Topic Summarised

• What are the three large periods of German history from 1890 to 1945?

  1. German Empire (1890-1918)
  2. Weimar Germany (1918-1933)
  3. Nazi Germany/Third Reich (1933-1945)
• Who reigned as Kaiser from 1888 to 1918?

  Kaiser Wilhelm II
• What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's main aim for Germany?

  To make Germany a world power
• How did Kaiser Wilhelm II's personality affect his rule?

  He was impatient, reckless, and egotistical
• What was the relationship between Kaiser Wilhelm II and Great Britain?

  It was a love-hate relationship
• What was the largest constituent state of the German Empire?

  Prussia
• What was the theoretical government structure of the German Empire?

  A constitutional monarchy on British lines
• What was the reality of democracy in the German Empire?

  Power was concentrated in the hands of the Kaiser
• How was the Reichstag elected?

  By universal male suffrage
• Who appointed the Chancellor in the German Empire?

  The Kaiser personally appointed the Chancellor
• What was the economic state of Germany before 1880?

  It was mostly agricultural
• What industries became prominent in Germany after 1880?

  Coal, steel, chemicals, and electronics
• What political ideology did Kaiser Wilhelm II oppose?

  Socialism
• Who were the main power holders in Germany during Kaiser Wilhelm II's reign?

  The Catholic Church, Junkers, and military elite
• What were the Navy Laws?

  Succession of laws to build naval strength
• What was the main goal of the Navy Laws?

  To oppose British naval dominance
• What were the disadvantages of building warships for Germany?

  It was expensive and provoked Britain
• What treaty ended World War One for Germany?

  The Treaty of Versailles
• What were the effects of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany?

  Land, Armaments, Military and Blame
• How did the Treaty of Versailles affect the German military?

  It left a shattered and disillusioned military
• What was the political situation in Germany after World War One?

  The Weimar Republic was shaky and not accepted
• What was the electoral system of the Weimar Republic?

  Proportional representation
• What were the problems faced by the Weimar Republic from 1918 to 1923?

  Allied occupation, hyperinflation, and political turmoil
• What was hyperinflation?

  Money loses value rapidly
• What helped stabilize the economy during the Weimar Republic?

  The introduction of the Rentenmark
• What were the golden years of the Weimar Republic?

  1924 to 1929 under Chancellor Stresemann
• What did Chancellor Stresemann focus on during the golden years?

  Social, political, and economic stability
• What was the attitude of the military and aristocracy towards the Weimar Republic?

  They were jealous and wished for monarchy
• What were the main ideals of the Nazi Party?

  German nationalism and Aryan superiority
• How did the Nazi Party view the Weimar Republic?

  They were contemptuous and believed it would fail
• What was the 'stab-in-the-back' myth?

  Belief that social democrats caused Germany's defeat
• What tactics did the Nazi Party use to gain support?

  Fear, propaganda, and public rallies
• How did the Nazi Party appeal to the working class?

  By promising to renew German pride
• What did the Nazi Party promise to the military?

  To restore its old position and prominence
• What was a belief about Germany's loss in World War One?

  It was a useful myth for the masses
• Why did the masses hate the Social Democratic leadership?

  They believed it was globalist and Jewish
• What did the masses believe about democracy and the Weimar Republic?

  They thought it was weak and would fail
• What were the early tactics of the Nazi Party?

  Brutal and effective intimidation tactics
• What was the role of the SA in Nazi tactics?

  To cause fear and intimidation
• How did the Nazi Party use propaganda?

  To fuel hatred and disillusionment