Germany 1928-1934 Flashcards
When was the Wall Street Crash?
October 1929
Figures of unemployment and Nazi seats that show how the Depression allowed the Nazis to gain support
1928 - Unemployment 1.39 million. 12 Nazi seats
1932 - Unemployment 5.6 million. 230 Nazi seats
2 ways in which the Depression affected Germany economically
Americans used to buy cars, clothing, electrical goods from Germany but now they couldn’t afford them so German factories had to close and millions lost their jobs
American Banks demanded all the money they had lent to Germany during WW1. German banks tried reclaim this money from German businesses who couldn’t pay so they went bankrupt.
A way in which the Depression affected Germany politically
People blamed the Weimar government for their problems and started to listen to more extreme parties (Communists and Nazis). Leaders of these parties offered radical solutions for Germany’s problems and ways to improve their lives. People lost confidence in the traditional parties of Weimar.
Reasons for growth of the Nazi party 1928-1932
The Depression
Weaknesses of Weimar
Nazi Strengths (including the appeal of Hitler)
Fear of Communism
Facts about number of men in the SA and what it shows
1931 - 100,000 men
1932 - 400,000 men
Shows how the Nazi party offices set up all over Germany helped to recruit more followers and how the SA played an important part
Why did Hitler appeal to farmers?
Farmers had been hit hard by the depression but the Weimar government hadn’t done much to help
Nazis promised the farmers higher prices for their crops, a better quality of life and a higher status in society
Nazis offered protection against communism. If communists took over, they would seize farmers’ land.
Why did Hitler appeal to women?
He thought that good morals, family life and self-discipline were important.
Hitler also thought that Weimar culture had been a bad influence on the young.
Why did Hitler appeal to the middle class?
They feared that law and order might break down during the depression.
They were fearful of a communist takeover that would destroy their way of life.
The Nazi party promised to deal with problems decisively (unlike the Weimar politicians) and the SA fought communists.
Why did Hitler appeal to young people?
He promised to tear up the Treaty of Versailles signed by weak Weimar politicians and make Germany strong again.
Young people wanted to be apart of the armed forces or building houses, hospitals and motorways.
Why did Hitler appeal to upper classes?
He promised strong leadership and to make Germany a strong nation like the ‘good old days’.
Would allow owners to run their factories how they wanted and planned to use factories to build weapons and battleships. This would allow the owners to make more money.
Communists wanted to take over businesses but Nazis wanted to fight the communists.
Who did Hitler appeal to?
Farmers, women, middle classes, young people, upper classes
What were the results of the September 1930 election?
Nazis had 107 seats, second largest party.
Bruning became chancellor and was very unpopular (cut unemployment pay and raised taxes)
What did the Nazis do as a result of the 1930 election?
They tried harder to gain more support. Millions of posters and flags, Hitler spoke at mass rallies across Germany.
SA beat up communists and disrupted their meetings, making it hard for them to campaign
When did Bruning resign?
July 1932
Who replaced Bruning as chancellor?
Hindenburg appointed centre party politician Franz von Papen
What happened during July 1932
Bruning resigned. Franz von Papen became chancellor. He lacked support so he held an election. Nazis won 230 seats and were now the largest political party
What were the results of the July 1932 election?
Nazis won 230 seats, became the largest political party in Germany
What happened because of the results of the July 1932 election?
Hitler demanded the Chancellor’s job but Hindenburg refused him. Hindenburg then appointed von Papen as Chancellor again using his emergency powers
Why did Hindenburg refuse Hitler the job of Chancellor in July 1932?
He thought the Nazi party were very violent and disruptive
When did von Papen call another election?
November 1932