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Problems Germans faced in the Great Depression
Describe two problems faced by the German people during the Great Depression of the early 1930s.
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Marking points
- 1 Identifies a first problem faced by German people during the Great Depression of the early 1930s.
- 2 Adds accurate detail or explains how the first problem affected German people.
- 3 Identifies a second, distinct problem faced by German people during the Great Depression of the early 1930s.
- 4 Adds accurate detail or explains how the second problem affected German people.
Full-mark answer
One problem was mass unemployment and poverty. As American loans were withdrawn, German businesses failed and about six million people became unemployed, leaving families without wages and causing hunger. A second problem was the collapse of confidence in democratic government. Politicians could not agree how to deal with the crisis, so Brüning relied on emergency decrees. People from different classes became desperate and disillusioned, and growing numbers turned to extremist parties such as the Nazis.
Why this answer loses marks
People’s savings became worthless because of hyperinflation in 1923.
The question is about the Great Depression in the early 1930s, not the 1923 hyperinflation crisis. Use problems such as unemployment, hunger, business failure or loss of confidence in government.