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Year 11
Edexcel

The growth in support for the Nazi Party

I can explain why support for the Nazi Party increased in the years 1929-32.

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New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

The growth in support for the Nazi Party

I can explain why support for the Nazi Party increased in the years 1929-32.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The Nazi Party gained support as unemployment soared, exploiting economic despair and Weimar democratic failures.
  2. Hitler’s charisma and modern campaign tactics made him appear as Germany’s only hope for stability and power.
  3. Nazi propaganda, led by Goebbels, used rallies, posters, and media to target workers, farmers, and the middle class.
  4. The SA used violence and intimidation to silence opponents, with police and courts often favouring the Nazis.
  5. Fear of communism and cultural decline drove many Germans to see Hitler as a necessary protector of Germany.

Keywords

  • Propaganda - information or ideas that are spread with the intention of influencing people's opinions; media that is designed to promote a particular political agenda

  • Decadence - a state of moral or cultural decline, often associated with excessive indulgence, luxury, or a lack of discipline

Common misconception

The Nazis only gained power through fear and intimidation.

In reality, while violence played a role, their rise was also driven by economic despair, propaganda, Hitler’s appeal, and democratic failures. Many Germans voted for them willingly, believing they offered hope and stability.


To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The growth in support for the Nazi Party, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Propaganda, then and now: Compare Nazi propaganda techniques to modern political advertising and social media strategies. Discuss how repetition, symbols, and emotional appeal are still used today.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
During the economic crash, Germany’s parliament was paralysed by disagreement, leading to the use of the emergency powers under , which fuelled public discontent and weakened faith in democracy.

Correct Answer: Article 48

Q2.
Match each term with its description.

Correct Answer:Brüning’s economic policies,deepened the economic crisis through spending cuts

deepened the economic crisis through spending cuts

Correct Answer:Communist Party (KPD),promised to give control of the economy to workers

promised to give control of the economy to workers

Correct Answer:Wall Street Crash,led to mass unemployment in Germany

led to mass unemployment in Germany

Q3.
What is the best definition of the term 'depression' in this historical context?

Correct answer: a long-lasting economic downturn with high unemployment and business failures
a period of economic growth and prosperity
a sudden and brief drop in stock market prices

Q4.
At the height of the Great Depression in 1932, approximately how many Germans were unemployed?

two million
four million
Correct answer: six million
eight million

Q5.
What was one reason unemployed workers were attracted to the Communist Party?

The KPD offered jobs to all unemployed workers.
The KPD promised to increase the power of business owners.
Correct answer: The KPD promised to redistribute wealth and take control of industry.

Q6.
How did fear of communism contribute to Hitler’s rise to power?

Correct answer: Many conservatives supported Hitler to prevent a Communist revolution.
The KPD helped Hitler win the 1932 election.
The Nazis allied with the Communists to overthrow the Weimar government.
The Weimar government banned Communist rallies.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
How did the Great Depression contribute to the rise of the Nazi Party?

It had little impact on German politics, as unemployment remained low.
Correct answer: It led many Germans to seek strong leadership and radical solutions.
It led to increased support for the Weimar Republic as people trusted democracy.
It primarily benefited the Communist Party, while the Nazis struggled.

Q2.
How did Hitler make himself appear as Germany’s only hope for stability and power?

Correct answer: by delivering passionate speeches and using modern tactics like air travel
by offering only detailed economic policies without emotional appeal
by promising to form a coalition government with democratic parties

Q3.
Why did some Germans view Weimar Germany as being in a state of ‘decadence’?

They believed Germany was becoming stronger and more disciplined.
They praised the modern art, cabarets, and liberal attitudes of the Weimar era.
Correct answer: They saw Weimar culture as corrupt and immoral, with excess and indulgence.
They thought Germany’s economy was too focused on military production.

Q4.
Starting with the earliest, sort these events into time order:

1 - The Great Depression began.
2 - The Nazi Party won 107 seats in the Reichstag elections.
3 - Hitler ran against Hindenburg in the presidential election.

Q5.
What role did the SA (stormtroopers) play in Nazi political strategy?

Correct answer: They acted as a paramilitary force that used violence to intimidate opponents.
They focused on peaceful negotiations with rival political groups.
They primarily worked on economic policies to strengthen Nazi support.
They remained a small, unorganised group with little influence on Nazi success.

Q6.
Why did the presence of 100 Communist deputies in the Reichstag alarm some Germans?

It indicated that communism was declining as a political force.
It reassured business owners and landowners that democracy was stable.
It showed that the Nazis and Communists were forming a political alliance.
Correct answer: It signalled a growing fear that Communists could take control of Germany.

Additional material

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