The Collapse of the Weimar Republic and the Rise of the NAZIS Why couldn’t Weimar survive? Why did support for the NAZIS increase?

What can you remember about the Weimar Republic in 1929 What can you remember about the Weimar Republic in 1929? (Before the Crash) Strengths? Weaknesses? Stability?

How stable was the Weimar Republic before the crash? ｷ Stronger leadership (Stresemann) ｷ Greater political and financial stability

‘Germany is dancing on a volcano ‘Germany is dancing on a volcano. If the short-term credits are called in a large section of our economy would collapse’. Prophetic words from Gustav Stresemann, 1928

ｷ Regime was tolerated but not popular ｷ BUT Few durable institutions established if faced with crisis ｷ Regime was tolerated but not popular ｷ Unpopular with civil service, universities, school officials ｷ E.g. schools present one-sided view of German defeat in 1918 ｷ System of parliamentary parties – not strong enough for stability in democracy ｷ Main coalitions (SPD, DDP & Zentrum – see below) divided on key point: economic, political, religious ｷ SO very vulnerable to anti-democratic threat (would come in 1930s) ｷ Economy: basis still fragile (despite progress) – not enough German capital – mostly foreign loans ｷ Imports 1924-30 = greater than exports ｷ Total deficit = 1.3 billion Reichmarks

ｷ Conclusion: Weimar Republic was progressing but still hadn’t achieved normalcy and acceptance

What is the decisive factor in the failure of the Weimar Republic?

The decisive factor in the collapse of the Weimar Republic: The WALL STREET CRASH: 24th October 1929 (NB: 3rd October 1929 Stresemann dies).

Economic effects: Germany’s foreign capital: ｧ 1928: 5 billion marks ｧ 1929: 2.5 billion marks ｧ 1930: 700 million marks Loans called in so bankruptcies increased Government scared of renewed hyperinflation UNEMPLOYMENT = how crisis was seen ｧ Before crash: 1.5 million ｧ Winter 1929/30: 3 million ｧ Summer 1930: 5 million ｧ January 1932: 6 million (remember this – this was how many were unemployed when Hitler became Chancellor) Food shortages, strikes, demonstrations; also bad weather. Life was desperate

Political effects: Revival of extremism (see table below) They are offering extreme solution to contemporary problems E.g. KPD (Communists) and particularly NAZIS It is undeniable that the economic and social crisis was important in the rise of popularity of the NSDAP (Nazi party)

Historians: Martin Brozat: 55% of working class recruits to Nazis were unemployed (1930-33) Alan Bullock: when ‘disaster cast its shadow over the land again, the despised prophet entered into his inheritance’. William Carr: ‘it is inconceivable that Hitler could ever have come into power had not the Weimar republic been subjected to the unprecedented strain of a world economic crisis.’

Historiography

Hitler establishes a single-party state

The political landscape of Germany changed on 30th January 1933. Why? Hitler became chancellor

What are the reasons that: A) Hitler became Chancellor B) Hitler became Fuhrer

How did Hitler become Chancellor? 1930 elections = swing to extremist parties. Why? Presidential elections March 1932: Hindenburg vs Hitler (both right wing; won 18 & 11 million votes. Communist thalmann won only 5 million). Parliamentary govt had ended: government through decree (article 48) Chancellor Bruning resigned May 1932

How did Hitler become Chancellor? Franz von Papen = next chancellor. Cabinet responsible to president not Reichstag In june 1932 he lifted ban on S.A. ( = much street violence) Elections July 1932. Nazis = 230 seats - 90 short of majority Hitler refused coalition without him as chancellor Sept 1932 - vote of no confidence; new elections (Nazis lost a few votes)

How did Hitler become Chancellor? Nov 1932 - von Papen resigned Hitler refused to be Chancellor without decree powers So Kurt von Scheicher formed cabinet - lasted until 28th Jan 1933 (He resigned when Hindenburg refused him emergency powers) This time: Hitler accepts Chancellorship There are no other candidates left. Hindenburg did his best to keep Hitler out.

Interpretations Much debate since 1933 Marxists: last show of capitalism before Comm. Revolution Later Marxists: dwelt on financial backing from big business (less on squabbles on left)

Interpretations Continuity in German expansion plans (C.F. WW1) - Nazism = logical development E.g. William Shirer Post WW2 German historians wrote on this

Interpretations Now: less emphasis on parallels, more on Weakness / problems of Weimar Rep. C.F. postive attraction of Nazis Hitler exploited opportunities & benefited from others’ weakness E.g. von Papen thought he could manipulate Hitler once in office Alan Bullock: luck, disunity of others, but also abilities: timing, insight into weakness, risk taking

Remember: Hitler was not swept into power He was not democratically elected Achieved power through ‘backstairs intrigue’ Politicians played the game with him because he was already powerful and would be useful if tamed Not inevitable But few mourned the passing of a ‘failed’ democracy

From Chancellorship to Dictatorship: new presentation