Germany & The Depression

• What event in October 1929 led to the Great Depression?

  Wall Street Crash
• What was a major consequence of the Wall Street Crash for Germany?

  Extremist parties grew in popularity
• What happened to US companies after the Wall Street Crash?

  They lost billions of dollars overnight
• How did the Wall Street Crash affect US lending to Germany?

  US stopped lending money to Germany
• What were the effects of the Great Depression on German businesses?

  They had to repay loans and faced tax increases
• What actions did the German government take during the Depression?

  Increased taxes and cut unemployment benefits
• Who suffered the most job losses during the Depression in Germany?

  Workers and farm labourers
• Why did many people turn to extremist parties during the Depression?

  Democracy seemed to be failing
• How did the Weimar government's weakness contribute to extremist party support?

  Chancellor needed president's help for laws
• Which party did working-class people turn to during the Depression?

  Communists (KPD)
• Which party did middle- and upper-class people support during the Depression?

  Nazi Party (NSDAP)
• What did Germans from all sectors of society want from the Nazis?

  A strong government with economic policies
• What were the main reasons for the rise of the Nazis and Communists during the Depression?

  • Failure of moderate parties in the Reichstag
  • Weakness of the Weimar government
  • Economic hardship and job losses
  • Fear of Communist takeover among the middle class
  • Desire for strong leadership and order
• What was the role of the SA during the elections of 1930 and 1932?

  They controlled unrest and intimidated opposition
• How did Hitler's portrayal as 'one of the people' affect his popularity?

  It made him relatable to ordinary people
• What was the significance of Hitler's speeches during the Depression?

  They promised different things to various groups
• How did Hitler's propaganda contribute to his electoral success?

  It linked him with national pride and strength
• What was the SA's membership size in 1930?

  About 400,000 members
• Why did Hitler want to reduce the power of the SA?

  Röhm was a serious rival and threat
• What was the outcome of the Night of the Long Knives?

  Röhm and SA leaders were arrested and killed
• What happened to President Hindenburg on 2 August 1934?


  He died
• What law merged the offices of Chancellor and President?

  The law concerning the Head of State
• How did Hitler ensure loyalty from the army after Hindenburg's death?

  Army swore an oath of allegiance to him
• What were the steps Hitler took to establish his dictatorship in 1933 and 1934?

  1. Reichstag Fire allowed for emergency powers
  2. Enabling Act passed to gain total power
  3. SA used to intimidate opposition
  4. Hindenburg's death merged Chancellor and President roles
  5. Army swore allegiance to Hitler
• What was the purpose of the Enabling Act proposed by Hitler?

  To give himself total power to make laws
• What was the result of the Enabling Act for Germany's political system?

  Germany would no longer be a democracy
• How did the Nazis eliminate political opposition after the Enabling Act?

  They banned other political parties and unions
• What happened to the Communist Party after the Reichstag fire?

  It was effectively finished and many arrested
• What was the significance of the Law against the Formation of New Parties?

  It banned all political parties except the Nazis
• How did the Nazis use the Reichstag fire to their advantage?

  They accused Communists of conspiracy and arrested them
• What was the outcome of the Night of the Long Knives for the SA?

  Its power and influence were significantly reduced
• How did Hitler's portrayal of himself contribute to his dictatorship?

  He was seen as all-powerful and heroic
• What was the role of propaganda in establishing Hitler's dictatorship?

  It portrayed Hitler as a strong leader