‘The main reason for the growth of Nazi support between 1929 and 1932 was the growing economic crisis in Germany.
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
European history in the interwar years, 1919–41
👑Complete Model Essay
‘The main reason for the growth of Nazi support between 1929 and 1932 was the growing economic crisis in Germany.
The Rise of the Nazi Party: Economic Crisis or Masterful Exploitation?
The assertion that the primary catalyst for the surge in Nazi support between 1929 and 1932 was the escalating economic crisis in Germany holds considerable weight. While the NSDAP had shown signs of electoral progress in 1928 and possessed a well-structured organization, their actual electoral backing remained limited. However, with the onset of the Great Depression in the autumn of 1929, support for both the Communists and the Nazis swelled as disillusionment with the government's handling of soaring unemployment, bank failures, and business collapses grew. “European history in the interwar years, 1919–41,History Essay”
The zenith of Nazi electoral triumph in 1932 coincided with peak unemployment and deflationary policies, leaving millions bereft of basic necessities and hope. Nazi propaganda effectively exploited the economic woes, scapegoating the Treaty of Versailles, the November Criminals, Jews, and American financiers. This, coupled with the perceived threat of communism, which alarmed both the middle class and German elites, forges a seemingly undeniable link between economic hardship and the surge in support for the Nazis, both locally and nationally.
German farmers, already grappling with plummeting prices, now faced a drastically diminished market. The middle class, still reeling from the hyperinflation of the 1920s, witnessed a collapse of domestic and international consumption, leading to widespread business failures. Industrial workers faced mass unemployment and the loss of the Weimar welfare safety net as austerity measures took hold.
Beyond Economics: The Nazi's Skillful Exploitation of Crisis
The counter-argument posits that the Nazis' adeptness at exploiting the crisis, rather than the crisis itself, was the more significant factor. By 1928, support for the Nazis was already on the rise, particularly in economically depressed rural areas. The party had cultivated an impressive organizational structure and espoused a flexible ideology that encompassed a wide range of grievances, all interwoven with potent themes: anti-Semitism, the Hitler myth, the portrayal of politicians as betrayers of the nation, and appeals to nationalist sentiment. This ideological tapestry enabled people from diverse backgrounds to find common ground in Nazi ideology, even if their individual interests appeared incompatible.
The NSBO (National Socialist Factory Cell Organization) had gained a foothold among industrial workers, while monarchists were drawn to the party's nationalist rhetoric and promises of a return to a golden age. Nazi propaganda transcended mere promises of job creation; their 1920 program contained both anti-capitalist and anti-communist elements. Hitler's personal appeal hinged less on concrete economic policies (which remained vague) and more on his condemnation of enemies and his potent emotional appeals for national renewal and rebirth.
While these tactics were not novel, they resonated deeply during a time when economic turmoil served as evidence of Germany's supposed betrayal. It was the interplay between the escalating economic crisis and the type of appeal that had been steadily developing since 1920 that proved so potent. A nuanced analysis recognizes these complex connections, acknowledging the weight of economic factors while also considering the significance of other contributing elements.
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Introduction
Briefly state the question and your overall argument. For example, you could argue that while the economic crisis was the most significant factor in the growth of Nazi support, it is important to consider other factors as well.
The Impact of the Economic Crisis
This section will argue in support of the statement.
The Great Depression and its effects
Discuss the impact of the Great Depression on Germany, including rising unemployment, business failures, and social unrest. Note how the Nazi party capitalized on the economic misery, offering scapegoats and simple solutions. Use statistics about rising unemployment and Nazi votes to make this point.
The appeal of the Nazi message to different social groups
Explain how the Nazis tailored their message to appeal to different social groups hit by the Depression, such as farmers, the middle class, and industrial workers. Provide specific examples of Nazi policies or rhetoric that resonated with each group.
Alternative Explanations for Nazi Support
This section will offer some counter-arguments.
The role of Nazi ideology and propaganda
Analyze the key elements of Nazi ideology, such as nationalism, anti-Semitism, and anti-communism. Explain how Nazi propaganda effectively exploited these themes to create a sense of crisis and offer a vision for a stronger Germany. You might discuss how the Nazis presented themselves as the only party capable of restoring German greatness.
Hitler's charisma and leadership
Evaluate the significance of Hitler's personal charisma and leadership skills in attracting followers. Discuss his ability to connect with the masses, articulate their frustrations, and project an image of strength and determination.
The weaknesses of the Weimar Republic
Briefly discuss the inherent weaknesses of the Weimar Republic, such as its political instability, economic vulnerability, and lack of popular support. Explain how these weaknesses contributed to a climate of fear and uncertainty, making the Nazis' promises of order and stability more appealing.
Conclusion
Summarize your argument, reiterating that while the economic crisis was a major factor in the growth of Nazi support, other factors like Nazi ideology, Hitler's leadership, and the weaknesses of the Weimar Republic, also played a significant, if lesser, role.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
The main reason for the growth of Nazi support between 1929 and 1932 was the growing economic crisis in Germany.
Assess this view.
There is a strong case for this explanation. Even with signs of electoral gains in 1928 and a strong infrastructure, the actual electoral support for the NSDAP was not great. However, as depression hit from the Autumn of 1929, the votes for both Communists and Nazis grew in response to increased disillusion with the politicians’ response to rapidly rising unemployment, bank, and business failures.
The high point of Nazi electoral success in 1932 coincided with a peak in unemployment and deflationary policies, which left millions lacking basic necessities and hope for the future. Nazi propaganda found scapegoats for the economic problems (the Treaty of Versailles, the November Criminals, the Jews, the American plutocrats) and unemployment increased. Combined with the threat of communism, which alarmed the Mittelstand and the German elites, it seems there is an unassailable connection between economic problems and the support for the Nazis both locally and nationally.
The German farmers had already been facing falling prices and now saw a massively reduced market. The Mittelstand already hit by the inflation of the 1920s now saw a collapse of international and national consumption, and business failures. The industrial workers saw mass unemployment and lost the safety net of Weimar welfare as cuts were made.
The counter argument is more to do with the Nazis’ ability to exploit the crisis which might be seen as more important than the crisis itself. By 1928 support was rising, especially in depressed rural areas. The party had developed an impressive organisation. It had a flexible ideology, which encompassed all sorts of grievances, and wrapped them round with some powerful themes; anti-Semitism, the Hitler myth, the betrayal of the nation by the politicians, and nationalist traditions. This ideological hold all meant that all sorts of people could support Nazism even if their interests seemed incompatible.
The NSBO had gained a foothold among industrial workers while monarchists were inspired by nationalist rhetoric and visions of a golden age. National revival propaganda went beyond simply job creation, and the 1920 programme held anti-Capitalist as well as anti-Communist views. Hitler’s personal appeal did not really depend on economic policy (which was vague) as much as castigation of enemies, and a powerful emotional appeal for renewal and rebirth.
None of this was new, so it could be argued that it only struck a mass chord when economic crisis seemed to show that Germany had been betrayed. But it was the interplay between the rising economic crisis and the sort of appeal that had been developing since 1920. Developed analyses might see these connections, and weight the relative importance of the strictly economic factors with other explanations.