Rise of Hitler, Germany and the Depression Flashcards
What caused the end of the Golden Age?
Wall Street Crash and Great Depression
What was the Wall Street Crash?
America’s economy crashed, causing all loans to be called back. Germany’s golden age thrived on the money lent by the US. This plunged the weimar government into economic depression
How did the end of the golden age weaken the Weimar government?
- unpopular economic policies: raised taxes; reduced unemployment benefits (avoid hyperinflation)
- presidential rule: article 48 was put into action, but president Hindenburg was an 84 year old war hero who seemed to be controlled by businessmen and the army
- rise of extremist parties
What were the reasons for Nazis success?
Long term bitterness of ToV
Ineffective constitution: dictatorial powers, proportional representation
Money: wealthy interested in Nazis
Propoganda: speeches, radio, newspapers
Policies: Nazis offered something for everyone
Attacking other parties: SA attacked Jews, communists + enemies
Personal qualities: Hitler was an excellent speaker, charismatic
Economic depression: people turn to extremism
Recruited by Hindenburg: thought he could control Hitler
What is the acronym used to remember the Nazi successes?
LIMP PAPER
Explain why businessmen voted for the Nazis
- Promised strong leadership + more powerful nation
- allowed to run factories as desired + weapon making provided profit
Explain why farmers voted for the Nazis
- promised farmers a higher price for their crops
- promised not to take their land (like the communists would)
Explain why the middle class voted for the Nazis
- disliked wage cuts and new cultures of the golden age and the weimar government
- SA suggested that Nazis were organised
Explain why the youth voted for the Nazis
Promised work - majority were unemployed
Explain why women voted for the Nazis
- Prioritised good morals, family life and self discipline
- promised to sort out ‘muck and filth’ that youth were exposed to
How many seats did the Nazis have government in 1928?
12
How many seats did the Nazis have in government in 1933?
288
How did Hitler become Chancellor?
- were 3 chancellors of Germany in 1923 (lack of support in the Reichstag)
- Hindenburg had to remove due to threat of civil war
- Von Papen convinced Hindenburg that if Hitler was made chancellor, they would be able to control him
When did Hitler become Chancellor?
30th January 1933
Why was Hindenburg reluctant to choose Hitler as chancellor?
He thought the Nazis were disruptive and violent
What was the Reichstag fire and who caused it?
Reichstag building set on fire by Dutch Communist Van der Lubbe
How did the Reichstag fire help consolidate Hitler’s powers?
Declared state of emergency, which suspended free speech, press and assembly (stayed for 12 years)
- gave Nazis legal base to terrorise opps –> communists could be executed (4000 arrested)
- intimidated voters
What was the Enabling act?
Laws passed in 1933 that allowed Nazis to make their own laws without consulting the Reichstag
What was the impact of the Enabling act?
- 2 may 1933: banned trade unions - made striking illegal
- 31 March 1933: Nazis put in charge of all local government
- Gestapo formed (secret police)
- first concentration camp formed for political prisoners
Why was the Night of long knives carried out?
Rohm (leader of SA) wanted a revolution reducing the power of big businesses and take control of the army. Hitler didn’t want to annoy the businessmen or the army (his supporters) and so ordered the elimination of Rohm and his other political opponents
When did the night of long knives happen?
30 June 1934
What happened during the Night of Long Knives?
- Hitler sent SS (his personal bodyguards) to kill Rohm and 400 other opps (including previous Chancellor Von Schleicher)
- Vice Chancellor Von Papen also arrested
- majority that were killed were leading politicians or members of the Nazi party
What were the consequences of the Night of Long Knives?
- Hitler’s position secure since political opposition removed
- people happy that the power of SA reduced
- SA back under Hitler’s full control
- SS grew importance, made Germany into a police state after this
What did Hitler do after the death of President Hindenburg?
Declared himself Furher (President + Chancellor) |+ made German army swear an oath to him
