Nazi Power Essay

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

-armistice signed saying lost Great War 1918
-caused economic problems, led tk Nazi party power 1933
-Factors: weaknesses within Weimar Republic, economic problems, weaknesses and mistakes made by opponents, appeal of Nazi party ideology
-economic problems most important

Question 2

Para 1

Answer 2

Factor: Weaknesses within Weimar Republic
-KU: 11th November 1918 German generals and Weimar politicians signed armistice, effectively surrendered and lost war
-A: Discrimination towards Jews, Socialists and Communists, believed ‘traitors’, forced Germany surrender - helped Nazis as didn’t like Jews
-KU: Over 20 meant right to vote using proportional representation - percentage of votes = percentage of seats
-A: many small, extremist parties grew quick - large amount of party options, more difficult for Nazis gain votes
PR system made difficult to vote - near impossible 1 party achieve majority vote

Question 3

Para 2

Answer 3

Factor: Economic problems
-KU: hyperinflation 1923 led workers in Ruhr strikes, still paid by weimar govt, printing more money - larger decline in Germanys economy & money worthless
-KU: life savings worthless, middle class lost all money, anger - jewish banks destroyed, blamed for economic disasters
-A: Led to greater distrust within Weimar republic & democracy, inspired Nazis attempt revolution whilst Germany weakened - however still remained Germanys smallest political party, stabilising after intro of new currency

Question 4

Para 3

Answer 4

Factor: weaknesses and mistakes made by opponents
-KU: Nazis left wing opponents (SPD & Communists) wouldn’t work together, following failure to revolt - big factor in coalition govts failing to work
-KU:1929 - 1933 president Hindenburg continued to use article 48 – an emergency president made law without going to the Reichstag first - to control who chancellor - maybe contributed lack of trust in democracy
-KU: Frank Von Papen persuaded Hindenburg to designate Hitler as chancellor - believed could sway Hitler his choice and opinions as vice chancellor. “ we have hired him” when Hitler accepted chancellor ship January 1933 one of three Nazis in cabinet of 11, Von Poppin, assured Hindenburg Hitler stay under control - Hitler built, political power, quick and control of Germany within months

Question 5

Para 4

Answer 5

Factor: appeal of Nazi party ideology
-KU: Hitler, appealing, strong leadership – appeared to have full backing of party, stood out – young distinctive, look, charismatic, speaker, confident, direct, passionate, easy to understand some suggesting hypnotic qualities
-KU: Nazi party extremely nationalistic, changed German workers party to Nazi party 1920 - liked party, policies broad appeal everyone a reason to like them e.g. offering farmers higher prices for produce, unemployed jobs
-A: something for everyone across German society that satisfied requests

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

-economic problems: most important – allowed Nazis to play into wants and needs of German population during difficult time
-appeal of Nazi party: less important than economic problems – policies reached wide range however some said aims contradictory and not as inclusive as first seen
-weaknesses and mistakes made by opponent: less important than economic problems – although contributed, didn’t have big impact gaining votes as not as public as economic problems
-weaknesses of the Weimar republic: least important reason – ultimately improved and promoted democracy, allowed opinions voiced however, Nazis wanted rid of that