Question: To what extent did the Great Depression lead to the rise of a dictatorship in Germanyprior to World War II?
During the late 1920’s, the Great Depression led to a complete collapse of the World Economy. As a result, America could no longer help Germany and in turn, Europe could not pay off its debts from World War I. However, the economic problems for Germany started well before the Great Depression with the severity of the Treaty of Versailles. In addition to the problems caused by such a treaty, the weak WeimarRepublic did nothing to solve the economic and political issues that emerged. Although the Great Depression greatly impacted Europe and the United States, the Treaty of Versailles and the German government’s poor handling of post World War I problem created an atmosphere in which a future dictatorship was possible.
The Great Depression began in the United States with the Stock Market Crash. Along with damaging the American Economy, Germany no longer received aid for this Western power. Germany was unable to pay Great Britain and France war reparations and these European countries could not fulfill debts owed to the United States. This economic collapse throughout the world only made things worse in countries like Germany which caused citizens to get even more desperate and seek other forms of leadership such as a dictatorship. Leaders such as Adolf Hitler promised economic prosperity why placing the blame for Germany’s difficulties. However, this movement towards changes in government in Germany began well before the Great Depression, with the end of World War I
With the end of the “War to End All Wars”, Germany was forced to admit complete blame for starting World War I as well as giving up important land. German colonies brought great wealth and without them, valuable resources were no longer available. Citizens began to lose faith in the German economy. In addition, Germany had to pay tremendous war reparations to Europe. This resulted in Germany trying to pay off the debt by simply increasing the amount of printed money which led to hyperinflation. A dramatic increase in prices led to a further lack of confidence in the economy as well as the German Government. Many citizens sought change and as change occurred, the new government made the situation much worse.
As the economic problems that developed after World War I grew worse, the German government did not help the situation. Following the Great War, various factions wanted to rule Germany but the chancellor was unable to unify the country. This led to even more problems which led to desperation in the form of supporting a dictatorship. Along with wanting drastic change, many Germans looked to blame others such as Jews for all the problems their country faced. Such a mentality resulted in an atmosphere were a dictatorship was quite possible. The Great Depression allowed this change to occur although the transition toward a new dictatorship in Germany started with the end of World War I.
Germany’s transition from a republic to a dictatorship did not happen immediately. The process occurred over about a twenty year period. Although the Great Depression clearly played a role in the transition towards a dictatorship, the long term causes of this change in government began with the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. The economic problems that developed from this treaty were worsened by the German government’s inability to solve them which resulted in further political instability. Eventually this gave rise to Adolf Hitler and a new government for Germany.