The Impact of the Great Depression Flashcards Preview

History IGCSE (CIE) Germany, 1918-45 > The Impact of the Great Depression > Flashcards

Flashcards in The Impact of the Great Depression Deck (19)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Why did the Great Depression affect Germany so badly?

A

They were heavily reliant on American loans. When these were recalled, their economy was ruined.

2
Q

Who had predicted the economic problems the withdrawal of loans might bring?

A

Gustav Stresemann - “Germany is dancing on the edge of a volcano”

3
Q

Which two main parties gained from the Depression?

A

The Nazis and the Communists (evidence of people turning to more radical solutions)

4
Q

How many Germans were unemployed by 1932?

A

6 million

5
Q

What made it difficult for the government to act decisively?

A

The Weimar Constitution - coalitions, created by proportional representation, were unable to act with the necessary speed and conviction

6
Q

What percentage of the work force was unemployed by 1932?

A

30%

7
Q

By 1932, how much had industrial production dropped by (compared with 1928 levels)?

A

40%

8
Q

How did the Great Depression affect children?

A

Many thousands died from malnutrition (and other hunger-related diseases)

9
Q

What did economic problems lead to on the streets?

A

Social problems - violence and general chaos (as well as widespread poverty)

10
Q

Who was chancellor for most of the Depression?

A

Heinrich Bruning

11
Q

How did Bruning try and deal with the Depression?

A

He both cut spending and raised taxed

12
Q

Who tried to stop Bruning cutting spending and raising taxes?

A

The Reichstag

13
Q

How was Bruning nonetheless able to cut spending and raise taxes?

A

He asked Hindenburg to use Article 48 to give him the powers to do so

14
Q

Why slogans did the Nazis use to exploit the misery of the Great Depression?

A

‘Our Last Hope’ and ‘Work and Bread’

15
Q

Why were the Nazis’ parades effective propaganda during the Great Depression?

A

The Nazis looked organised and strong - a welcome contrast to the chaos of Weimar Germany during the Depression

16
Q

Who did Hitler and the Nazis blame for the Depression?

A

Jews, the November Criminals, the Allies

17
Q

Which points of the 25 Point Programme were particularly appealing during this time?

A
  • Abolish the ToV (reparation were exacerbating the Depression)
  • Rearm to create jobs (linked to abolishing the ToV)
18
Q

How many seats did the Nazis win in 1928 (before the Wall Street Crash)?

A

12 seats

19
Q

How many seats did the Nazis win in July 1932?

A

230 seats