Summary 5 - The social impact of the depression

Question 1

How many people was the unemployment benefit system designed to help?

Answer 1

800,000

Question 2

Why did the amount paid out in unemployment benefits have to be reduced?

Answer 2

The system was overwhelmed, too many people needed support.

Question 3

How long were people able to claim benefits for?

Answer 3

People were only able to claim benefits for a fixed period, after which they had to ask the local authorities for help.

Question 4

What did doctors report increasing cases of during the depression?

Answer 4

Doctors reported increasing cases of malnutrition, TB and rickets.

Question 5

In June 1933, what percentage of young males aged between 14 and 25 in Hamburg were unemployed?

Answer 5

39%

Question 6

What was the impact of high youth unemployment?

Answer 6

High youth unemployment led to social issues such as crime and social disorder. Furthermore, some young people turned to extremist parties such as the nationalist right and the KPD.

Question 7

What was the impact of high unemployment on women?

Answer 7

Women who were working experienced resentment from unemployed males. Nationalists insisted that married women should not be working.

Question 8

When was a law passed which allowed married women who were civil servants to be dismissed?

Answer 8

May 1932