History - Germany

• What was the role of the Reichstag in the German Empire?

  It was the lower house of parliament elected by universal male suffrage
• What industries became prominent in Germany from 1880 onward?

  Coal, steel, chemicals, and electronics
• Why did Kaiser Wilhelm II oppose socialism?

  He believed power should be concentrated in the hands of the aristocracy
• What were the Navy Laws aimed at?

  Building up German naval strength to oppose Great Britain
• What were the disadvantages of the Navy Laws?

  Expensive, risk of provoking Britain, and danger of other countries reinforcing their navies
• What was the maximum limit placed on the German army by the Treaty of Versailles?

  100,000 men
• What were the effects of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany?

  Territory transfer, removal of colonies, military limits, and reparations
• What was the new currency introduced to stabilize the German economy in 1923?

  Rentenmark
• What were the main ideals of Hitler and the Nazi Party?

  German nationalism, Aryan racial superiority, disdain for democracy, and military prominence
• Why did the Nazi Party appeal to the working classes?

  They promised to renew German pride and reverse the shame of the Versailles Treaty
• What were the main problems faced by Germany from 1918 to 1923?

  • Military disillusionment
  • Economic reparations
  • Social anger and betrayal
  • Political instability
  • Hyperinflation
  • Political attacks from left and right
• What were the reasons the Weimar Republic survived through the difficult years?

  • Introduction of the Rentenmark
  • Stable presidential leadership
  • Reduction in reparation payments through the Dawes Plan
• What were the main tactics used by the Nazi Party in their early years?

  • Use of the SA (Brownshirts) for intimidation
  • Propaganda to fuel hatred and disillusionment
  • Large public and private rallies to spark debate
• What were the key factors that led to the rise of the Nazi Party?

  • Economic instability and hyperinflation
  • Political instability and weak coalition governments
  • Social disillusionment and anger over the Treaty of Versailles
  • Effective use of propaganda and intimidation by the Nazi Party
  • Appeal to various sectors of German society with promises of national pride and stability
• What were the key features of the German Empire's political system?

  • Constitutional monarchy in theory, but much power concentrated in the Kaiser
  • Reichstag (lower house) elected by universal male suffrage
  • Bundesrat (upper house) comprised representatives from each state
  • Chancellor appointed by the Kaiser and responsible solely to the Kaiser
  • Limited levels of democracy
• What were the key factors that led to the industrialization of Germany from 1880 onward?

  • Gradual shift from an agricultural economy to an industrial one
  • Greater urbanization as people moved to towns and cities for jobs
  • Prominent industries included coal, steel, chemicals, and electronics
• What were the key features of the golden years of the Weimar Republic (1924-1929)?

  • Social, political, and economic stability under Chancellor Gustav Stresemann
  • Agreements with American banks to reduce reparation payments
  • Diplomatic agreements with the Soviet Union, League of Nations, and other countries
  • Focus on exports and international trade to build up the German economy
• What was the significance of the Enabling Act of 1933?

  It removed most civil liberties and ended democratic government
• Who was the President of Germany before Hitler became Chancellor?

  Paul von Hindenburg
• What was the purpose of the Night of the Long Knives in 1934?

  To eliminate the SA and consolidate Hitler's power
• What was the main goal of Nazi propaganda and censorship?

  To cement Hitler's cult of personality and prepare citizens for war
• What was the role of the Gestapo in Nazi Germany?

  To investigate and surveil the general public for dissidents
• What was the White Rose group known for?

  Non-violent student resistance through leaflet campaigns
• What was the final solution?

  The systematic plan to eliminate Jews and other minorities
• What were the main methods used by the Nazi Party to consolidate power?

  • Elimination of political parties
  • Use of the SS and SA for enforcement
  • Passage of the Enabling Act
  • Consolidation of power after Hindenburg's death
  • Night of the Long Knives
• What were the consequences of Nazi policies on different groups in German society?

  • Women: Expected to fulfill traditional roles
  • Churches: Expected to comply with Nazi ideology
  • Military and judiciary: Expected to follow Nazi values
  • Children: Indoctrinated through education and Hitler Youth
  • Minorities: Persecuted and targeted for elimination
• What were the key events that led to Hitler's rise to power?

  • Parliamentary paralysis and unstable governments (1928-1933)
  • Use of Presidential Decrees to bypass the Reichstag
  • Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act (1933)
  • Death of President Hindenburg (1934)
  • Night of the Long Knives (1934)
• What were the main groups involved in the Nazi police state?

  • SS (Schutzstaffel): Ideological elite, political persecution
  • Gestapo: Secret police, surveillance of the public
  • Waffen-SS: Military branch, responsible for atrocities
• What were the main forms of opposition to the Nazi regime?

  • White Rose group: Non-violent student resistance
  • Swing Youth: Resisted Hitler Youth, influenced by American culture
  • 1944 Bomb Plot: Attempted assassination of Hitler by military officials
• What were the economic policies of the Nazi regime?

  • Public works programs (e.g., autobahn construction)
  • Rearmament and military buildup
  • Increased employment and economic growth
  • Hidden government debt and reduction in other employment sectors
• What were the main consequences of the Nazi regime's policies on German society?

  • Indoctrination of youth through education and Hitler Youth
  • Suppression of individual and civil rights
  • Persecution and elimination of minorities
  • Preparation for war and military buildup
  • Economic growth at the cost of hidden debt and reduced employment in other sectors
• What were the main consequences of the Final Solution?

  • Systematic elimination of Jews and other minorities
  • Over 6 million people killed
  • Barbaric methods of execution in concentration camps
  • Long-term impact on European Jewish population
  • Legacy of atrocities and war crimes
• What were the main consequences of Nazi policies on women?

  • Expected to fulfill traditional roles as wives and mothers
  • Discouraged from pursuing careers
  • Focus on increasing the Aryan population
  • Limited participation in public life
  • Reinforcement of patriarchal values
• What were the main consequences of Nazi policies on children?

  • Indoctrination through education and Hitler Youth
  • Preparation for military service
  • Idealization of Hitler as the Führer
  • Control over parents through fear for their children
  • Creation of an obedient and unquestioning generation