rise of the nazis 1928-32

• nazis increased popularity during depression

  • people were so desperate during 1920s and 30s, germans were willing to consider any political party that promised something different.
  • 1928 votes: 3% nov 1932:33%
  • KPD (communist part of germany) and nazi party both grew in popularity after the depression, both competed for support of germans hit hard by economic crisis.
  • between 1928-32, kpd grew from 130,000 people to 300,000 but nazi party grew at a more rapid speed.
• nazi party appealed more groups in society:

  • promised a more prosperous and less humiliating future, very popular among german people
  • 1930:membership grew over 300,000 people
  • after depression, nazi party popularity grew- hitler promised to make germany great again and appealed to the growing ranks of unemployed and young people who wanted brighter futures.
  • some people believed the nazis' anti-communist and anti-jewish views, used as scapegoats for german economic problems
  • some wealthy business men who lost their wealth bc of the depression turned to nazi party- supported anti-communist beliefs and wanted economic prosperity hitler promised
• nazi party well organised:

  • 1930s: the party seemed strong and organised in comparison to the weimar government, the SA held demonstrations, distributed propaganda and appeared more disciplined than in the 1920s
  • became more respected and hitler secured support from the middle classes
  • propaganda was very efficient, focused on regional issues and targeted specific groups, individuals felt valued by party and stole votes from smaller parties.