Reasons why the Nazis achieved power in 1933 Flashcards
1
Q
WEAKNESSES OF THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC KU
A
- ‘The republic no one wanted’
- Right wing death squads responsible for 350 murders 21’-22’, little confidence in regime. Uprisings showed political instability.
- Constitutional problems such as PR, leading to weak coalition govs which couldn’t work together. Frequent elections.
2
Q
WEAKNESSES OF THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC ANALYSIS
A
- PR allowed minor parties to be represented meaning it was easier for extremist groups like Nazis to gain seats in Reichstag.
3
Q
WEAKNESSES OF THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC ANALYSIS+
A
- If Germany had used first-past-the-post voting system, Nazis could have achieved power 3 years earlier.
4
Q
RESENTMENT TOWARDS THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES KU
A
- Reduced army 100,000, had to downsize navy, feelings of vulnerability. Had to pay 132 billion golden marks. War Guilt Clause.
5
Q
RESENTMENT TOWARDS THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES ANALYSIS
A
- Hitler exploited peoples resentment towards treaty by promising to destroy it. Nazis fully utilised treaty for own ends & used Germanys hatred of politicians who signed to turn public against Republic.
6
Q
RESENTMENT TOWARDS THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES ANALYSIS+
A
- John Hiden: “The Versailles treaty certainly did not doom the Republic from birth.”
7
Q
ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES KU
A
- 23’ Germany hit by hyperinflation & economy collapsed. Height of crisis, 1 USD worth 1 trillion Deutsch Marks. Middle class particularly badly hit as they found their savings disappeared. 29’ loans recalled.
8
Q
ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES ANALYSIS
A
- 23’ financial disaster profound effect on Germany & Germans needed a saviour.
9
Q
ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES ANALYSIS+
A
- 23’ elections, Nazis lost 2 million votes
10
Q
THE APPEAL OF THE NAZIS AND THE ROLE OF HITLER KU
A
- Security against communism to middle class, industrialists, land owners. Increased tariffs on imported food for farmers & more colourful.
- Jews scape-goat.
- Hitler great political ability, excellent speaker.
- 25’-29’, reorganised party making it more electable & turned it into a national party which could legitimately win seats.
11
Q
THE APPEAL OF THE NAZIS AND THE ROLE OF HITLER ANALYSIS
A
- Propaganda portrayed Hitler as only politician that understood Germans. Seen as strong leader & only hope left.
12
Q
THE APPEAL OF THE NAZIS AND THE ROLE OF HITLER ANALYSIS+
A
- Didn’t achieve more than 50% total votes.
13
Q
WEAKNESSES AND MISTAKES OF OPPONENTS KU
A
- Faced no united opposition as Communists refused to work with Social Democrats after Spartacist revolt.
- Von Papen thought he could control Hitler.
14
Q
WEAKNESSES AND MISTAKES OF OPPONENTS ANALYSIS
A
- Had there been effective coalition, they may have not been able to take power.
15
Q
WEAKNESSES AND MISTAKES OF OPPONENTS ANALYSIS+
A
- Hitler leader of largest party in Reichstag, therefore had clear democratic claim.
