Question

How might poverty and unemployment have contributed to the rise of totalitarian leaders in the 1930s?

Answer 1

Poverty and unemployment were two harsh conditions faced by countries after World War I. This was especially true in countries like Germany. Thanks to the Treaty of Versailles, the German economy was ruined. This was because they were forced to take responsibility for World War I and were required to pay billions of dollars in reparations to other countries.

This caused poverty and unemployment to increase all across Germany. At difficult times like this, citizens are looking for a strong leader who can make significant changes. This desperation allowed for the rise of Hitler. Hitler's ability to rally individuals behind his beliefs changed a generation of citizens in Germany, giving them hope for a better economy. Htiler's reign actually resulted in increased pay and lower unemployment rates in Germany.