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The Collapse of Democracy 1928 - 1933

infoWhy this? Studying the collapse of democracy from 1928 to 1933 shows how economic crisis, political extremism and elite miscalculation can destroy democratic systems, sharpening understanding of how power is won, lost and undermined from within.

scheduleWhy now? Placed after the ‘Golden Age’ of Weimar, it enables students to trace how apparent stability gave way to rapid disintegration, making clear both the weaknesses that remained unresolved and the pressures that tipped the republic into collapse.

neurologyYou need to know

  • The impact of the Depression
  • Germany's dependence on American loans and the effects of the Wall Street Crash (1929).
  • The withdrawal of US loans, falling production, business failures and the banking crisis.
  • The growth of unemployment, poverty and homelessness.
  • The impact on workers, the middle classes, farmers, young people and women.
  • The collapse of Müller's Grand Coalition in March 1930.
  • Brüning's government and deflationary policies: spending cuts, tax rises and reductions in welfare benefits.
  • The growing use of Article 48 and presidential decrees.
  • The weakening of parliamentary government and declining support for moderate parties.
  • Changes in election results between 1928 and 1932.
  • The appeal of Nazism and Communism
  • Reasons for growing support for the Nazi Party and Communist Party during the Depression.
  • Nazi promises of national revival, strong leadership, employment and opposition to Versailles.
  • The Nazis' appeal to different social groups, including the middle classes, farmers, young people and sections of the working class.
  • Fear of communism among landowners, industrialists and the middle classes.
  • Hitler's leadership, image and public-speaking skills.
  • Nazi tactics: modern campaigning, mass rallies, air travel and targeted messages.
  • The role of propaganda and Joseph Goebbels.
  • The role of the SA in intimidation, street violence and projecting strength.
  • The KPD's appeal to unemployed and urban workers.
  • Divisions between the Communists and Social Democrats and their failure to cooperate.
  • The changing electoral fortunes of the extremist parties between 1928 and 1932.
  • The political crisis and "backstairs intrigue"
  • Hindenburg's role as President and increasing reliance on presidential government.
  • The fall of Brüning and the appointment of Franz von Papen in May 1932.
  • Papen's limited support and dependence on Hindenburg.
  • The removal of the elected Prussian government in the Prussian Coup.
  • The July and November 1932 Reichstag elections and their significance.
  • Kurt von Schleicher's appointment and failure to build parliamentary support.
  • Negotiations among Hindenburg, Papen, Schleicher, Hitler and conservative elites.
  • Papen's belief that Hitler could be controlled within a conservative cabinet.
  • Hitler's appointment as Chancellor on 30 January 1933.
  • The importance of elite decisions, political miscalculation and constitutional weaknesses.
  • The end of democracy
  • The strengths and limitations of Hitler's position in January 1933.
  • The campaign and political violence surrounding the March 1933 election.
  • The Reichstag Fire, 27 February 1933, and the arrest of political opponents.
  • The Reichstag Fire Decree and the suspension of civil liberties.
  • The March 1933 election and the failure of the Nazis to win an outright majority.
  • Intimidation and negotiation surrounding the Enabling Act, 23 March 1933.
  • The role of the Centre Party and exclusion of Communist deputies.
  • How the Enabling Act allowed Hitler to govern without the Reichstag.
  • The destruction of parliamentary democracy and Germany's condition by the end of March 1933.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

  • Explain why Germany was particularly vulnerable to the Great Depression.
  • Analyse the Depression's economic, social and political consequences.
  • Assess how government policies contributed to political radicalisation.
  • Use election results to explain the decline of moderate parties and rise of extremism.
  • Compare the appeal, support and tactics of the Nazis and Communists.
  • Explain how Nazi propaganda targeted different audiences.
  • Assess the importance of Hitler, propaganda, the SA and fear of communism to Nazi success.
  • Distinguish between the reasons people actively supported the Nazis and why others tolerated them.
  • Explain why Nazi support increased and then declined between July and November 1932.
  • Analyse how Article 48 and presidential government weakened democracy.
  • Explain the roles of Hindenburg, Papen and Schleicher in Hitler's appointment.
  • Assess the importance of the "backstairs intrigue" and conservative elites.
  • Compare the importance of long-term weaknesses, the Depression, Nazi appeal and political miscalculation.
  • Explain why Hitler became Chancellor despite lacking majority electoral support.
  • Analyse how the Reichstag Fire was used to weaken political opposition.
  • Explain how violence, propaganda, legal measures and political deals secured the Enabling Act.
  • Judge when and why Weimar democracy effectively ended.
  • Assess Germany's political condition by March 1933.
  • Analyse primary sources using content, provenance, tone, purpose and historical context.
  • Evaluate interpretations and reach supported conclusions using precise evidence.


Revision Quiz

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