These policies also caused the collapse of the government because the Social Democrats withdrew from the coalition. In order for his government to survive the Chancellor fell back on Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution, which gave the President special powers in an emergency. Germany was now ruled by presidential decree.
As a result of the Depression, extremism increased, so too did political violence. Nazi and Communist supporters fought regular battles. Five hundred were killed or seriously wounded in a seven week political fight during the elections of 1932.
The Depression can be viewed as a gift to Hitler and the Nazis. For every problem the Nazis had an explanation or a promise; The Weimar government is weak – you need strong leadership, so Hitler is the person to take charge. Unemployment – the Nazis will get people back to work on road-building and public works. Worries about Communists – the Nazi SA are the only ones who really know how to deal with the Communists.
When Hitler delivered his powerful and moving speeches, he seemed to represent a strong, decisive leadership. Hitler’s strong personality and powerful ideas seemed to be just what Germany needed. The outcome of their votes in the Reichstag elections in 1930 echoed this. The growth of the Communists worried wealthy industrialist – they began to give funds to the Nazis. In 1930 the Nazis made their first great breakthrough, jumping from twelve seats to 107 seats. They were suddenly the second largest party and were well ahead of the Communists. In the July 1932 elections they advanced to 230 seats and were the biggest party. The Nazi party was now the major force in German politics.
There are also many other factors which contributed to the success of the Nazis. The Nazis were very well organised. They were all very dedicated, well trained and highly motivated. Their national leaders were masters of propaganda; and they carefully trained their local groups in propaganda skills. They would use every trick to get their message across to the public. Radio was used for the first time, and this meant that the Nazis could redouble their propaganda. Radio broadcasts, millions of election posters, rallies, parades and marches carried the Nazi message into every town and home in Germany.
Another reason for the Nazis success was that they were flexible. If they found an idea was loosing them support they would change it. Also the opposition were weak. The other parties were consistently underestimated by the Nazis. The Social Democrats feared they would attempt a putsch, but they thought that the Nazis electioneering was so absurd that ordinary Germans would see through it. And their own support was constant so they were not eager to change. They quarrelled among themselves rather than uniting to face the Nazis’ challenge.
