The growth of unemployment and rise in support for the Communist Party
I can explain how the Great Depression led to increased support for the Communist Party in Germany.
The growth of unemployment and rise in support for the Communist Party
I can explain how the Great Depression led to increased support for the Communist Party in Germany.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Wall Street Crash of 1929 triggered a global depression, devastating Germany’s economy.
- American loans funding German businesses were withdrawn and German industry collapsed leading to mass unemployment.
- The Weimar government failed to manage the crisis, with Hindenburg using Article 48, fuelling distrust in democracy.
- Desperation led many unemployed workers to support the Communists, who promised them control over the economy.
- Fear of communism drove many toward Hitler, and violent clashes between Nazis and Communists escalated.
Keywords
Depression - in this context, a period of economic hardship in which there is very little business activity and not many jobs
Common misconception
Pupils may think that most unemployed Germans turned to communism.
While the Communist Party gained support, many Germans, especially the middle class and business owners, feared communism and instead supported the Nazis as a defence against a potential revolution.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The growth of unemployment and rise in support for the Communist Party, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The growth of unemployment and rise in support for the Communist Party, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Germany 1890–1945, Democracy and dictatorship unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What happened to Nazi support during Germany’s economic recovery in the mid-1920s?
Q2.__________ Kampf was significant because it outlined Hitler’s ideological foundation and argued that gaining power legally was more effective than paramilitary violence.
Q3.Where were there small signs of growth for the Nazi Party between 1924 and 1928?
Q4.Match the key figures with their role in the Nazi Party.
leader of the Nazi Party
SA leader who clashed with Hitler
local Nazi leader in the north