From the Depression to Chancellor, 1929–33 Cambridge IGCSE History revision
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In plain words
In 1928 the Nazis were a joke with 12 seats. Four years later they were the largest party in Germany. The Wall Street Crash did not create Hitler. It delivered six million desperate people to a man who was ready for them.
9 things to know
- In October 1929 the Wall Street Crash led American banks to call in their loans to Germany. Businesses collapsed. Unemployment rose from under two million in 1929 to about six million by early 1933.
- The government did not cope. Chancellor Brüning cut spending and unemployment pay. Unable to get laws through the Reichstag, he governed by presidential decree under Article 48. Democracy was already being set aside.
- People turned to the extremes. In 1930 the Nazis won 107 seats. In July 1932 they won 230, and became the largest party. The Communists gained too.
- Why people voted Nazi: Hitler promised work and bread. He gave people someone to blame: the Treaty of Versailles, the politicians who signed it, the communists and the Jews.
- Hitler was a compelling speaker, and Goebbels' propaganda put a simple message in front of every group of voters. The SA gave an impression of order and strength.
- The middle classes, farmers and businessmen feared a communist revolution, and saw the Nazis as their protection. Some businessmen gave the party money.
- The Nazis' opponents were divided. The Social Democrats and the Communists hated each other and would not work together.
- Even so, in November 1932 the Nazi vote fell. Hitler did not win power at the ballot box. He was given it by a political deal.
- The former chancellor, von Papen, persuaded President Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as chancellor, with Papen as his deputy and only a few Nazis in the government. They believed that they could control him. On 30 January 1933 Hitler became Chancellor.
Worked example
"The Depression was the main reason why Hitler became Chancellor." How far do you agree? Plan a 10-mark answer.
- Agree: before the Depression the Nazis had 12 seats. Six million unemployed gave them a mass following, and the Weimar government's failure discredited democracy.
- Other reasons: Hitler's skill as a speaker, Nazi propaganda and organisation, the fear of communism, and the division of his opponents.
- The final step: he was appointed through the scheming of Papen and Hindenburg, at a moment when the Nazi vote had begun to fall.
- Judgement: the Depression made the Nazis a force. It took the miscalculation of conservative politicians to put Hitler in office.
Tips and tricks
- Three numbers tell the story: 12 seats in 1928, 107 in 1930, 230 in July 1932. Next to them: unemployment rising to six million.
- Hitler was not elected Chancellor. He was appointed by Hindenburg. Never write that he won an election to become Chancellor.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
From the Depression to Chancellor, 1929–33: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
How many Germans were unemployed by early 1933?
The Depression hit Germany harder than almost anywhere.
How many seats did the Nazis win in July 1932?
They became the largest party in the Reichstag.
Who persuaded Hindenburg to appoint Hitler?
He believed that he could control Hitler.
On what date did Hitler become Chancellor?
He was appointed by President Hindenburg.
Why did the division between the Social Democrats and the Communists help Hitler?Stretch
A united left could have blocked him.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 16 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
From the Depression to Chancellor, 1929–33
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 · 16 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What was the impact of the Depression on Germany?[4]
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Any four: American loans were recalled; businesses and banks collapsed; unemployment rose to about six million; the government cut spending and benefits; there was widespread poverty and hunger; support for extreme parties, the Nazis and the Communists, grew.
Why did many Germans vote for the Nazis between 1930 and 1932?[6]
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Any three explained: unemployment had reached six million, and Hitler promised work and bread; the Weimar governments seemed unable to solve the crisis; Nazi propaganda offered simple answers, and people to blame; many feared communism, and saw the Nazis as the strongest defence against it; Hitler was a powerful and convincing speaker.
Why did Hindenburg appoint Hitler as Chancellor in January 1933?[6]
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The Nazis were the largest party, and no government could command a majority without them. Von Papen persuaded Hindenburg that Hitler could be controlled, since Papen would be deputy and there would be few Nazis in the cabinet. Hindenburg and the conservatives wanted to use Nazi support to keep out the Communists and to end the political deadlock.
Answers: From the Depression to Chancellor, 1929–33
- 1. Any four: American loans were recalled; businesses and banks collapsed; unemployment rose to about six million; the government cut spending and benefits; there was widespread poverty and hunger; support for extreme parties, the Nazis and the Communists, grew.
- 2. Any three explained: unemployment had reached six million, and Hitler promised work and bread; the Weimar governments seemed unable to solve the crisis; Nazi propaganda offered simple answers, and people to blame; many feared communism, and saw the Nazis as the strongest defence against it; Hitler was a powerful and convincing speaker.
- 3. The Nazis were the largest party, and no government could command a majority without them. Von Papen persuaded Hindenburg that Hitler could be controlled, since Papen would be deputy and there would be few Nazis in the cabinet. Hindenburg and the conservatives wanted to use Nazi support to keep out the Communists and to end the political deadlock.