The decline of the Weimar Republic + the rise to power of the Nazis Oct 1929 – Jan 1933

Flashcards covering the political and economic factors that led to the decline of the Weimar Republic and the rise of the Nazi party.

What event is considered a major significance due to its global effects?

The Great Depression

What happened to US loans and investments in Germany after the Wall Street Crash?

They dried up, and demands for repayment of short-term loans followed.

How did the Wall Street Crash affect the price of food and raw materials?

It caused a further decline in prices as industrialized nations reduced their imports.

What were some of the widespread effects of the slump in Germany?

Bankruptcies increased, banks closed, unemployment soared, and incomes fell.

What percentage drop did Germany experience in national income by 1932 compared to 1929?

A 39% drop

By 1933, approximately what fraction of the German population was unemployed?

1 in 3 (6 million people)

How did the slump affect German exports?

Exports fell by 55%.

What happened to the middle class during the depression?

They were dragged down as demand for goods and services decreased.

Before the Wall Street Crash, what was the average number of unemployed in 1929?

1.9 million

Why did the economic crisis quickly become a political crisis in Germany?

There was a latent lack of confidence in the Weimar system, weakening its political legitimacy.

Why did Muller's SPD-led government collapse in March 1930?

They failed to agree on what cuts in unemployment relief to make.

Why was the government terrified of spending their way out of the crisis?

They feared a recurrence of the hyperinflation crisis of 1923.

What parties formed Muller's Grand Coalition in 1920?

SDP, DDP, Centre, and DVP

What issue brought down Muller's government in 1930?

A sharp increase in unemployment created a large deficit in the National Insurance scheme, and the parties could not agree on how to tackle it.

What article did Hindenburg refuse to use to support Muller's government?

Article 48

What marked the end to effective parliamentary government?

Muller's resignation and Hindenburg's refusal to use article 48.

What was the trend in presidential decree laws from 1930 to 1932?

They increased significantly, from 5 in 1930 to 66 in 1932.

Who succeeded Muller as chancellor?

Bruning

What was the slogan supported by the SPD regarding the Nazis?

Anyone but Hitler

What did Bruning attempt to do regarding reparation payments?

He attempted to end them.

Who defeated Hitler in the second ballot of the March-April 1932 presidential election?

Hindenburg

Why did Hindenburg dismiss Bruning in May 1932?

Bruning's proposals to break up bankrupt Prussian estates were considered bolshevist.

Who persuaded Hindenburg to ask Papen to form a non-party government?

Schleicher

What was Papen's government nicknamed?

The 'government of barons'

What concessions did Hitler receive from Papen in return for not opposing the government?

Lifting the ban on the SA/SS and agreeing to dissolve the Reichstag for new elections.

What did the bloodshed during the election campaign allow Papen and Schleicher to do?

Abolish the most powerful regional state government in Germany: Prussia.

Who appointed himself as Reich Commissioner of Prussia?

Papen

What event is considered an arbitrary and unconstitutional act?

Papen declaring a state of emergency and appointing himself Reich Commissioner of Prussia

Which party became the largest party with 37% of the vote in July 1932?

The Nazis

Why did Hindenburg refuse to make Hitler chancellor in August 1932?

He despised Hitler and only wanted the Nazis in the cabinet with limited power.

What did Papen propose after losing a vote of no confidence?

Abolishing the Reichstag and ruling through the army with martial law.

Who opposed Papen's proposal believing it would lead to civil war?

Schleicher

Who sacked Papen and appointed Schleicher as Chancellor in December 1932?

Hindenburg

What was Schleicher's aim as Chancellor?

To achieve political stability and create a broader-based government.

Who conspired with Hitler to oust Schleicher from power?

Papen

How long did Schleicher's government last?

57 days

When was Hitler appointed Chancellor?

January 1933

Who was appointed as Vice-Chancellor when Hitler was appointed Chancellor?

Papen

What strategy did the elite use for the Nazis?

The 'taming strategy'

Why did Hindenburg appoint Hitler as Chancellor?

Key industrialists and landowners were concerned about the lack of effective government, and some believed in channelling Nazi support in a more authoritarian direction.