‘The Depression was the main reason that Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in January 1933.’ How far do you agree?

The Depression was an important reason why Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933. First of all, the Depression had a negative economic impact on Germany. This meant the Nazis were able to increase their vote share after 1929 - their big electoral breakthrough was in 1930 - because they appealed to voters’ frustrations about poor economic conditions. For example, by January 1932, 6 million workers were unemployed. Many unemployed workers started to look at radical politicians like Hitler as the solution to their problems. Meanwhile, the middle classes were hit by the Depression as they had to dip into their savings to maintain living standards. They too were increasingly attracted by the Nazis’ promise to revive Germany’s economy. Secondly, the negative social impact of the Depression also helped the Nazis. The Depression caused a visible rise in gang violence and prostitution, among other social ills. This led social conservatives to back Hitler as the man to restore traditional German culture and values. All in all, the troubles that arose from the Depression helped the Nazis become the biggest political party in Germany by July 1932, which was key to Hitler eventually becoming Chancellor. 

However, the Depression was not the main reason that Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in January 1933. Instead, Hitler’s personal appeal and Nazi propaganda were more important factors. While the Depression made many Germans discontented, they did not have to vote for the Nazis to express this discontent. Indeed, millions of Germans turned to the Communists (KPD) after 1929 rather than the Nazis. The reason the Nazis were ultimately the biggest party in Germany by 1932 - and so why Hitler was in a strong position to become Chancellor - is because they developed a more appealing message for the electorate. For example, the Nazis portrayed themselves as the party of law and order, in opposition to the Communists and ‘alien elements’ of German society like the Jews. The SA’s marches enhanced this image of strength and cohesion. Moreover, Hitler won many followers thanks to his impressive speeches - he paused for several minutes before speaking to build up anticipation - and his modern campaigning methods; he was the first German politician to travel extensively by plane during election campaigns, and he used loudspeakers and microphones at party rallies. Ultimately, the image of Hitler as a strong leader who could bring order to Germany was vital as the elites who helped make Hitler Chancellor - Franz von Papen and Oskar Hindenburg - believed in this myth.