Why did Hitler become Chancellor in 1933? Flashcards
(5 points)
Describe the impact of the Wall Street Crash on Germany in 1929?
- Middle Class = lost most - savings, homes and companies.
- Banks closed.
- Unemployment = 6.1 million in 1932.
- Failure of Weimar to handle the Great Depression ~ lack of trust in demographic parties.
- Rise in support for extremist parties - Nazis and the KPD.
Why was Germany so badly affected by the Wall Street Crash?
Was relying on America’s loans under Dawes Plan which were taken back due to the Great Depression.
(2 points)
How did the Nazis gain from the Great Depression?
- People turned to extremism due to desperation.
- Ordinary people unhappy with Weimar.
How important was the reaction of the Weimar Republic to the crisis?
Very important ~ made people lose faith in the Weimar Republic due to very poor decision making and lack of stable government.
How many were unemployed in Germany by July 1929 and what does this show?
2.5 million ~ unemployment was rising even before the Depression.
What is a Parliamentary Government and who’s government is an example of this?
When the Chancellor is voted by the people.
- Muller led a coalition government with majority support in the Reichstag 1928-1930.
What is a Presidential Government and what is an example of this in 1930-1933?
When the Chancellor is chosen by the President.
- Hindenburg dismissed Muller ~ succeeded by a series of Chancellors who had little support in Reichstag ~ depended upon Hindenburg for support and to issue decrees.
- Growing move to change the Weimar system ~ reducing power of parliament ~ establishing a more authoritarian government.
What does Mandate mean?
Need the backing of the people.
How did the difference between Presidential government and Parliamentary government challenges in handling the Depression?
- During the Presidential Government 1930-1933 = Chancellors = lack of support from the people and the Reichstag ~ depended on Hindenburg for support and to issue decrees.
- (Multiple Chancellors wanting to make changes to help the Depression ~ lack of support due to the Presidential Government ~ cannot make the changes.)
Why would the challenges in handling the Depression due to the difference between Parliamentary and Presidential governments encourage more votes for the Nazis?
People were suffering due to nothing being done to improve the issues caused by the Depression ~ turned to extremism.
What does Backstairs Intrigue mean?
Was the secret discussions by Weimar politicians that led to Hitler being asked to be Chancellor.
Cards with impacts:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AQR7ZiXk4SE5apCqcD0bCXMElushrFX9UneoX0adtD4/edit
Why did the Dawes Plan of 1924 mean that Germany was more effected by the Great Depression and Wall Street Crash?
Germany relied on the US’s loans so when the US recalled them, Germany had no money.
