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How useful are Sources B and C for an enquiry into support for the Nazi Party in the years 1924–28? Explain your answer, using Sources B and C and your knowledge of the historical context - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 3
How useful are Sources B and C for an enquiry into support for the Nazi Party in the years 1924–28? Explain your answer, using Sources B and C and your knowledge of... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How useful are Sources B and C for an enquiry into support for the Nazi Party in the years 1924–28? Explain your answer, using Sources B and C and your knowledge of the historical context - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
How useful are Sources B and C for an enquiry into support for the Nazi Party in the years 1924–28?
Answer
Sources B and C provide contrasting insights into the support for the Nazi Party during the specified years. Source B, an Italian journalist's perspective, outlines the weak electoral support for the Nazis, suggesting that awareness was limited. It indicates that while some public support existed, it was overshadowed by broader societal challenges. In contrast, Source C, from a German perspective, presents a more nuanced view, highlighting the party's increasing organizational strength despite poor election outcomes. The historical context of this period, particularly post-World War I instability and the economic crisis of the late 1920s, is essential for assessing the usefulness of these sources. Source B's perspective could be less valuable due to geographical distance, while Source C offers a more immediate account, beneficial for understanding local sentiments.
Step 2
What is the main difference between these views?
Answer
The primary difference between Interpretations 1 and 2 lies in their focus on the sources of Nazi support. Interpretation 1 emphasizes the role of elections and suggests that the Nazi Party gained popularity through successful campaigning and public interest. It captures the optimism surrounding their rise during the late 1920s. Conversely, Interpretation 2 critiques the effectiveness of these campaigns, asserting that the underlying support was fundamentally weak, as evidenced by the lack of significant electoral victories. Thus, while Interpretation 1 highlights positive growth, Interpretation 2 paints a more cautious picture of the Nazis’ actual strength.
Step 3
Suggest one reason why Interpretations 1 and 2 give different views about support for the Nazi Party in the years 1924–28.
Answer
One reason for the differing views in Interpretations 1 and 2 is the authors' focus on different aspects of the Nazi Party's support methods. Interpretation 1 emphasizes the Nazi Party's strategies in attracting support by capitalizing on public discontent and effective campaigning. In contrast, Interpretation 2 focuses on the limits of this support, suggesting that factors like economic instability and the legacy of the Weimar Republic shaped public sentiment against the Nazis, highlighting the challenges they faced.
Step 4
How far do you agree with Interpretation 2 about support for the Nazi Party in the years 1924–28?
Answer
I largely agree with Interpretation 2, which posits that despite some levels of support, the Nazis faced significant obstacles in gaining widespread traction. The period was marked by political fragmentation and economic hardship, which hampered the Nazi Party's path to power. While there were moments of apparent popularity, such as rallies, these did not necessarily translate into solid electoral backing. The lasting effects of the Great Depression starting in 1929 further destabilized the Weimar Republic, ultimately allowing extremist ideologies to gain ground as the electorate sought more radical solutions to their problems. Therefore, while there were aspects of support visible for the Nazis, as Interpretation 2 suggests, the depth and sustainability of this support were still quite limited.