The U.S. and Germany during the Great Depression

1. The U.S. and Germany during the Great Depression

3. The Basics about the Great Depression in Germany • By the late 1920’s the German economy was beginning to recover from the devastating effects of the Treaty of Versailles. • However, the Great Depression effected countries all over the world and Germany was no exception; many people were unemployed throughout the nation, banks were closed, and people were starving.

4. More about Germany during the Great Depression • Many political parties competed in Germany during the Great Depression, but two emerged as the most powerful: the Communists and the Nazis. • Both promised a better future for Germany, a bigger military, and more jobs. • The Soviet Union (Russia) had been communist now for over ten years. Many Germans did not want to become Communist, so they supported the Nazis, who promised military and economic strength.

5. Germany and the Great Depression Continued… • In 1933, Hitler was elected as the head of German Government. • At the time, no one suspected he would become a dictator, lead the country to war, or start the Holocaust. • He was elected because he wasn’t a Communist and he promised make Germany a strong economic and military power again.

6. The U.S. During the Great Depression • In order to combat the crippling effects of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created a series of programs and passed them through Congress to become law. • When put together, these programs were called the “New Deal”.

7. The “New Deal” • The “New Deal” combined new Federal Government laws with programs that would improve the country and give people jobs. • New laws for banking and programs that built highways and supplied electricity to rural areas are examples of New Deal Programs.