Germany - Failure of Democracy: Nazis come to power Flashcards
What was the Great Depression?
It was the deepest and longest-lasting economic downturn in the history of the Western industrialized world. Occurred from 1929-1939
How did the collapse of the New York Stock Market affect Germany?
After the US slid into economic depression, American banks recalled their short-term loans to Germany, and the German economy began to experience the full impact of economic collapse.
How did the Great Depression as a whole affect Germany?
1 By 1932 unemployment had soared to above 6 million, living standards had collapsed, and business/industry were at a standstill.
2 It tipped the scales against the survival of the Weimar Republic.
Explain the concept of ‘presidential rule’
This gave President von Hindenburg the power to implement laws by decree, with without prior consent of the Reichstag (Article 48). It was only supposed to be used in ‘emergency situations’ - this was never defined.
What was Chancellor Bruning’s response to the worsening economic situation?
Follow a traditional policy of deflation - balance the budget by cutting expenditure and increasing taxes
What did use of Article 48 mean?
Authority was taken away from the elected German parliament and placed in the hands of the president.
What happened to the WWI reparations for Germany?
They were cancelled altogether by the Allied powers
In the election of September 1932, what happened to the Nazis?
They increased their seats from 12 to 107
What did Hitler’s opponents fail to realise about him and the Nazi Party?
The potential danger and sheer determination of the Nazi movement. Hitler was also constantly underestimated.
Who was General von Schleicher?
A German general and the second-to-last Chancellor of Germany
How did Bruning get forced out of government?
General von Schleicher convinced President von Hindenburg that Bruning was no longer acceptable, that he had moved too far to the left, and the ban on the SA and SS had unsettled the army.
Who replaced Bruning as Chancellor of Germany?
Former member of the Centre Party - Franz von Papen
What did the elections in July 1932 mean for the Nazi Party?
They were now the largest party in the Reichstag, with now 230 seats.
How did Chancellor Papen govern?
He governed with the use of Article 48 and the support of the president.
How was Chancellor Papen forced out of leadership?
General von Schleicher persuaded the president that the army had lost confidence in Papen. Using the fear of civil war, he told the president that the army could not afford to take sides of civil war erupted.
Who replaced Franz von Papen as Chancellor?
President von Hindenburg appointed General von Schleicher in a last effort to keep Hitler out of power.
Explain the failure of von Schleicher as Chancellor
He tried to bring the Nazis into government by doing a deal with Gregor Strasser, leader of the Nazis in the Reichstag. In a clumsy attempt to split the Nazis, Schleicher offered the position of vice-chancellor to Strasser. Hitler responded with fury, and made all Nazis in the Reichstag take an oath of loyalty to him personally. Strasser was accused of treason to the party and resigned.
Explain the relationship of Papen and Schleicher
When Papen ceased to be chancellor, Schleicher offered him a position of ambassador to France, hoping to get rid of him. Instead Papen stayed and set to work to get rid of Schleicher - remove the man who removed him.
What convinced Hindenburg to let Hitler become Chancellor?
The arrangements included:
1 Hitler as Chancellor and Papen a vice-chancellor
2 The vice-chancellor would be present whenever the president met with the Chancellor
3 Of the 11 Cabinet posts, only 3 would go to the Nazis
4 The other Cabinet posts would be held by the conservative supporters of Papen
What date did President Hindenburg appoint Hitler as Chancellor?
30 January 1933
List the reasons for the failure of the democratic system in Germany
1 Lack of a democratic tradition
2 Flaws in the constitution - Eg. Voting system of proportional representation, or use of Article 48
3 Powerful opponents who opposed the republic - Eg. Civil service, judiciary and educational system
4 Psychological disillusionment - the Weimar Republic was associated with all that was wrong with post-war Germany
5 Failure of the party system - only 2 parties supported democracy (SPD and Centre Party)
List the reasons the Nazis came to power
1 Nationalist appeal - belief in a strong revitalised Germany
2 Nazi Party tactics - violence, propaganda, insistence of legality
3 Miscalculation of others - underestimation of Hitler/Nazis
4 Role of Hitler - image of Hitler among people, ability to exploit weaknesses
5 Broad-based appeal in German society
What circumstances gave Hitler power?
1 Great Depression and economic suffering
2 Democracy had become discredited
3 The Nazis had stayed within the legal system and sought power within the constitution
4 Failure of men in power
5 The division of the left between the Communists and Socialists
What weaknesses did the Nazis play on?
1 The prejudices and fears of the German people 2 International humiliation 3 The hatred of Versailles 4 Failure of the political system 5 Economic hardship of the depression
Define Determinism in respect to Hitler
Hitler was inevitable or predetermined for Germany
Define Intentionalists in respect to Hitler
While not denying Hitler’s importance, believe that there were certain structures within Germany (Eg. the army or bureaucracy) that are a major part in explaining Hitler’s success.
Where did the Nazis win most of their electoral support?
Protestant northern states of Germany and in rural area
Who was more supportive of the Nazis in terms of age distribution?
The young, in both membership and voting support
Where was the least likely areas of Nazi support?
The Catholic areas of southern Germany
