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.
