Module 3: The Great Depression and Authoritarianism

The Great Depression and Authoritarianism

The Great Depression, which began in 1929, had a profound impact on the political landscape of Europe, creating fertile ground for the rise of fascism. In Germany, the economic crisis led to skyrocketing unemployment and widespread poverty, eroding public confidence in the Weimar Republic and traditional democratic institutions. As desperation grew, many citizens turned to extremist solutions, and Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party capitalized on this turmoil. In the German election of 1933, the Nazis secured a significant victory, becoming the largest party in the Reichstag, largely due to their promises to restore national pride and revive the economy.

President Paul von Hindenburg’s appointment of Hitler as Chancellor in January 1933 marked a critical turning point in the ascent of fascism in Germany. Despite their earlier opposition to the Nazis, Hindenburg and conservative elites believed they could control Hitler and use his popularity to stabilize the government. However, Hitler quickly moved to consolidate power, employing propaganda and terror to suppress dissent. The Night of the Long Knives in June 1934 exemplified this strategy, as Hitler ordered the purging of political rivals within the Nazi Party and the Brownshirts, demonstrating his willingness to eliminate any threat to his authority.

The economic despair caused by the Great Depression not only facilitated the rise of Nazism but also reshaped the political narrative across Europe. As countries struggled to address the crisis, fascist leaders like Hitler portrayed themselves as saviors capable of restoring order and national strength. This rhetoric resonated deeply with a populace eager for change, leading to the dismantling of democratic norms and the establishment of authoritarian regimes. Ultimately, the interplay between economic instability and the rise of fascism would have catastrophic consequences, culminating in the outbreak of World War II and widespread suffering across the continent.