Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 3 The growth in support for the Nazis, 1929–32 — Edexcel GCSE History
Test yourself on Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 3 The growth in support for the Nazis, 1929–32 with PEARSON EDEXCEL GCSE practice questions.
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Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 3 The growth in support for the Nazis, 1929–32 explained
The 1929 Wall Street Crash devastated the German economy, as American banks recalled the short-term loans that had underpinned Weimar's recovery under the Dawes Plan.
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This caused a catastrophic collapse in German industry, leading to soaring unemployment that peaked at over six million by 1932. The impact was profound: widespread poverty, homelessness, and a collapse of faith in democratic institutions, exacerbated by Chancellor Brüning's unpopular deflationary policies and reliance on Article 48. This desperation fuelled a surge in support for the Communist Party (KPD), who promised a radical redistribution of wealth. The KPD's growing strength terrified the middle classes, driving them towards the Nazis as a bulwark against Bolshevism.
Reasons for the growth in support for the Nazi Party, including the appeal of Hitler and the Nazis, the effects of propaganda and the work of the SA.
Between 1929 and 1932, Nazi support surged due to several key factors. The appeal of Hitler was central; he was presented as a charismatic saviour who could unite Germany and overturn the Treaty of Versailles. The Nazis appealed to various groups by tailoring their messages, promising farmers higher prices and businesses protection from communism. Propaganda, orchestrated by Goebbels, amplified this appeal through modern techniques like radio, rallies, and posters. Meanwhile, the SA (Sturmabteilung) played a crucial role by intimidating political opponents, particularly communists, and projecting an image of discipline and order during a time of economic chaos, making the Nazis appear as the only force capable of restoring stability.
Your focus
- Explain the economic mechanisms that linked the Wall Street Crash to mass unemployment in Germany.
- Describe the social and political impacts of widespread unemployment on the German population between 1929 and 1932.
- Analyse how the growth of the Communist Party influenced the political choices of the German middle and upper classes.
Show all 6 objectives
- Analyse the reasons why different social groups voted for the Nazi Party between 1929 and 1932.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of Nazi propaganda and Hitler's personal appeal in increasing electoral support.
- Assess the dual role of the SA in intimidating opponents and projecting an image of order.
Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 3 The growth in support for the Nazis, 1929–32 exam tips
Marking Points
- Identify the Wall Street Crash and the recall of US loans as the primary causes of the German economic collapse.
- Describe the social impact of mass unemployment, including poverty, homelessness, and reliance on inadequate state benefits.
- Explain how the Weimar government's failure to solve the crisis undermined faith in democracy.
- Analyse the reasons for the growth in KPD support among the unemployed and working classes.
- Evaluate how the fear of a Communist revolution pushed middle-class voters and wealthy industrialists to support the Nazi Party.
- Explain how Hitler's charismatic speaking style and image as a strong leader appealed to a population disillusioned with Weimar politicians.
- Detail how Nazi propaganda, led by Goebbels, used modern technology and targeted messaging to appeal to specific groups like farmers and businessmen.
- Describe the role of the SA in disrupting opposition meetings and creating an impression of discipline and anti-communist strength.
- Link the growth in support directly to the context of the Great Depression, which made the Nazi promises of bread and work highly attractive.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Use specific statistics, such as unemployment reaching six million by 1932, to substantiate your explanations of the economic crisis.
- 💡When explaining the growth of Nazi support, explicitly link it to the fear generated by the simultaneous growth of the Communist Party.
- 💡Discuss the psychological impact of unemployment, such as the loss of pride and hope, to explain why radical solutions became so appealing to ordinary Germans.
- 💡When explaining the growth in support, ensure you link the actions of the Nazis directly to why people voted for them.
- 💡Use specific examples of propaganda methods, such as the use of aeroplanes for Hitler's speaking tours or specific poster slogans.
- 💡Evaluate the relative importance of different factors; for example, how the appeal of Hitler was amplified by the work of the SA.
Common Mistakes
- Error: Stating the Wall Street Crash directly caused Hitler to become Chancellor. Correction: Explain that the Crash caused the economic crisis and unemployment, which in turn created the desperate conditions that made extremist parties popular.
- Error: Ignoring the growth of the Communist Party when discussing this period. Correction: Always include the KPD's rise, as the middle-class fear of Communism was a crucial factor in the Nazis' electoral success.
- Error: Blaming the hyperinflation of 1923 for the unemployment of 1929-32. Correction: Clearly distinguish between the 1923 hyperinflation crisis and the 1929 Great Depression; they are separate economic disasters with different causes.
- Error: Stating that the Nazis won a majority of the vote before 1933. Correction: Clarify that the Nazis never won an outright majority in a free election, peaking at 37.3% in July 1932.
- Error: Claiming the SA only caused chaos. Correction: Explain that while the SA used violence, they also projected an image of order and discipline that appealed to many Germans fearing communist revolution.
- Error: Ignoring the specific targeting of propaganda. Correction: Emphasise that propaganda was highly tailored, offering different promises to different social classes rather than a single generic message.