Homework Amna R.

Explain two effects on the German people of Hitlers method's to win their support in 1932
(8 marks)
Hitler's promise to reduce unemployment and to improve the economy led many Germans to
support him, especially as the Great Depression increased unemployment. Through public
works programs and strengthening the military, Hitler created jobs, which restored hope and
financial stability for many families. This support grew as people saw physical changes in their
quality of life, creating a sense of loyalty and gratitude towards the Nazi Party.
Hitler’s propaganda also strengthened German pride, blaming the Treaty of Versailles and
foreign influences for Germany's struggles. By promoting ideas of Aryan superiority and the
need to restore Germany’s power, he inspired many Germans to unite under his ideas of
nationalism, seeing the Nazis as a way to reclaim Germany's former status. This created a
strong sense of community but also fostered a mentality of intolerance and blaming extremist
and political groups, particularly the minority.
“The Wall Street Crash was to blame for the social and economic problems throughout
Germany from 1929-1932”. How far do you agree with this statement? Make sure you
include the following: (16 marks)
● The Wall Street Crash
● Bruning’s internal policies
● Another point of your own…
There were a number of reasons why the Wall Street Crash was to blame for the social and
economic problems throughout Germany from 1929 to 1932. During this time, in 1929, the crash
caused a financial crisis that led to widespread unemployment and poverty in Germany. One of
the main reasons for this was the country’s reliance on American loans, which were suddenly
withdrawn. However, a number of other factors contributed to Germany's problems, such as
Chancellor Brüning’s harsh financial measures and the weaknesses of the Weimar Republic's
government, which failed to respond effectively to the national crisis.
The Wall Street Crash of 1929 significantly worsened Germany's economic and social
problems. Germany had been relying heavily on American loans to stabilize its economy
following World War I, under the Dawes Plan. When the Wall Street Crash caused a financial
panic in the U.S, American banks demanded the repayment of these loans, resulting in a fast
decline in foreign investment and a massive economic downfall in Germany. The withdrawal of
American loans triggered the collapse of Germany’s fragile economy, leading to a sharp rise in
unemployment. By 1932, over 6 million Germans were unemployed, and businesses were
unable to survive due to the lack of investments. The banking crisis further worsened the
situation, with major German banks collapsing. The social effects were equally severe , with
poverty spreading rapidly, causing widespread dissatisfaction with the Weimar Republic and
increasing support for extremist parties, including the Nazi Party, which promised to restore
Germany’s economy and national pride.
Another factor that contributed to Germany's downfall was Chancellor Heinrich Brüning’s
policies from 1930 to 1932, which made the social and economic crisis worse. Brüning tried to
fix Germany’s financial problems by cutting government spending, reducing welfare, and
lowering wages. These measures hurt ordinary Germans, especially workers, as poverty
increased and unemployment went up. Protests broke out, and Brüning used Article 48 to make
decisions without approval from the Reichstag, which made the public feel even more
disconnected from the government. Instead of solving the problems, his policies increased
dissatisfaction and hatred towards the Weimar Republic, deepened political divisions, and gave
extremist groups like the Nazis the chance to gain support by promising to fix the country’s
issues.
The structural weaknesses of the Weimar Republic also played a big part in Germany’s
problems during this time. The Weimar government was weak, with frequent changes in
leadership. There was a lack of strong leadership, which made it hard for the government to
deal with the economic crisis. The political parties were divided and couldn’t agree on how to
solve the problems, so the government was unable to take effective action. Between 1929 and
1932, Germany had several short-lived governments, and President Paul von Hindenburg often
used emergency powers under Article 48 to pass laws without the approval of the Reichstag.
This weakened democracy and caused many people to lose faith in the political system.
Because the government wasn’t able to solve the economic problems, it created a situation
where extremist groups like the Nazis and Communists were able to gain support. The political
instability and lack of strong leadership made it easier for Hitler to present himself as the person
who could fix Germany’s problems.
While the Wall Street Crash of 1929 was a key factor in worsening Germany’s economic
problems, it wasn’t the only reason for the social and economic crisis between 1929 and 1932.
Brüning’s harsh austerity measures and the weaknesses of the Weimar political system also
made things worse. In conclusion, while the Wall Street Crash was important, Brüning's policies
and the political instability in Germany played just as big a role in creating the conditions that
allowed extremist groups like the Nazis to gain support. As a result, the crisis should be seen as
the result of several factors working together, not just the economic collapse caused by the Wall
Street Crash.

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Explain two effects on the German people of Hitlers method's to win their support in 1932

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