How Did The Great Depression Affect The United States

Jack Lischeid December 1, 2023 HS131 Prof. Goduti Term Paper The Great Depression can be seen as not only one of the most impactful periods in American History, but also in the history of the world. It caused several negative impacts for the United States. But, beyond having several negative impacts for the United States, it also caused problems for other countries, one in particular being Germany. I believe that the Great Depression was the biggest reason that the rise of Adolf Hitler occurred and allowed for one of the most powerful and well-known political parties in the history of the world. I would say that there are three big reasons that I stand with the argument that the Great Depression had such a major impact on the rise of Adolf

One of these countries happened to be Germany. The result of this being the state of Germany led to a nation that was scared, confused and in need of someone to steer them in a different direction. In 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed to be the Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg. After the death of Hindenburg in 1934, Hitler would become the new President of Germany and terminate the Presidential term and declare himself “Führer”. (Holocaust Encyclopedia, 2023) At this point, Hitler became the only major authority in Germany and there were no limits to any actions taken by him. Through several different forms of persuasion, Hitler was able to lead the strong and powerful political party that we know as the Nazi

It is understood that the economic fall that took place in Germany around this time is one of the larger contributing factors to the rise of Hitler, but the fall in the United States also contributed to the Nazi Party leader’s rise. Factors such as high unemployment rates, the crashing of the stock market were some of the most impactful factors of the Great Depression in the United States. David Wheelock of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reported that “The unemployment rate reached a peak of 25% in 1933.” (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Wheelock, 2013) Wheelock also stated that “Some 7,000 banks, nearly a third of the banking system, failed between 1930 and 1933.” (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Wheelock, 2013) The United States was clearly seen by others and themselves in a weak and vulnerable position. Other countries were suffering because the United States struggled with their economy. The BBC reported on the fact that “Germany suffered more than any other nation as a result of the recall of US loans, which caused its economy to collapse.” (BBC, 2023) It is very clear to say that the United States suffered the most from the Great Depression, but it is not acknowledged enough that the Great Depression gave the country of Germany an opportunity, more specifically Adolf Hitler. If you think about it, Hitler was given an empty platform. The United