Propaganda and Nazi Rise: Influence Assessment
TITLE
How important was propaganda as a reason for increased support for the Nazis between 1930 and 1932? Explain your answer.
ESSAY
Propaganda played an important role in increasing support for the Nazis between 1930 and 1932. Joseph Goebbels, head of Nazi propaganda, effectively spread the Nazi message through various mediums such as posters, pamphlets, newspapers, and mass rallies. Goebbels used speeches and pageantry to inspire Germans to support the Nazis. Propaganda campaigns were tailored to different groups, promising jobs to workers and highlighting the threat of communist revolution to the middle class. However, other factors also contributed to the increased support for the Nazis. The Great Depression and mass unemployment created a climate of desperation and dissatisfaction, leading people to seek alternative solutions. The weakness of the coalition government and its unpopular policies, along with the SA's street agitation against the communists, further convinced people of the need for change. Hitler's leadership abilities and successful presidential campaign in 1932, as well as support from wealthy industrialists and anti-communist sentiment among the middle class, were also significant factors.
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NOTES
How important was propaganda as a reason for increased support for the Nazis between 1930 and 1932? Explain your answer. Yes After the Wall Street Crash and the onset of the Great Depression, Hitler believed that he could win over the middle classes and some of the workers in Germany; Goebbels was appointed head of Nazi propaganda; he spread the Nazi message using posters, pamphlets and the newspapers; held mass rallies and parades to demonstrate Nazi strength using the SA; Goebbels used speeches and pageantry to inspire Germans to support the Nazis; propaganda aimed at specific groups, e.g. workers were exposed to propaganda promising jobs; the middle class were warned of imminent communist revolution in Germany – negative cohesion, etc. No More important – Great Depression led to mass unemployment across Germany; 6 million unemployed by 1932; weakness of coalition government and unpopular policies increasing taxation and reducing benefits and wages; homelessness and poverty on the streets; SA used to stir up trouble on the streets to convince people the communists were about to launch a coup; Hitler's leadership abilities and presidential campaign in 1932; increased support for the Nazis from wealthy industrialists and elites funded their campaign; anti-communism amongst the middle classes; role of Rohm and the SA, etc.