The Radical Thirties

1. The Radical Thirties Canadian Politics and the Rise of Fascism

2. Agenda Learning Goals • Post-WWI Germany • The Rise of the Nazis • Prairie Politics • Understand the development of new political parties in Canada. • Learn how the conditions in Germany after WWI led to the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party The Radical Thirties

3. Germany After WWI

4. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended WWI also made a number of harsh demands on Germany. • These included war reparations and the creation of a democratic government in Germany. The new government also had to deal with extremist groups and hyperinflation. The Treaty of Versailles

5. Germany was forced to pay war reparations. This meant that Germany and its allies had to pay for all of the damage caused during the war. • These reparations totaled $132 billion gold marks or $400 billion in today’s dollars! Challenges: War Reparations

6. Germany also had to become a democracy, after centuries of being a monarchy ruled by an emperor. • Post-WWI Germany became known as the Weimar Republic and was extremely democratic. At one point there were over 20 political parties in the Reichstag or German parliament, causing political chaos Challenges: Democratic Government

7. To pay its war debts, Germany began to print more money. This caused the price of goods to rise and the value of it currency, the mark, to fall. • For example, a pair of shoes which cost 12 marks in 1913 cost 32 trillion marks in 1923. With the mark having no real value, many middle-class people lost their life savings. • It became common for people to use wheelbarrows to take their pay home or fuel their stoves with marks! Challenges: Hyperinflation

8. In response to the chaotic times, artists in Switzerland and Germany founded Dada Art. It rejected all previous artistic forms and was closely linked with Communists Dada Art

9. Often using found objects, Dada Art rejected middle-class values. • It blamed these older values for causing WWI and promoted itself as a kind of “anti-art.” Dada Art

10. Having seen some examples of Dada art, you will create your own! • In pairs or groups, create one piece of Dada art. Remember that your artwork could be as simple as a found object or non-sense poems, Create Your Own Dada Art!

11. The Rise of Hitler

12. Stock Market Crash Failure of Democracy • The 1929 Stock Market Crash destroyed Germany’s fragile economic recovery. • With a 30% unemployment rate, people were reduced to extreme poverty • The democratic system of Weimar Germany was too unstable. • Politicians were unable to deal with problems such as hyperinflation and later the Depression. How did Hitler Rise to Power?

13. Fear of Communism • Many middle-class people feared that radical communist workers would overthrow the government. • The Nazis were unafraid to use violence to suppress communist activity and people increasingly turned to them because of this. Why Hitler?

14. Nazi Campaign Tactics • The Nazis were excellent at promoting themselves and their cause. • They held huge rallies which were well choreographed and created an image of power and order. Why Hitler?

15. In January 1933, Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany. • In February, the Reichstag is burned down, likely by Nazi supporters. • Using this as an excuse, Hitler arrests leading Communists and passes the Enabling Act, which lets him pass laws at will. The Reichstag Fire

16. In 1934, Hitler launches the “Night of the Long Knives,” in which his rivals in the Nazi Party are arrested. Many are later executed without trial. • In August, following the death of the German president, Hitler combines the positions of chancellor and president—the Führer. He then officially becomes dictator of Germany. Hitler as Führer

17. Radical Politics in Canada