How Far Do Hard Times Explain Why Germans Turned to Hitler?

539 Words3 Pages
How far do hard times explain why Germans turned to Hitler? Throughout the 20s and early 30s, Germany went through a range of economic and political problems. Economic problems were very tough and frequent, and included the hyperinflation in 1923 and the Great Depression in 1929. These, along with numerous changes of Chancellor and the system of the government in addition to Hitler’s charismatic and tactical campaigning all led to Hitler’s rise to power. Although Germany suffered greatly from a string of after-effects from the brutal Treaty of Versailles, their economic situation was only a small factor in Hitler’s gaining of support. The Great Depression had the most impact on Germany and it lead to mass unemployment and liquidation of businesses, which meant Germans were very desperate for money, and Hitler, being so extreme, seemed an ideal way to solve the problems. The economic problems also showed Hitler’s skill and knowledge, as no other chancellor before him had solved any problems economically, but he managed to. A major part of the reason that Germans turned to Hitler, is Hitler himself. Being incredibly charismatic, and having a great campaign, Hitler was very likeable at first. Hitler used propaganda to make people like him, and to make the Nazi party seem the best option for Germany. He also held meetings for army and business leaders to woo them into liking his party, and to reassure them that the Nazi party was not to be feared. Hitler also changed his strategy and promised various things as the years went by, including promising to fight unemployment after the Great Depression, and becoming a non-violent speaker instead of a violent street protester after the Munich Putsch. This meant Germany always saw Hitler as trying to do good things, which made them like him enough to vote for his party. Despite Hitler himself and the hard times proving
Open Document