Political impacts of the Great Depression

What did many young unemployed people do?

Many young unemployed joined paramilitary groups, such as the Nazi SA (Sturmabteilung) or the Communist Rotfront.

Why did many unemployed young people join paramilitary groups?

This gave them a sense of belonging and something to do.

What did the Depression weaken?

The Great Coalition.

Divisions over the unemployment insurance system created a crisis.

What was the Great Coalition?

Also known as the Weimar coalition, was the initial governing coalition in the Weimar Republic.

Formed by the SPD, the Centre Party (Zentrum) and the German Democratic Party (DDP)

What did the SPD not want?

They did not want cuts, while the German People’s Party (DVP) argued for cuts.

What did industrialists argue?

Industrialists argues that the welfare state should be abolished because of costs.

What happened to an attempt at compromise of cutting costs?

An attempt at compromise failed and the Cabinet resigned.

This weakened democracy.

What did Hindenburg use the failed attempt at compromise for?

Hindenburg used this opportunity to bring in the right-wing Heinrich Bruning as chancellor, who supported Hindenburg’s policy of re-arming Germany.

What did Brüning state?

He did not have a majority and stated that if he was defeated he would ask for the Reichstag to be dissolved and rule by emergency decree.

This happened following attempts to increase taxes and cut welfare.

What do historians argue over Brüning’s aims?

• Some argue that he was worried hyperinflation would return.

• Some argue that he wanted to provoke a crisis so reparations would be cancelled.

When did elections take place?

In September 1930, which allowed the Nazi Party to make considerable gains.

It appeared to offer simple solutions to Germany’s problems.

What happened despite Nazi’s gains in 1930 election?

It still left a divided Reichstag and problems continued in 1931 and 1932, giving the impression to many that democracy was unable to deal with the situation, while unemployment continued to rise.

What did Brüning have to increasingly rely on?

Had to increasingly rely on rule by emergency decree, which further weakened democracy.

What happened as the government appeared unable to deal with the crisis?

People turned more and more to extreme parties, not just the Nazis.

Support for communism also grew, and this worried industrialists and the middle class.