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Why did Parliamentary Government decline after 1930?

Why did Parliamentary Government decline after 1930?. L/O – To identify how Presidential Government replaced Parliamentary Government in 1930-32. Decline of Parliamentary Government. President Hindenburg →.

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Why did Parliamentary Government decline after 1930?

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  1. Why did Parliamentary Government decline after 1930? L/O – To identify how Presidential Government replaced Parliamentary Government in 1930-32

  2. Decline of Parliamentary Government President Hindenburg → • After 1930 democracy declined as Germany moved from parliamentary government to presidential government, and then to dictatorship. • Article 48 of the constitution gave the President powers to issue decrees (laws), which had been intended to be used only in emergency, to defend the regime against potential enemies. • After 1930 it was increasingly used to sustain governments that were unable to get their legislation through the Reichstag:

  3. Decline of Parliamentary Government • The prospect of parliamentary government surviving was further weakened by the Reichstag elections of 1932. • In both July and November the majority of voters supported the two extremist parties who were hostile to the parliamentary regime.

  4. Impact of the Great Depression • On Oct 29th 1929, the Wall Street Crash caused the US stock market to collapse. • This led to a terrible chain reaction that threw the whole world into an economic crisis (Depression). • Germany was hit particularly hard because the country had borrowed a lot of money to pay for reparations, especially from the USA. These loans were now recalled.

  5. Impact of the Great Depression • The Depression changed everything. By 1932, 40% of industrial workers (6 million) were unemployed. • The Depression scared people; and in extreme situations there is a demand for extreme solutions. • Industrialists, terrified by Communism, poured money at the Nazis who began an intensive propaganda campaign.

  6. Reaction of the Nazis - Propaganda • It was during the Depression that the Nazis really started to use propaganda effectively, masterminded by Josef Goebbels. • In 1932, Hitler ran for President and came a very close second to Paul von Hindenburg. • Posters were produced depicting Hitler as ‘Germany’s last hope’. Planes were used to help him travel all over. Radiowas used to help him reach a wider audience.

  7. Reaction of the Nazis - Policies • Propaganda is only effective if it is publicising popular policies. The Nazis came up with policies that appealed to many ordinary Germans. • End unemployment: Hitler promised jobs for the unemployed. • Tear up ToV: Hitler said he would break the Treaty and make Germany great. • Blame the Jews: Hitler gave people a scapegoat for the depression and the 1918 defeat.

  8. Reaction of the Weimar Republic - Indecision • Parliament – Proportional Representation: The electoral system meant that Reichstag seats were split between many parties. No party could get a majority, so weak, indecisive coalition governments were formed. • President – Article 48: The President had emergency powers, but his advisers discouraged him from raising unemployment benefits, fearing another hyperinflation crisis like in 1923.

  9. Reaction of the Weimar Republic - Miscalculation • As well as pursuing unpopular policies, the Weimar Republic made a terrible mistake in appointing Hitler as Chancellor in January 1933 – even though he made it clear he hated democracy. • What makes this decision even more surprising is that: • Support for the Nazi Party was declining • Germany was coming out of the Depression • President Hindenburg had nothing but contempt for Hitler (a little Bohemian corporal)

  10. 1932-33: The ‘Backstairs Intrigue’ • June 1932 – Hindenburg sacks his Chancellor, Bruning, and appoints his unpopular friend, Franz von Papen, in his place. Creates tension. • July 1932 – Elections. Nazis win 230 seats. Become largest party. Hitler demands to become Chancellor. Hindenburg refuses. He allows Papen to carry on, getting his measures passed by Article 48. • Nov 1932 – Elections. Hindenburg replaces Papen as Chancellor with Schleicher, but Papen remains a close advisor. Nazis still largest party although they lose 34 seats as depression starts to fade.

  11. 1932-33: The ‘Backstairs Intrigue’ • Dec 1932 – Schleicher resigns. He had no support in Reichstag, and is fed up of being Papen’s mouthpiece. • Jan 1933 – Hindenburg is desperate to appoint a Chancellor who has Reichstag support, and avoid the possibility of violence from the SA. Hitler is therefore appointed with Papen as vice chancellor. They felt Hitler can be controlled in a coalition. They were wrong.

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