Germany & the Depression Flashcards
When did the Wall Street Crash happen in the USA?
On 24th October 1929.
What effect did the Wall St Crash have on Germany?
The Wall St Crash caused an economic crisis in Germany and people turned to extremist parties for quick solutions.
What did the Wall St Crash led Germany to?
Lower exports:
- By 1933, 4 years after the Wall St Crash, world trade had fallen by over 60%. This got rid of any chance of German success through exporting.
Recalled loans and unemployment:
- US banks recalled and stopped loans to Germany made under the Dawes Plan.
- Next, German industries lost finance and laid off (fired) workers. By 1932, 40% of workers were unemployed.
Poverty
- The German government didn’t have much money. It reduced unemployment benefits. This made things worse for the unemployed.
- The combination of these factors meant that families suffered in poverty.
- Many people lost faith in democracy.
How did the Nazis gain more followers during the economic crisis?
The Nazis gained support because they appealed to a wider group of the German population.
After Hitler’s reorganisation, the Nazis were a far more attractive party for the German people. The Nazis could stage a good, well-funded campaign because they were funded by millionaires, such as Krupp and Hugenberg.
What were the key Nazi objectives?
- Overturn the Treaty of Versailles.
- Destroy Communism
- Eradicate the Jews
- Achieve Lebensraum (to expand German territory to house the population)
What was Hitler’s personality like?
The Nazis gained support because of Hitler’s personality
- Hitler was a strong leader and mesmerising public speaker who travelled the country to give speeches.
- The population seemed to want strength in a time of crisis.
- Hitler painted himself as ‘one of the people’. Because he was a soldier who fought in the First World War, he understood German troubles.
What tactics did the Nazis use to gain popularity?
- Intimidation
- Propaganda
- Flexible Nazi message for specific audiences.
It became clear that the ______ government was too ____ to deal with the problems of the Great Depression that happened after the Wall Street Crash.
Weimar, weak
What was Von Papen’s and Hindenburg secret plan?
Von Papen and Hindenburg secretly met with wealthy industrialists and powerful politicians..
- They decided that Hitler and his 196 Nazi politicians should be used to create a political majority.
- They decided to make Hitler the new Chancellor, let him have a few Nazis in his cabinet and make von Papen the vice-chancellor.
What was aim of Von Papen’s and Hindenburg’s Pact?
They hoped that they would be able to use Hitler as a ‘puppet leader’, as the Soviet Union did in satellite states during the Cold War, whilst using Hitler’s popularity for their benefit.
When did Hitler become Chancellor?
January 1933
Who was the President that used Article 48 to bypass the Reichstag?
President Hindenburg
What happened on the 27th February 1933?
The Reichstag was burned down
Who was blamed for the Reichstag fire?
A Dutch communist.
On the 23rd March 1933, Hitler proposed the Enabling Act. What did this mean?
This meant that Hitler could make laws without the Reichstag. After the Enabling Act, the Reichstag could no longer stop Hitler.
–> Germany was no longer a democracy.
