Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

Jim__

(14,653 posts)

3. Any discussion of "how the german people let it happen" has to include a discussion of the Treaty of Versailles.

Reply to PurgedVoter (Original post)

Sat Mar 29, 2025, 10:20 PM

Mar 29

The war reparations left Germany unable to support itself. Yes, by the late 20s, the worst of the effects of that treaty were over. But, the fear of economic collapse was still very real. In 1928, the Nazis got about 2.6% of the vote, in 1930 18%, and in 1932 37%. They got enough votes in 1932 that they could fight for, and get, control of the government. 1929 was the stock market collapse and the start of the Great Depression. It definitely figures into how it happened.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

RazorbackExpat Phoenix61

5 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

In 5th grade when WW2 was discussed my classmates asked, "How could the German people let it happen?" [View all] PurgedVoter Mar 29 OP

germans already shared hitler's beliefs long before he came around. he didnt need to hard sell nt msongs Mar 29 #1

As a Jew, I was introduced to Nazis as far as concentration/death camps, no_hypocrisy Mar 29 #2

Any discussion of "how the german people let it happen" has to include a discussion of the Treaty of Versailles. Jim__ Mar 29 #3

Some of the reading I have done Tree Lady Mar 29 #5

Goring's jailhouse confession to Gustave Gilbert , US Army captain and psychologist Brother Buzz Mar 29 #4