Great Depression (b)
Intro The Great Depression and its economic impacts set the scene for the collapse of the Weimer Republic and the reconfiguration of German politics. Essentially the “social, political and economic cleavages” (Motyl) fragmented German society and “put the wind in Hitler’s sails” (Taylor). The economic effects were exacerbated by the Burning’s deflationary policy, which saw the German populace turn against and lose faith in the Weimer Republic. Out of this German politics became progressively polarised, providing Hitler and the Nazi party with a key opportunity to gain the support of the German people and conservative elite
Exam argument Argued it was the fundamental catalyst for the collapse of the Weimer Republic and democracy, which paved the path for the growth of extremist parties and political intrigue of the Harzburg Front bringing Hitler to power and providing basis for the formation of the 3rd Reich.
1) Wall Street Stock Market crash - economic crisis = political disillusionment revitalised, linked it to the political crisis where no party could gain majority
2)Great Dep paired with Proportional rep being a unstable political system, and depression causing disagreements within the Muller coalition seeing resignation of Muller Gov (the last democratically elected gov)
3) Bruning's deflationary policy in an attempt to handle economic problem, merely exacerbated the economic and social problem, leading to the Reichstag reaching a total impasse --> article 48 and seeing emergency decrees increase by 5 - 65 between 1930-32 = collapse of democratic process, linking to widespread support of the extremist parties due to futility of the Reichstag to solve to problem
4) Rise of extremist popularity reflected in 1930 election --> tied to workings of Hindenburg's close circle advisers
5) Political crisis catalysed by the GD swayed Hindenbury --> dismissal of Bruning and appointment of Papen --> linked to paving path for Hitler after 1932
6) 1932 Presidential election and Reichstag = Huge Nazi vote where 52% Reichstag was filled by the KPD and the NSDAP --> papen leading intruge to bring Hitler to power (communism and desire for old imperialism) tied back to depression causing such popularity
what yall think ?