2.3 - Growth in Nazi Support

The Wall Street Crash & Impact on Germany

Date: October 1929 | US stock market collapsed. US banks recalled loans from Germany. German banks failed, industries collapsed, unemployment rocketed — 1.3 million (1929) to 6.1 million (Jan 1933). Real wages fell to 70% of 1928 levels.

Weimar's Failure to Deal with the Crisis

Chancellor Brüning (1930–32) raised taxes and cut unemployment benefits — pleased nobody. Had to govern by decree (Article 48) as the Reichstag collapsed. Lost all control and resigned May 1932. People lost faith in the Republic.

Why People Supported the Nazis — Hitler's Appeal

Hitler promised strong leadership, to reverse Versailles, and restore law and order. Used modern campaigning — aeroplanes, radio, posters, mass rallies. The SA looked organised and powerful. Nazi membership grew from 129,000 (1930) to 849,000 (1933).

Who Supported the Nazis?

Big business — feared communism, funded the Nazis. Middle class — lost savings, feared communists, wanted traditional values restored. Farmers — Nazis promised to protect their land. Young people — drawn to exciting rallies and strong message. Women — Nazi promise of stable family life appealed to many.

Nazi Seats in the Reichstag

1928: 12 seats → 1930: 107 seats → July 1932: 230 seats. The worse the economy got, the more people voted Nazi. Fear of communism drove the middle and upper classes towards Hitler.