Germany and the Depression

Question 1

Impact of the Depression

Answer 1

• During winter of 1929-1930 the No. of unemployed rose from 1.4 million to over 2 million
• From mid-1929 to January 1933, the No. who had full-time jobs fell from 20 million to 11.5 million
• By January 1933 unemployment was 6.1 million - 1/3 all Germans
• By 1932 industrial production had fallen to 58% of 1928 levels
• 60% of each new university graduating class was out of work

Question 2

Political impact of the Depression

Answer 2

• In July 1930 Brüning used Article 48 to cut government expenditure, wages & unemployment pay
• By 1932 parties committed to destruction of Weimar Republic held 319/608 seats in Reichstag

Question 3

Events in 1932

Answer 3

• April – Presidential election. Hitler came 2nd to Hindenburg, who won 53% of the vote to Hitler’s 36.8%
• May – Brüning resigned as Chancellor. Hindenburg appointed Von Papen
• July – Reichstag elections. Nazis became largest party with 230 seats. Hitler demanded to be made Chancellor but Von Papen remained.
• November – Reichstag elections called by Von Papen to try to win a majority. Nazis lost 34 seats but remained largest party with 196 seats.
• December – Von Papen resigned. Hindenburg appointed Von Schleicher, who tried to split the Nazis by asking Strasser to be Vice Chancellor. Hitler forced him to decline.