The Depression (1929-32) Flashcards
Why was there a rise in extremism in the years 1929-32?
Weimar government couldn’t agree on how to deal with the Depression
Frequent general elections held
3 Chancellors in one year
People lost faith in Weimar democracy
Article 48 often used, Reichstag pointless
How were Germans impacted by the Depression?
German government had to pay back some of the US loans
Millions unemployed
Homelessness - shanty towns formed
Increased crime
Malnutrition due to rising prices
Poor mental health
How did the SA increase Nazi support?
Protection against communists
Used fear and violence to intimidate opposition in 1930+32 elections
Broke up communist meetings + beat up communists
How did Hitler’s appeal increase Nazi support?
Won iron cross in WW1, national hero
Won 36% of vote in presidential elections
Well-known from Munich Putsch
Mein Kampf
Strong, decisive leadership (contrasts weak govt.)
Powerful public speaker
Promised to overturn ToV
How did propaganda increase Nazi support?
Catchall tactics - posters in public places
“Work and bread” - unemployed
“Our Last Hope”
Scapegoated Jews and communists
Speeches on radios
Flew between speeches
Which societal groups turned to which extreme parties? (1929-32)
Working class - communists
Middle/upper class - Nazis
Farmers - Nazis (didn’t benefit from Weimar govt.)
What did Chancellor Bruning do in 1930 which made him unpopular?
Raised taxes and cut unemployment benefits during the Depression
How did Papen and Hindenburg help to make Hitler Chancellor?
Papen appealed to Hindenburg to make Hitler Chancellor as he believed Hitler could be easily controlled
Schleicher had just resigned, Hindenburg had no choice
When was Hitler appointed Chancellor?
January 1933
Who were the SA and what was their membership like?
Were ex-soldiers suffering unemployment after Treaty of Versailles disarmament
By 1932 - 600,000 members
How long did the average Weimar government last?
Nine months
