PAPER 2 GERMANY

• After the Kaiser left, Germany were left with the Weirmar Republic, which was a democracy:

  • It had a weak government: lots of political parties couldnt agree leading to unstable governments, allowing extremist groups like Nazis gain power
  • Economic crisis: The country was poor and inflation was terrible, Treaty of Versailles mad things worse
  • Social division: German people were angry after the war, many didnt want a democracy but a strong leader
• • Article 48 of Weimar Republic lets the leader take over during emergencies, he could ignore the Reichstag and make laws himself, even take away people rights
  • This was used by the Nazis to seize power, showing how easily democracy can be destroyed
• • Wilhelm early life affected his ability to rule Germany negatively because he had a difficult relationship with his father (Frederick Wilhem) and had a physical disability (condition affected left arm)
  • He also instilled in him a belief that he had his own divine right to rule and a strong sense of personal authority, he often ignored expert advice and followed his own instincts
  • His childhood experiences made him a unpredictable ruler who played a significant role in escalating tensions that led to World War 1
• • Kaiser Wilhem II broke away from his Chancellor (von Bismarck - who had unified Germany) 2 years after his coronation and began to control German politics under his New course
• Wilhem II - what did he do?

  • Aggressive Foreign Policy - he built up the German navy to rival Britain's and involved himself in a series of matters that caused tension in Europe
  • Military Build up - he reflected his belief in importance of military power: oversaw significant increase in Germanys military strength
  • World Ware 1 - his actions and policies contributed to outbreak of the first World War, he escalated tensions with complex web of alliances, support of Austria against Serbia
• Wilhem - difficulties of ruling Germany

  • Rapid indrustrilisation caused increase in working class and bad working conditions, people wanted change
  • This lead to rise in the social democratic party (SPD), causing a threat to the Kaisers power
  • To solve this, the Kaiser passed laws encouraging nationalism and military pride
• Treaty of Versailles

  • Germans unhappy as article 231 stated Germany and its allies are fully to be blamed for the war, Germans believe they entered war as act of defense
  • Reparations of £6.6 billion, Germans found it humiliating
  • Disarmament - Germany limited to 100,000 troops, disbanded air force, no navy, Germans argued this was too extreme
  • Germany lost 13% of its land
  • Germany lost colonies
• Why was the Treaty of Versailles viewed negatively by many Germans?

  It had harsh terms and blamed Germany for WWI
• What term was used to describe Weimar politicians who signed the Treaty of Versailles?

  November criminals
• How did weak and divided politics affect the Weimar Republic?

  It allowed extremist parties to gain seats
• What electoral system contributed to the division in Weimar politics?

  Proportional representation
• What was a significant challenge due to the lack of democratic tradition in Germany?

  Germany had no democracy before the Weimar Republic
• What economic issue did the Weimar Republic face due to reparations?

  Hyperinflation from printing too much money
• What caused the collapse of the Weimar currency?

  Excessive printing of money
• How did the Great Depression impact the Weimar Republic?

  It led to unemployment and economic hardship
• What power did Article 48 grant the President of the Weimar Republic?

  To pass laws without Reichstag in emergencies
• How was Article 48 abused during the Weimar Republic?

  Hitler used it to bypass the Reichstag
• Who rose to power during the decline of the Weimar Republic?

  Hitler and the Nazis
• What were the main reasons for the failure of the Weimar Republic?

  • Harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles
  • Weak and divided political system
  • Economic problems and hyperinflation
  • Impact of the Great Depression
  • Abuse of Article 48 by Hitler
  • Rise of Hitler and the Nazis