The Nazis and the Great Depression

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The Nazis and the Great Depression: An Overview

Though it has been more than 70 years since Nazi Germany’s fall at the end of World War II, its impact on the world remains to this day. One event that was heavily shaped by the rule of the Nazis was the Great Depression. Though its effects were felt all around the world, their connection to the rise of Nazi Germany has been largely overlooked. Therefore, it is important to gain a better understanding of the interplay between the Great Depression and Nazi Germany – both during and after its rule.

The History of Nazi Germany and the Great Depression

The intertwined histories of Nazi Germany and the Great Depression will be discussed below.

The Rise of Nazi Germany and the Great Depression

The Great Depression began in 1929, a few years after Adolf Hitler had become leader of the Nazi Party in 1925. Though the effects of the depression hit countries around the world, it was particularly severe in Germany. The country had been devastated by the First World War, leaving its economy in tatters. Coupled with the Great Depression, it experienced a rapid rise in unemployment – rising from five percent in 1929 to just over 30 percent in 1932.

It was in this economic chaos that the Nazi Party and their authoritarian rhetoric gained traction with the public. In 1933, after several abstention and last-minute deals, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany. The Nazis quickly began to seize control of all facets of society, often with violence and intimidation.

The Impact of Nazi Germany on the Great Depression

The Nazi regime implemented numerous policies that had a significant effect on the course of the Great Depression. They abandoned the gold standard, allowing them to print money to fund their war machinery and military campaigns. They also launched a huge public works scheme, in which millions of Germans were employed in various projects such as the rearmament of the Wehrmacht.

These various policies – along with the effect of the ongoing war – did help to stem the worst of the Great Depression within Nazi Germany itself. However, this had a negative effect on the international situation, as it added to the existing crisis and led to a rise in international protectionism and tariffs.

The Legacy of Nazi Germany on the Great Depression

The Great Depression had far-reaching effects on the world economy. This was in no small part due to the actions of Nazi Germany and their policies. On top of this, their anti-Semitic laws and systematic oppression alienated other countries and led to a rise in containment policies, such as those employed by the Allies in WWII.

The legacy of Nazi Germany and the Great Depression continues to be felt to this day. The global economy remains delicate, and many of the same international tensions exist from this era as well.

Nazi Germany had a tremendous effect on the Great Depression, both directly and indirectly. The policies of the Nazi regime had a significant influence on the course of the depression, both domestically and worldwide. The legacy of the Nazis and their involvement in the Great Depression can still be seen today.

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