Germany (1890-1945)

• When was the German Empire?


  1871-1918
• What was the Kaiser?


  German Emperor and Supreme leader
• What was the Kaiser responsible for?

  • Increasing Germany’s military power
  • Pursuing aggressive foreign policies (which contributed to the tensions leading up to World War I, making other countries feel threatened).
• What kind of ruler was Kaiser Wilhelm II?

  Ambitious

  Opinionated

  Controlling
• What was the Reichstag?


  A German parliament, representing the people.
• What could the Reichstag do?


  • Passing laws: Could propose and debate new laws.
  • Approving the budget: Approve government spending, though the Kaiser and the Chancellor had significant control over this.
  • Debating policies: Could debate proposed laws and policies, including issues like the economy, social reforms, and education.
• What was the Bundesrat?

  A group of representatives, one from each of Germany's 25 states which works along the Reichstag.
• What could the Bundesrat do?


  • Approve or veto laws: Authority to approve or reject laws proposed by the Reichstag.
  • Influence policy: It played a key role in shaping policy, especially in areas like state rights and federal matters.
  • Represent the states: Represented the interests of the individual German states.
• What could the Chancellor do?

  • Ran government.
  • Could propose leglisation
• The Chancellor was appointed from the Reichstag by the Kaiser.
• Problems faced by Germans in WWII?

  1. After 1942, German cities were heavily bombed causing widespread destruction; floods, gas explosions. Left with no electricity, water, transport and people left their homes in panic. .
  2. By Nov 1939, food + clothing were rationed. Most supplies were sent to the front for soldiers, leaving civilians to make sacrifices + struggle with insufficient resources.
• Problems during the Weinmar government?

  Political Instability:

  • Lacked approval. Germans blaming the Weinmar Republic for signing the Treaty of Versailles (terms were harsh).
  • Uprisings + rebellions (such as Spartacist Uprising + Kapp Putsch) showed instability (weak political system and frequent gov changes made leader ship difficult).

  Economic Problems:

  • Germany faced heavy reparations from the Treaty of Versailles, leading to economic hardships.
  • Hyperinflation crisis (1923) wiped out savings, leading to hyperinflation, destabilising economy + increases support for extremist parties
• What was the Spartacist Uprising?

  Where a group of communists tried to take over the government in Berlin. The Weinmar government (Freikorps) fought back and stopped the rebellion. Showed how unstable goverment was.
• When was the Spartacist Uprising?


  1919
• What was the Kapp Putsch?

  Right-wing revolt attempt to overthrow government and start a dictatorship.

  Supported by Freikorps.

  Failed because people went on strike and refused to support it.
• When was the Kapp Putsch?


  1920
• When was the Hyperinflation crisis?


  1923
• How did infusing fear and violence into Germans keep Nazis in control?

  • Nazis used terror through the SS (basically Hitler's bodyguards, responsible for mass killings + running camps) and Gestapo (secret police arresting political opponents + crushing any resistance) and concentration camps to silence opposition.
  • Violence made people too afraid to resist, ensuring obedience.
  • Events like The Night of the Long Knifes show Nazis' willingness to eliminate threats.
• How did propaganda keep Nazis in control?

  • Helped shape public opinion, portraying Hitler's image as a strong leader and to demonise Jews and other enemies.
  • Use of mass rallies, speeches, films and posters created a large sense of unity, creating support for the regime, hiding more brutal actions.
  • Overtaking media can shape their political views.
• What was the Night of the Long Knifes?

  • A purge carried out by Hitler from June 30 to July 2, 1934.
  • Targeted Ernst Röhm (leader of the SA) and other SA leaders, who were seen as rivals.
  • Hitler ordered the execution of at least 85 people, including political opponents.
  • It strengthened Hitler's control over the Nazi Party and secured the loyalty of the German army.
• When was the Night of Long Knifes?

  30th June to 2nd July 1934