The Impact of the Great Depression Flashcards
Why did the Great Depression affect Germany so badly?
They were heavily reliant on American loans. When these were recalled, their economy was ruined.
Who had predicted the economic problems the withdrawal of loans might bring?
Gustav Stresemann - “Germany is dancing on the edge of a volcano”
Which two main parties gained from the Depression?
The Nazis and the Communists (evidence of people turning to more radical solutions)
How many Germans were unemployed by 1932?
6 million
What made it difficult for the government to act decisively?
The Weimar Constitution - coalitions, created by proportional representation, were unable to act with the necessary speed and conviction
What percentage of the work force was unemployed by 1932?
30%
By 1932, how much had industrial production dropped by (compared with 1928 levels)?
40%
How did the Great Depression affect children?
Many thousands died from malnutrition (and other hunger-related diseases)
What did economic problems lead to on the streets?
Social problems - violence and general chaos (as well as widespread poverty)
Who was chancellor for most of the Depression?
Heinrich Bruning
How did Bruning try and deal with the Depression?
He both cut spending and raised taxed
Who tried to stop Bruning cutting spending and raising taxes?
The Reichstag
How was Bruning nonetheless able to cut spending and raise taxes?
He asked Hindenburg to use Article 48 to give him the powers to do so
Why slogans did the Nazis use to exploit the misery of the Great Depression?
‘Our Last Hope’ and ‘Work and Bread’
Why were the Nazis’ parades effective propaganda during the Great Depression?
The Nazis looked organised and strong - a welcome contrast to the chaos of Weimar Germany during the Depression
