes but paid below minimum wage
14
Q
Women
A
- debates over married women’s rights to work
- May 1932, married civil servants could be dismissed
- double earners shamed
- right wing campainged against women working
15
Q
Wjat was the impact of the depression on the political system?
A
- Muller’s grand coalition collapsed in March 1930
- extreme right and lefts could gain support
- intensification of political violence
