The Effect of the Great Depression on Hitler's Power

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The Effect of the Great Depression on Hitler's Power There is no simple answer as to why Hitler became chancellor in January 1933. There are a number of causal factors which all contributed to his rise into power. Any of the factors, on its own, however, would not have resulted in his appointment. They are all linked in a web of causation and if any of the factors were missing, Hitler would not have been appointed chancellor. Of the factors I would say that the Great Depression was the most important. The Treaty of Versailles only partly helped Hitler become chancellor. On 28 June 1919, Germany signed the Treaty with the allies, losing 10% of her land. The German army was reduced to 100,000 men and Germany had to pay reparations of £6,600 million. Hitler blamed the Treaty for Germany's problems. When Germany failed to pay a reparation instalment in 1922, French and Belgian troops entered German soil and seized goods. The German government ordered passive resistance but workers needed to be paid. The government printed money and hyperinflation set in. During this crisis in Germany, caused indirectly by the Treaty, when Hitler tried to seize power he was unsupported. Therefore the Treaty of Versailles, on its own, was not a reason why Hitler rose to power. After 1929, the Great Depression acted as a catalyst, igniting the German people's anger for the Treaty of Versailles and it then became a factor in Hitler's rise to power. Another reason why Hitler was able to rise to power was due to the failure of the Munich Putsch of November 1923. At his trial, Hitler gained enormous publicity, which made him well known. He spent only nin... ... middle of paper ... ... office before he would do whatever he said. Hitler seemed to want what he wanted. Hindenburg agreed and Hitler became chancellor. The government they headed was a coalition. There were twelve ministers altogether and only three were Nazis. Von Papen and Hindenburg thought that Hitler could be controlled and drowned out by non-Nazis, but they were wrong. Without the Great Depression or his oratorical skills it is very unlikely that Hitler would have become chancellor. All of the above factors contributed to Hitler's appointment as chancellor and he would not have risen to power had one been absent. The main reason why Hitler became chancellor was that shareholders panicked in a country 4000 miles away. Had the Wall Street Crash been removed, however, it is almost certain Hitler would never have become chancellor.

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