Why did Weimar collapse in 1933 1 Economic

Why did Weimar collapse in 1933 1. Economic Crisis 2. Political Intrigue 3. Part played by the Nazis

Economic Crisis • Wall Street Crash in 1929 – Great Depression caused all countries economic problems but Germany suffered more as so dependant on loans from USA. • Economic crisis is compounded for Weimar as people remember the Hyperinflation Crisis of 1923. 1929 is not prices falling but high unemployment. Both have a dramatic impact on German people – they lose faith in Weimar.

Economic Crisis • • • Massive unemployment Wages fall Prices fall Crisis in agriculture Banking crisis in 1931 Worst problems at end of 1930 start of 1931 as loans recalled.

Economic Crisis • AJP Taylor “ the Great Depression put the wind in the sails of the Nazi Party. ” • Alan Bullock talks about the hopelessness felt by many unemployed Germans. • Economic problems for Weimar were seen as good for the Nazis as Gregor Strasser [a leading Nazi] suggests in 1931 “all that serves to bring about catastrophe… is good, very good for us”

Economic Crisis • “An economic depression is like a storm at sea” Bruning’s pragmatic, careful approach. • Overy and Ferguson criticise Bruning’s approach. • Doesn’t allow Germans enough hope for future and the Nazis exploit this with their propaganda and populist policies.

Economic Crisis • The Wall Street Crash was a serious problem that was made worse by the economic policies under Bruning. [Chancellor 1930 -1932] • He is terrified of another bout of Hyperinflation so so he cuts spending on unemployment and other benefits. • Nickname is the Hunger Chancellor as he goes for a “belt tightening” economic approach.

Political Intrigue • Feuchtwanger “Weimar’s thin thread for survival was snapped by political errors” • Some historians date the end of democracy as the end of Muller’s government in 1930 as all subsequent Weimar government was by emergency decree – Article 48. • A flaw in the constitution? • Mommsen calls democracy in this period “an empty shell”.

Political Intrigue • Bruning/Schleicher and Papen all try to remain in power outwith the rules of democracy. • Schleicher [army General aka “the chancellor picker”] advises Hindenburg to • 1. Appoint Bruning in 1930. • 2. Sack Bruning in 1932. • 3. Appoint Papen in summer 1932.

Political Intrigue • Hitler asked to be Vice-Chancellor in Aug 1932 but refuses. Elections in Nov 32 saw Nazis lose seats but still biggest party. • Schleicher persuades Hindenburg to make him Chancellor and tries to win some support from left-wing Nazis. [Brozat very critical of Schleicher] • In Jan 33 Papen pertsuades Hindenburg to give Hitler the job of Chancellor.

Political Intrigue • Papen and Hindenburg think they can control Hitler – Papen is to be Vice-Chancellor and only 2 Nazis in cabinet. • Papen famously says “we’ve hired him”. • Papen acquitted at Nuremburg trials by using “it was his turn defence” about why they gave Hitler the job of Chancellor.

Part played by Nazis • Nazis contributed to the collapse of Weimar through • Propaganda • Hitler’s popularity • Popular policies • Their growing support. • Nazis were a growing threat

Policies • Anti-Versailles, Anti- Young Plan. • Economic policy based on investing in German industry to provoke recovery. Brustein argues that this convinces many Germans to support Nazis rather than Weimar. • Support for farmers – price controls. • Mix of socialism, capitalism and nationalism to appeal to as many as possible.

Propaganda • Used to appeal to emotion by reference to history and militarism. • Posters designed to “sell” policies to different groups – to attack Weimar. • Swastika, Rallies, marches, SA. • Appearance of strength and organisation – different from Weimar. • Noakes suggests that propaganda is over stressed as a reason for Nazi success. Lots of propaganda in areas where Nazis do badly and often little in areas they do well.

Hitler • “Central to success of Nazis” Hite and Hinton. • Orator – Messianic. • Reorganised Nazis. He had power over policy and strategy. • Won support from industrialists – Kolb suggests this financial support is not really significant. • Tailored message to fit his audience.

Growing support • Nazis were increasingly seen as a viable alternative. • Managed to appeal to young people. • Women were more likely to support the Nazis than men. • Recent research suggests that the Nazis were able to appeal across the social spectrum and take support from pro-Weimar parties.