Discuss why Nazism became popular in Germany by 1930.

Discuss why Nazism became popular in Germany by 1930.

Ans.

Nazism became popular in Germany by 1930 because:

(i) Nazis capitalized on the feeling of national humiliation which many Germans felt at their defeat in war and the unjust provisions of the Treaty of Versailles.

(ii) Even though Germany became a republic, the republic was not well received by the people. It failed to provide a stable government and inspire faith in democratic principles of parliamentary government. The government was unable to destroy the power of authoritarian and anti-democratic forces represented by industrialists, big landowners and officers of the army. Nazis glorified war and denounced democratic forces.

(iii) Nazis exploited the misery of the people due to the prevailing economic crises. Nazi propaganda stirred hopes of a better future.

(iv) Threat of communism was a contributing factor in the rise of popularity of Nazism. Though the Spartacist uprising was crushed, Nazis played the card of rising menance of communism to win the support of the conservative forces.

(v) Failure of communist party and the socialist party to put up a united front also contributed to the popularity of Nazism.

(vi) Political fragility of the Weimar republic made it susceptible to political intrigues and conspirational activities of the Nazis.

(vii) Nazism promised to restore Germany to her old glory.

(viii) Nazis used the propaganda tools to great effect. They played on the minds and emotions of the people.

(ix) Hitler’s personality played an important role. He was a good orator and his words inspired people to support him.