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The Wall Street Crash of 1929 provided the spark that allowed the Nazi's to gain support. All of a
sudden the support of the American's and the aid pans were withdrawn, Germany was again isolated
and the economy was in crisis. The rise in Unemployment and a renewed fear of a Communist uprising
gave Hitler's messages a new importance. people were again interested in the views of this extremist
party. In a land where the government was struggling to control the economy, the people and the
communists any alternative that appears to be willing, and able, to combat the problems, through
whatever means, is seen in a very positive light.
This resurgence in nazi fortunes is clearly visible from election results. From having little or no say in
the national picture in the 'Golden years' the nazi's rose rapidly to become the dominant force in the
elections of 1932: although they won no overall majority in these elections. By 1933, Hitler was
viewed by many as the only man who could halt the rapid slide towards an economic and political
shambles. Other senior politicians within Germany, despite their worries about Hitler's methods and
political leanings, turned to him and his party, partly through desperation. The end of the Weimar
republic was nigh, the nazi's, in the space of 5 years had turned from obscurity to masterdom of the
German Republic.
There are a number of reasons why the nazi's rose to prominence in such a short period of time:
Hitler's speeches were inspiring, he was a great public speaker who could enthuse the masses and
ignite a sense of belief. his policies made sense and were aimed at the areas of politics that the
German masses were resentful of i.e. the treaty of Versailles and reparations. his party were highly
organised, flexible in their views (in the eyes of the electorate) and made promises that would benefit
all sectors of the population. Further to this was the nazi's open, and forceful opposition to
communism and the impressive use of force and discipline to engineer success for themselves. these
characteristics were highly valued in a Germany where law and order were being constantly
threatened.
Add to this the weaknesses of the Weimar government itself. Proportional representation had led to a
series of weak and ineffectual governments, it allowed the nazi's to become serious players without
having a mass of public support. The government was perceived as being at fault for signing the
treaty of Versailles and had lost support on several occasions for mismanaging the economic crisis.
Hitler offered a feasible solution to each of these faults and so gained support and ultimately power.