Final answer:
Between 1928 and 1932, the Nazi party saw a dramatic surge in support, culminating in them winning 37% of the national vote in the 1932 elections. Meanwhile, moderate parties like the SPD and the Catholic Center Party lost political influence during this period of economic hardship and political instability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The political landscape in Germany between 1928 and 1932 was marked by significant changes, with some parties gaining and others losing seats in the Reichstag. During this period, Germany faced economic troubles and political instability, which played a critical role in shifting the political balance.
The Great Depression had a profound impact on German society, contributing to the rise of extremist parties like the Nazis (National Socialist German Workers’ Party) and the Communists (KPD). In the 1930 elections, the Nazi party made a significant breakthrough, winning 18% of the Reichstag seats, marking them as a force to be reckoned with. However, in the 1932 elections, the Nazis achieved their greatest electoral success in a free and fair election, securing 37% of the national vote.
Conversely, moderate and traditional parties such as the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Catholic Center Party (Zentrum) struggled to maintain their influence. Although no party won a clear majority in the 1932 elections, it was evident that the electorate was polarized, with most voters supporting either the Communists or the Nazis. These changes led to frequent changes in government and political discord, which ultimately facilitated the Nazis' path to power.
By 1932, the Nazis had become the most significant political force in Germany, although they failed to win the presidency. Nevertheless, through a combination of economic desperation, clever propaganda, and political maneuvering, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party continued their rise, eventually leading to Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in January 1933.