The History of the Twentieth Century

Germany held four national elections in 1932, and a number of state elections besides. The NSDAP, the Nazi Party did quite well, but fell short every time. By the end of the year, there were signs the Party was losing steam.

With the 1930 German federal election, the Nazi party went from the fringes to status as one of Germany's major political parties. But that's not the same as participating in government.

In the late Twenties, Germany saw its Communist and National Socialist parties grow in popularity, especially the latter. Adolf Hitler became the unlikely leader of the right wing in Germany, while the Communists dismissed the Nazis as a temporary obstacle.

The Japanese occupation of Manchuria was the first real test of the League of Nations, as this was exactly the kind of aggressive act the League was created to prevent. Unfortunately, the League failed the test.

Ever since the eighth planet, Neptune, was discovered in 1846, some astronomers searched for a hypothetical ninth planet. Clyde Tombaugh discovered the ninth planet in 1930. Or did he?

Japan had a rough time of it in the 1920s, between the global economic shocks and a devastating 1923 earthquake. Japanese military commanders saw control of Manchuria as key to Japan's economic independence, and they weren't about to let the politicians in Tokyo interfere.

Chiang Kai-shek unified China, more or less, but survival of the Nationalist government was threatened by warlords, the Japanese, and the Communists. Of these threats, Chiang regarded the Communists as the greatest.

Discover the turmoil in 1931 Germany as extremist parties gained traction amid the Great Depression. Explore Austria's banking collapse and its ripple effects on Germany's economy. Uncover how a credit crisis in Vienna in 1932 led to austerity measures in the UK, showing the interconnectedness of global economies. Plus, delve into the political landscape of that era, highlighting figures like Adolf Hitler and the emergence of nationalist movements. A riveting look at how minor events can escalate into major historical shifts!

The combination of higher reparations payments and a slower economy led the German government to pursue harsh and unpopular austerity policies.

The podcast dives into the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash and its profound implications. It discusses President Hoover's challenges in maintaining public confidence amidst rising unemployment. The focus then shifts to the tough economic adjustments faced by farmers and overextended businesses. Political tensions within the Republican Party emerge, especially regarding agricultural policies. The episode contrasts Hoover's leadership with Roosevelt's emerging approach, highlighting their differing views on federal action during crisis.