The Weimar Republic and how Hitler rose to power
See why the Weimar Republic struggled, how the Great Depression helped the Nazis and how Hitler gained power in 1933.
GCSEA-LevelHigh SchoolAPCurriculum fit: GCSE History (Weimar and Nazi Germany appears in several exam board specifications); A-Level; US high school world history and AP European History. The National Curriculum covers the inter-war years at KS3.
On this page
What is it?
The Weimar Republic was Germany's democratic government from 1919 to 1933, set up after the First World War. It faced serious problems from the start, including resentment of the Treaty of Versailles and economic crises.
These problems, and the effects of the Great Depression, helped the Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler gain support and take power in 1933.
Key formulas and ideas
- 1919: Treaty of Versailles (war guilt, reparations, limits on the army). 1923: occupation of the Ruhr and hyperinflation.
- November 1923: the failed Munich Putsch. 1924: the Dawes Plan helped the economy recover.
- 1929: the Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression caused mass unemployment in Germany.
- 30 January 1933: Hitler appointed Chancellor. March 1933: the Enabling Act allowed him to pass laws without the Reichstag.
Worked examples
Example 1: Why was Weimar unpopular?
Question: Give two reasons many Germans disliked the Weimar government.
- It signed the Treaty of Versailles, which many saw as a humiliation.
- It was blamed for the economic problems, including hyperinflation in 1923.
Answer: Versailles and economic crises
Example 2: The Depression and the Nazis
Question: Explain how the Great Depression helped the Nazis.
- Unemployment rose sharply and people lost faith in the government.
- The Nazis promised work and a strong Germany, and their support grew.
Answer: Economic hardship made extreme parties more popular
Example 3: Gaining power
Question: Describe how Hitler became a dictator in 1933.
- He was appointed Chancellor on 30 January 1933.
- The Reichstag fire in February led to emergency powers.
- The Enabling Act in March gave him power to make laws.
Answer: Appointment, emergency powers and the Enabling Act
Common mistakes
- Saying Hitler won a majority in an election.
- Mixing up the Munich Putsch (1923) with Hitler becoming Chancellor (1933).
- Describing events in the wrong order.
- Ignoring the role of the Depression.
Practice questions
Frequently asked questions
Was Hitler elected?
The Nazis became the largest party in free elections in 1932, but Hitler was appointed Chancellor by President Hindenburg rather than winning a majority.
Was Hitler elected?
The Nazis became the largest party in 1932, but Hitler was appointed Chancellor by President Hindenburg and did not win a majority in a free election.
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GCSEA-LevelHigh SchoolAPSources and review
Reviewed by StudyMorrow editorial review on 5 Nov 2026.