The End of Optimism:The Great Depression in Europe

The in global economic collapse caused the German people to accept the

terms, ideas, and values of Adolf Hitler

The Root of the Problem

The Treaty of Versailles

The Root of the Problem

The Treaty of Versailles The treaty destroyed Germany economically and humiliated the German people.

The Root of the Problem

The Treaty of Versailles The treaty destroyed Germany economically and humiliated the German people.

•The reparations cost created huge debt•The German government tries to solve the problem by printing more money (mark)•The mark becomes worthless.

The Root of the Problem

The Treaty of Versailles The treaty destroyed Germany economically and humiliated the German people.

•The reparations cost created huge debt•The German government tries to solve the problem by printing more money (mark)•The mark become worthless.

•Germany was forced to accept blame for WWI•Because of the bad economy most Germans were unemployed•Germans couldn’t feed, cloth, or shelter their families.

The Root of the Problem

The Treaty of Versailles

Getting revenge never ends a fight!

• Hyperinflation: Creating money with no backing.– Germany after WWI

1 Billion Mark, October 20, 1923 Reichsbanknote Would buy…

¾ Pound of Meat, 3 eggs, or 1/6 Pound of Butter.Bread is 670 Million Mark a loaf.

This was BEFORE the Great Depression!

This was BEFORE the Great Depression!

This was BEFORE the Great Depression!

The US had been trying to help Germany by loaning money to the country to help out the rest of Europe.

The International Financial Plan 1924-1930

The International Financial Plan 1924-1930

The International Financial Plan 1924-1930

When the US Economy collapsed…

Soon after the Great Depression begins around the world….

• Hitler is elected as Chancellor of Germany

• He is a charismatic speaker who captures the imaginations and hearts of Germans everywhere, just like a coach who rallies his team.

• One of Hitler’s most powerful speeches was given during his State of the Union Address in 1930

What would you do?

• Take out a piece of paper and write at least half of a page telling me what you would have thought of Hitler hearing his speeches. Would you have believed and agreed with him?

• Remember your money is worth nothing, you have no food or shelter, and you cannot provide for your family.

• Also remember this was before WWII so you don’t know about what is going to take place in the future…