Activity 1: Historical Background

In the 1920s and as a result of their losses in World War 1, Germany faced many financial and political problems.

In 1929 the American stock exchange in Wall Street collapsed.  This is known as the Wall Street Crash.  The price of stocks and shares collapsed and the world economy was severely affected. 

In Germany this caused very high inflation so prices of basic necessities became too expensive for many working class Germans.  At the same time unemployment rates soared, reaching just over 30% in 1932. 

Successive German governments were weak and seemed incapable of solving the country’s problems.  Then the Nazis emerged and filled the vacuum by making huge promises to make Germany 'great' again and by blaming all the country's problems on certain groups within society.

• In what ways do you think economic difficulties contribute to making people vulnerable to fascist ideas? Section 2 An Enquiry into Fascism/Fascism Today