The Depression in Germany strongly contributed to the rise of power of Adolf Hitler, the leader of the German National Socialist Worker’s party, which promised a strong government and a better way of life if he was elected.
The Depression caused people to believe in extremism, as they were desperate and felt that ordinary politicians had failed them and they only looked for a way to escape from their terrible financial problems. The Depression was crucial for Hitler as he could persuade these people, and these people were, not thousands, but millions.
The Nazis promised Germany that if they were elected they would get rid of unemployment, make up for all the people’s losses during the Depression and they would end the Communist threat. Hitler promised farmers higher prices for their products , he guaranteed jobs for the unemployed by building public works such as roads or stadiums and assured the middle classes to restore the profits of small business and the value of savings.
People supported Hitler mainly because he promised them what they wanted and needed to hear. They were tired of their poor quality life and Hitler promised to change that. The Weimar Republic appeared to have no idea how to solve the problems of the Depression.
The Depression was a tremendous piece of good luck for the Nazis, since it strengthened their support and increased public fear of communism.
If there hadn’t been a Depression Hitler would not have been able to come to power as he wouldn’t have been able to convince the people so easily to believe in him. Also, his promises of conquest and of Aryan superiority would never have been as openly received if he had not had the desperation of the people as a result of the Depression. Therefore, if there hadn’t been a Depression he would not have gained that much support to win the elections and get to govern Germany.
However, the Depression alone did not contribute Hitler coming to power. Along with the Depression, in order to gain more support and popularity, Hitler reminded the people of the Treaty of Versailles, describing it as unfair and promising to get rid of it. The Treaty of Versailles left Germany under devastating and humiliating conditions: Most of its army was restricted, Germany lost a huge amount of territories, they were to pay reparations for the costs of the war and they had to admit that they were guilty for starting the war. This was the most embarrassing part of the Treaty because they felt it wasn’t true. All this anger about the Treaty of Versailles created a very strong hostility which caused the germans to have revenge. Hitler’s brilliant speaking aptitude, personality and leadership also persuaded people to believe in him. He was unique in his ability to control people's emotions with his oratory. The Munich Putsch of 1923 also helped him, since it got the people to know of him and his ideas. Finally the decision by Papen and Hindenburg of appointing him Chancellor in 1933 was the final step that contributed to Hitler coming to power and becoming leader of Germany.
