RISE OF THE NAZIS (1929-33)

What happened in the 1932 Presidential election?

Hitler lost to Hindenburg. In the second round, Hindenburg received about 19.4 million votes while Hitler received about 13.4 million.

How much did Nazi support increase between 1928 and 1932?

Nazi support rose from 2.6% of the vote in 1928 to 37.3% in the July 1932 Reichstag election.

How did the Depression affect German businesses?

Around 50,000 German firms closed or went bankrupt between 1929 and 1932, while surviving businesses saw their profits fall.

How did the Depression affect German farmers?

Many farmers went out of business because people could not afford high food prices, causing farmers' incomes to fall dramatically.

How many farmers went bankrupt by 1932?

Around 18,000 farmers had gone bankrupt.

How did unemployment change during the Depression?

Unemployment rose from around 1.4 million to about 6 million by January 1932, roughly one-third of the German workforce.

How did workers' wages change during the Depression?

The value of German workers' wages fell by around one-third by 1932.

Why did the welfare system struggle during the Depression?

The government had very little money and could no longer afford to maintain unemployment support at its previous level.

How much were unemployment benefits cut?

Unemployment benefits were cut by around 60%.

How did the Depression affect homelessness?

Homelessness increased as more Germans lost their jobs and could not afford housing.

How did the Depression affect German attitudes?

It reminded Germans of hyperinflation, the economic problems of the early 1920s and reparations, causing anger, fear and despair.

How did crime change during the Depression?

Crime and street violence increased, with some unemployed young people joining street gangs.

How did homelessness affect German society?

More homeless people were forced to beg in the streets.

How did the Depression affect different social groups?

Different groups suffered in different ways, with unemployment, falling wages, business failures and poverty affecting many parts of German society.

How did the Depression affect German politics?

Political violence increased as supporters of different parties fought in the streets, making Germany appear increasingly unstable and chaotic.

How did Nazi support change in the July 1932 election?

The Nazis won 37.3% of the vote and 230 Reichstag seats, making them the largest party in the Reichstag.

Did Nazi support continue increasing after July 1932?

No. In the November 1932 election, Nazi support fell to 33.1% and they lost seats, falling from 230 to 196.

Why was the November 1932 election important?

It showed that Nazi support was beginning to decline, creating a political and financial crisis for the Nazi Party.

What does FLOPPED stand for?

Fear of Communism, Leadership, Opposition weaknesses, Propaganda, Political Deal, Economic problems and Depression.

Why did fear of communism increase Nazi support?

Fear of communism was widespread, and the Nazis presented themselves as a strong anti-communist force. The SA also disrupted Communist meetings and attacked Communist organisations.

Why did Hitler's leadership attract support?

Hitler presented himself as a decisive leader who could restore order and strength to Germany, while Nazi rallies were carefully organised and impressive.

Why were weaknesses in the Weimar system helpful to the Nazis?

Proportional representation created many political parties and coalition governments, while political disagreements made the democratic system appear increasingly ineffective.

Why did the Nazis appeal to people who wanted traditional German values?

They rejected aspects of Weimar's liberal culture and American influence and promised a return to more traditional German values.

How did Nazi scapegoating help them gain support?

The Nazis blamed groups such as the November Criminals, Communists and Jews for Germany's problems, giving angry Germans someone to blame for the country's difficulties.

How did Nazi propaganda help them gain support?

Hitler travelled extensively to campaign, while Joseph Goebbels used modern technology, posters, newspapers, radio and other forms of propaganda to spread Nazi ideas.

What was an example of Nazi propaganda?

"Arbeit und Brot" ("Work and Bread") was used as a Nazi campaign slogan.

What was another example of Nazi propaganda?

"Our Last Hope—Hitler" was a Nazi election poster from 1932 that presented Hitler as Germany's solution to its problems.

What did the Nazis promise to do to make Germany powerful?

They promised to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, rebuild German power and gain Lebensraum in eastern Europe.

What was the Political Deal that brought Hitler to power?

Franz von Papen helped persuade President Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as Chancellor on 30 January 1933, with Papen becoming Vice Chancellor.

Why did Hindenburg agree to appoint Hitler?

Conservative politicians such as von Papen believed they could use Hitler's popularity while controlling him through a conservative-dominated government.

How many Nazis were initially included in Hitler's cabinet?

There were only three Nazis in the initial cabinet: Hitler, Göring and Frick.

Why did the Political Deal help Hitler?

It made Hitler Chancellor through the legal constitutional process and gave him access to the machinery of government.

When did Hitler become Chancellor?

Hitler became Chancellor on 30 January 1933.

Did Hitler become Chancellor because he won an election?

No. Hitler was appointed Chancellor by President Hindenburg; he was not directly elected as Chancellor.

What happened after Hitler became Chancellor?

Hitler used his position and a series of political developments to dismantle democracy and establish a dictatorship.

When was the next Reichstag election after Hitler became Chancellor?

The election was held on 5 March 1933.

Why did Hitler call the March 1933 election?

He wanted to increase Nazi support in the Reichstag and strengthen his government's position.

How did the Political Deal help Hitler overcome the Nazis' declining support?

Although Nazi support had fallen in November 1932, the deal brought Hitler into government and allowed him to use his position as Chancellor to pursue greater power.

How did economic problems help the Nazis?

The Depression created widespread unemployment, poverty and anger, making Nazi promises of economic recovery and strong leadership more attractive to many voters.

How many Reichstag seats did the Nazis win in 1928?

They won 12 seats, with about 2.6% of the vote.

How many Reichstag seats did the Nazis win in July 1932?

They won 230 seats, with 37.3% of the vote.

How many Reichstag seats did the Nazis win in November 1932?

They won 196 seats, with 33.1% of the vote.

How did the Depression help the Nazis?

The economic crisis weakened confidence in the Weimar government and increased support for extremist parties, including the Nazis.

What were the main reasons for the rise of the Nazis?

Fear of Communism, Hitler's leadership, weaknesses of the opposition and Weimar democracy, Nazi propaganda, the Political Deal, economic problems and the Depression.

Why is it important to distinguish between Hitler becoming Chancellor and the March 1933 election?

Hitler became Chancellor on 30 January 1933; the March 1933 election happened afterwards and was used to try to strengthen Nazi control.