In Germany, the Depression worsened conditions and people became even unhappier with the government. This atmosphere gave way to the rise of the popularity of extreme political parties such as the NSDAP or Nazi Party and the Communist Party, who offered control in a time of chaos. The tense atmosphere in both countries was perfect for the rise of both Hitler and Roosevelt.
Roosevelt ran against Hoover in the 1933 Presidential election. In contrast to Hoover, "Roosevelt was a picture of confidence and hope." (White, 1986:149) It was this image that allowed him to win the election by a landslide. In Germany, Hitler, who was the leader of the Nazi Party, "promised to take action to improve the economy and return nation pride, and the masses, in most cases, were happy to grant him the ultimate power he needed to do so." (Sparknotes) After gaining a majority in the Reichstag (German parliament) by forming a coalition, Hitler was appointed Chancellor by President von Hindenburg. However, after Hindenburg died, Hitler wanted greater power. "He used corruption and intimidation to get what he wanted," and what he wanted was the Enabling Act. (Sparknotes) This piece of legislation essentially allowed him to become dictator of Germany.
Both Roosevelt and Hitler faced similar economic problems when they came to power in 1933. In both America and Germany, unemployment was extremely high. Nearly thirteen million were jobless in America and five and half million in Germany were also without employment. (Hoepper, 1990: 255) America also had the problem of overproduction in the agricultural sector. Roosevelt's solutions to the unemployment and overproduction problems were to form numerous agencies funded by the government to help with relief. These included the Public Works Administration, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Civil Works Administration and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration.