Part 4 : Hitler's rise to power Flashcards
What was the significance of the Great Depression for Weimar Germany?
It marked the end of the “Golden Years” and the beginning of Hitler’s rise to power. The death of Stresemann in 1929 weakened the Weimar government further.
What event triggered the Great Depression?
The Wall Street Crash in October 1929, when stock prices collapsed in the USA, causing economic repercussions worldwide.
How did the Wall Street Crash impact Germany?
The USA recalled its loans, which led to economic collapse in Germany. Businesses closed, unemployment rose, and homelessness and poverty increased.
By January 1933, how many Germans were unemployed?
6.1 million people. Half of all 16–30-year-olds were unemployed.
What “push” factors led Germans to support the Nazi Party between 1929 and 1932?
Economic crises, distrust in Weimar politicians, and a desire for a strong government like the Kaiser’s regime.
What were the key “pull” factors of the Nazi Party?
Hitler’s promise to reverse the Treaty of Versailles, strong nationalist rhetoric, and targeted propaganda for different social groups.
What was Mein Kampf and its key ideas?
Hitler’s autobiography, written during his time in prison. It outlined ideas like Aryan supremacy, Social Darwinism, Lebensraum (“living space”), and Führerprinzip (autocratic leadership).
How did Hitler reorganise the Nazi Party after the failed Munich Putsch?
He divided Germany into 35 regions (gaue), each led by a gauleiter. He also received financial support from business owners like Thyssen, Krupp, and Bosch.
What role did Joseph Goebbels play in Nazi propaganda?
As propaganda minister, Goebbels organised Hitler’s speeches, marches, and rallies, as well as producing posters, pamphlets, and radio broadcasts.
What was the significance of the SA and the SS?
- SA (Stormtroopers): Formed in 1921, they disrupted opposition meetings and strengthened the Nazi image.
- SS (Protection Squad): Formed in 1925, they became Hitler’s personal bodyguards and were less violent than the SA.
What were the results of the presidential election in April 1932?
- Hindenburg: 53%
- Hitler: 36%
- Thälmann (KPD): 11%
What led to Hitler’s appointment as chancellor on 30th January 1933?
The failure of von Papen and von Schleicher to maintain stable governments, combined with von Papen’s belief that he could control Hitler by appointing him chancellor.
What was the Reichstag Fire, and how did it help Hitler?
The Reichstag building was set on fire on 27 February 1933. Hitler blamed the communists, using it to justify the Reichstag Fire Decree, which restricted civil liberties and allowed mass arrests of political opponents.
What was the Enabling Act, and why was it significant?
Passed on 24 March 1933, it allowed Hitler to pass laws without the Reichstag’s consent, marking the end of democratic rule in Germany.
What was the Night of the Long Knives (30 June 1934)?
A purge of the SA’s leadership and other political opponents. Ernst Röhm and around 400 others were executed to consolidate Hitler’s power.
When did Hitler become Führer, and how was this achieved?
After President Hindenburg’s death on 2 August 1934, Hitler combined the roles of chancellor and president, declaring himself Führer.
What caused the Wall Street Crash in October 1929?
Over-speculation in the stock market led to a collapse. Shareholders rushed to sell, causing prices to plummet and resulting in the loss of $4 billion by 30 October 1929.
What was ‘Black Thursday’?
24 October 1929, when 13 million shares were sold, leading to a rapid collapse of share prices.
How did the Wall Street Crash affect European economies?
The USA recalled loans given to Europe (especially Germany) through the Dawes and Young Plans, leading to an economic crisis.
How did unemployment in Germany change between 1929 and 1933?
- September 1931: 4.3 million unemployed
- January 1933: 6.1 million unemployed
Which groups were hit hardest by unemployment?
Factory workers, young people (16–30-year-olds), and the homeless.
How did rising unemployment increase crime and homelessness?
The number of arrests for theft rose by 24% in Berlin, and makeshift housing and street violence became common among unemployed young men.
How did Chancellor Brüning’s policies contribute to the Weimar Republic’s decline?
His failure to reduce unemployment and reliance on Article 48 (enacted 115 times) weakened democracy and increased resentment toward the government.
What promises did the Nazi Party and KPD make during the Great Depression?
- Nazi Party: Reverse the Treaty of Versailles and restore Germany’s power.
- KPD: Improve workers’ living conditions and combat unemployment.
What was the significance of dividing Germany into gaue?
It created a strong, localised Nazi Party presence across 35 regions, with each region led by a gauleiter.
Which major companies financially supported the Nazi Party?
Thyssen, Krupp, and Bosch, as they feared communism and trade unions threatening their profits.
How did Joseph Goebbels revolutionise Nazi propaganda?
He utilised mass media such as posters, radio, and films, and organised Hitler’s national speaking tours funded by big businesses.
How did Hitler’s speaking style contribute to his popularity?
He practised speeches to build to a powerful crescendo, used hand gestures strategically, and delivered persuasive arguments.
What role did the SA play in Hitler’s rise?
They controlled crowds at meetings, disrupted opposition gatherings, and strengthened the Nazi Party’s image.
How was the SS different from the SA?
The SS was an elite force with black uniforms, acting as Hitler’s personal bodyguard, while the SA were street-level enforcers known for violence.
How did the Nazi Party’s vote share change from 1928 to July 1932?
- 1928: 2.6% of the vote
- July 1932: 37.3% of the vote, becoming the largest party in the Reichstag.
What happened in the November 1932 elections?
The Nazi Party’s share dropped to 33%, but they remained the largest party. Von Papen resigned, paving the way for Hitler’s appointment as chancellor.
When did the Reichstag Fire occur, and who was blamed?
27 February 1933. A Dutch communist, Marinus van der Lubbe, was arrested and blamed for the fire.
What was the Reichstag Fire Decree?
An emergency decree passed after the fire that suspended civil liberties, allowing mass arrests of communists and political opponents.
What powers did the Enabling Act give Hitler?
It allowed him to pass laws without the Reichstag’s consent, effectively ending democracy in Germany.
How did the Enabling Act affect political opposition?
It silenced opposition, banned trade unions, and turned Germany into a one-party state.
Why did Hitler target Ernst Röhm and the SA during the Night of the Long Knives?
Röhm’s ambition for more power and his focus on helping workers conflicted with Hitler’s plans to appease business leaders and the army.
How did the Night of the Long Knives benefit Hitler?
It eliminated internal opposition, strengthened the SS’s role, and secured the loyalty of the army.
When did President Hindenburg die, and what was the impact?
2 August 1934. Hitler combined the roles of president and chancellor, declaring himself Führer.
What percentage of the public voted in favour of Hitler becoming Führer?
90% in a national plebiscite.
What was the significance of the army’s oath of allegiance to Hitler?
It cemented his control over the military, eliminating any remaining checks on his power.
