Section C: growth in Nazi support, 1929-32

What event caused the collapse of the American stock market in 1929?

The Wall Street Crash in October 1929 led to the collapse of American stock market shares.

How did the Wall Street Crash affect German banks?

German banks lost money in stock investments, causing panic and runs on banks, leading to the failure of banks like the German Civil Servant Bank.

What impact did the banking crisis have on German businesses?

German businesses had to repay loans, leading to production cuts, layoffs, and rising unemployment.

How did unemployment in Germany change from September 1929 to 1932?

Unemployment rose from 1.3 million in September 1929 to over 6 million by the end of 1932.

What percentage of factory workers were unemployed by January 1933?

40% of factory workers were unemployed by January 1933.

How did the unemployment crisis affect university graduates?

 60% of university graduates were unemployed by January 1933.

What social issue increased due to high unemployment?

Homelessness increased, with makeshift shanty towns emerging as many could no longer afford rent.

How much did arrests for theft increase between 1929-1932?

Arrests for theft increased by 24% between 1929 and 1932.

How did Nazi support in the Reichstag change by July 1932?

The Nazi Party's seats in the Reichstag rose from 12 to 230 by July 1932.

What did the Grand Coalition government fail to do in response to rising unemployment?

The Grand Coalition government failed to agree on measures to address unemployment, leading to its collapse in March 1930.

What measures did Heinrich Brüning introduce to address unemployment?

Brüning introduced higher taxes and time limits on unemployment benefits to reduce costs.

What method did President Hindenburg use to bypass the Reichstag in decision-making?

Hindenburg used Article 48 to bypass the Reichstag and pass decrees by presidential approval.

Why did Hindenburg's use of Article 48 undermine democracy?

It allowed Hindenburg to govern by decree without the approval of the Reichstag, effectively bypassing democratic processes.

How did Communist Party support change from 1928 to 1932?

Communist support grew from 10% in 1928 to 15% in 1932, making it the largest Communist Party outside the Soviet Union.

Who was the main support base for the Communist Party in Germany?

The Communist Party's main support came from the working class, who wanted to defend their jobs and wages.

How did Communist Party growth benefit the Nazi Party?

 The rise of the Communist Party scared the middle and upper classes, leading them to see the Nazis as the only defense against Communism.

What aspects of the Weimar Republic made Hitler's leadership appealing?

The perceived weakness of the Weimar Republic and the appeal of a strong leader like Hitler grew during the crisis years.

How did Hitler use propaganda to gain support during the economic crisis?

using aeroplanes to speak in as many cities as possible. 

scapegoat (in the form of the Jewish people), and

blaming Germany’s problems on the stab in the back and the Treaty of Versailles

How did the SA contribute to Nazi support growth?

The SA gave an impression of order and disrupted rival political meetings, adding to the sense of chaos under the Weimar Republic.

What groups of people did the Nazis appeal to during the economic crisis?

The Nazis appealed to businessmen, the middle class, working-class voters, farmers, young people, and women, offering something for everyone.