Rise Of Nazis Flashcards
What happened in August 1929?
The Great Depression
What happens in a depression?
Rise in unemployment Fall in production Fall in prices Fall in wages Fall in world trade Fall in government income Increased government debt
What political effects does a depression have?
Greater division within coalitions
Increased votes for extremist parties
Extreme nationalism increases
Increase in despair and decrease in morale
How did the depression affect Germany?
Fearing a repeat of 1923, many Germans withdrew money from the bank
Banks had to recall loans provided to farmers and businesses since they were on the verge of collapse
German exports declined
Businesses had to sack workers or lower wages
By 1933, 6.3 million Germans were unemployed compared to 1.3 million before the Wall Street crash
Real wages declined by nearly 70% and there was a sharp rise in crime and homelessness
What was the problem in Germany’s economy?
Heavily reliant on the US. When the depression affected the US, it also affected Germany almost to the same extent
How did the government react to the depression?
They didn’t do anything initially as they felt the circumstances were outside their control
They didn’t want to spend to avoid a 1923 situation
They couldn’t borrow money
It could be suggested that Bruning allowed the crisis to occur to get rid of reparations and dismantle the welfare state
Eventually after 1931, Bruning set up public work schemes and his successor Von Papen allocated unused land to dispossessed peasants and workers.
It wasn’t enough as Hitler built on this recovery and took all of the credit
What were NSDAP’s results in their elections?
July 1932-37.4%
November 1932-33.1%
What were KDP’s results in the elections?
July 1932-14.5%
November 1932-16.9%
What was Bruning’s aim?
Tried to end reparations
Reorder the welfare state
More authoritarian government
What actions did Bruning take?
Began modest reflation
Banned the SA
How was Bruning responsible for bringing Hitler to power?
Allowed hitler to make gains in Reichstag by calling in an election
Hitler gained 37% in the presidential election
What was Papen’s aim?
Co-operate with the nazis to sustain his government
What were Papen’s actions?
Lifted ban on SA
Called for new elections
How was Papen responsible for Hitler’s rise?
Nazis were generally more popular
More cooperation with Hitler
What was Schleider’s aim?
Develop Bruning’s resettlement land schemes
Make Nazi Gregor Strasser vice chancellor
Wanted to rule by decree
