Why did Weimar collapse in 1933 Economic Crisis Political Intrigue 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 summer1932.

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.