Growth in Nazi support, 1929-32 Flashcards
The Wall Street Crash, USA
3 Oct 1929 - Stresemann died from a heart attack
Share prices began to fall on the Wall Street stock exchange in New York, causing economic collapse, widespread unemployment and a political crisis in Germany.
Economic effects of the Wall Street Crash in Germany
It caused a banking crisis - banks were major investors in shares on the US stock exchange and suffered huge losses. Loans from the USA (e.g. the Locarno Pact) were demanded back, so to repay the money, shops and businesses had to cut back on production or even shut, causing unemployment. Unemployment increased when sales of German goods abroad fell; the unemployed also couldn’t afford to buy food, etc, so sales again fell, causing more unemployment.
The impact of unemployment on the unemployed
As the numbers grew, the government couldn’t pay unemployment benefits. Taxes were raised and benefits were cut, causing even bigger problems for the unemployed.
The impact of unemployment on savers
People who had invested their savings in shares lost their money when share prices fell, meaning that after they lost their jobs, they had no savings to fall back on.
The impact of unemployment on workers
The government increased taxes and reduced their wages to pay unemployment benefits.
The impact of unemployment on the homeless
People could no longer afford their rent, so became homeless. The unemployed began roaming the streets looking for jobs and food. Boredom turned into violence - increased arrests for theft.
Failure to deal with unemployment
Heinrich Bruning, head of Centre Party, was chancellor. He proposed higher taxes, to pay for unemployment benefits, and fixed time limits on unemployment benefits, to make payments more affordable.
Right-wing parties, middle classes and the wealthy opposed higher taxes; Left-wing parties and the working classes opposed reduced benefits. Disagreement meant the Reichstag met less often and were unable to get laws passed - this made it weaker.
Rise in support for KPD
As Germany’s social and economic problems increased, support for the Communist Party increased. They were especially popular among the working class because of the growing unemployment and falling wages.
Rise in support for NSDAP
The support for the NSDAP was increasing faster because the middle and upper classes feared a communist Germany, where they would have their land and companies confiscated.
Reasons for rise in support - The appeal of Hitler and the SA
People saw Hitler as a strong leader who would restore law and order, and would force other countries to scrap the Treaty and treat Germany fairly.
The SA made the Nazis seem organised and disciplined. They were also able to disrupt the meetings and rallies of other parties.
Reasons for rise in support - The appeal of the Nazis to big businesses
Hitler aimed at wealthy businessmen who supported nationalism for financial security. Krupp, Bosch and others poured money into the NSDAP.
Reasons for rise in support - The appeal of the Nazis to the working classes
The NSDAP was a worker’s party as suggested by their name. They advertised ‘Work and Bread’ (traditional German values) on their posters. But, they were never too popular with the working classes.
Reasons for rise in support - The appeal of the Nazis to the middle classes
Consisted of teachers, lawyers and owners of small businesses who all had savings. The Great Depression had hit the middle classes hard, making them lose their savings, so they looked to Hitler as a strong leader who could help the country recover. They also feared the growing support in communism and the loss of traditional German values, seeing the NDSAP as the return of such values.
Reasons for rise in support - The appeal of the Nazis to farmers
Hitler changed the 25 point programme, saying land would not be confiscated, only the Jews’ land would be confiscated.
Reasons for rise in support - The appeal of the Nazis to young people
For many young people, the Nazi party was exciting, with all of its colourful rallies and Hitler’s stirring speeches. He had also created a German Students’ league for 14-18 year olds alongside a School Pupils’ League.
