Final answer:
The Nazi and Communist parties in Germany saw significant gains between 1928 and 1932 due to economic hardship caused by the Great Depression. The Nazi Party, in particular, became more appealing, as they promised to solve the economic crisis and reject the Versailles Treaty. Meanwhile, the Weimar Republic was plagued by political deadlock and instability, which further increased the appeal of extremist parties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Between 1928 and 1932 in Germany, the political parties that gained and lost seats were chiefly characterized by the economic despair gripping the nation. The National Socialist Party (Nazi Party), led by Adolf Hitler, saw the most significant increase in support, largely due to the widespread economic hardship brought on by the Great Depression and ensuing political and social instability.
As economic conditions worsened after the stock market crash of 1929, Germans faced hyperinflation, massive unemployment, and economic uncertainty. The Nazis and the Communists, previously marginal parties, grew increasingly appealing as they promised simple solutions to complex problems.
The Nazis' rise was especially notable; their share of the vote surged from a mere 2.6% in 1928 to 18% by 1930, and then to 37% in the July 1932 election, the highest percentage they would ever achieve in a free election. While the Nazis never won an outright majority, their message resonated with many Germans, who were drawn to their promises of restoring German pride, ending economic turmoil, and rejecting the harsh terms of the Versailles Treaty.
The Weimar government, unable to instill confidence amidst such turmoil, faced continuous deadlock due to the proportional representation in the Reichstag, and the sheer number of different political parties. The Nazis capitalized on this instability and the public's dissatisfaction, using propaganda and Hitler's charisma to gain political power through democratic means, before ultimately dismantling the democratic system they had used to rise to prominence.