Germany depth study

• What was the impact of World War I on Germany by 1918?

  • Defeat and humiliation led to disillusionment.
  • Economic devastation caused food shortages and inflation.
  • Social disruption with unrest and political instability.
  • Political upheaval resulted in the Kaiser’s abdication.
  • "Stab-in-the-Back" myth blamed politicians for defeat.
• How did Germany transition from the old imperial regime to the Weimar Republic?

  • Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated in November 1918.
  • Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed a republic.
  • Friedrich Ebert became the first Chancellor.
  • Armistice was signed in November 1918.
  • Elections for the National Assembly were held in January 1919.
  • Weimar Constitution was agreed upon in August 1919.
• What were the strengths of the Weimar Constitution?

  • Established democratic principles with universal suffrage.
  • Included a Bill of Rights for fundamental freedoms.
  • Created checks and balances among government branches.
  • Lowered voting age to increase political participation.
• What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

  • Proportional representation led to unstable coalition governments.
  • Article 48 allowed the President to bypass the Reichstag.
  • Lack of strong democratic traditions made the system vulnerable.
  • Army and judiciary retained influence from the imperial era.
  • Powerful elites maintained significant political power.
• What were the main terms and impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany?

  • Germany lost significant territories like Alsace-Lorraine.
  • Army was severely limited; no air force or submarines.
  • Forced to pay huge reparations to Allies.
  • War Guilt Clause made Germany accept full responsibility.
  • Economic impact severely damaged the German economy.
  • Contributed to political instability and resentment.
• Describe the economic problems faced by the Weimar Republic in its early years.

  • Hyperinflation in 1923 devastated the economy.
  • Huge reparations payments strained economic resources.
  • Occupation of the Ruhr disrupted industrial production.
  • Dependence on US loans created vulnerability.
• What were the main sources of political instability and extremism in the Weimar Republic?

  • Left-wing extremism from Communist uprisings.
  • Right-wing extremism from nationalist groups like Nazis.
  • Weak coalition governments due to proportional representation.
  • Lack of public support for democratic structures.
  • Violence and political assassinations by extremist groups.
• What were the key factors that contributed to the rise of the Nazi Party in the Weimar Republic?

  • Exploitation of grievances over the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Charismatic leadership of Adolf Hitler.
  • Use of propaganda and organized party structure.
  • Violence and intimidation by the SA.
  • Support from disaffected groups and failure of other parties.
• How did the Great Depression impact the Weimar Republic and contribute to the rise of Hitler?

  • Mass unemployment resulted from the Wall Street Crash.
  • Economic hardship increased poverty and desperation.
  • Loss of confidence in democracy due to ineffective governance.
  • Increased support for extremists like the Nazis.
• How did Hitler become Chancellor of Germany in 1933?

  • Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag.
  • Conservative politicians believed they could control Hitler.
  • President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor.
  • Miscalculation led to the Nazi seizure of power.
• What were the causes of hyperinflation in Germany in 1923?

  • Government printed vast amounts of money
  • To pay reparations from the Treaty of Versailles
  • To support striking workers in the Ruhr region
• What were the effects of hyperinflation in Germany in 1923?

  • Currency became virtually worthless
  • Prices soared astronomically
  • Savings were wiped out
  • Businesses struggled and trade was disrupted
  • Middle class faced social unrest and bartering
  • Undermined faith in the Weimar government
• What was considered the most serious challenge facing the Weimar Republic from 1919-23?

  Hyperinflation
• How did Gustav Stresemann contribute to Germany's economic recovery between 1924 and 1929?

  • Negotiated the Dawes Plan to restructure reparations
  • Secured loans from the USA
  • Stimulated German industry and created jobs
  • Introduced the Rentenmark to stabilize prices
  • Improved international relations with Allies
• What were Stresemann's key political achievements during his time in office?

  • Reduced political extremism temporarily
  • Signed the Locarno Treaties recognizing borders
  • Germany's entry into the League of Nations
  • Signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact renouncing war
• What cultural developments occurred in Germany during the Weimar period under Stresemann?

  • Flourishing of artistic expression in various fields
  • Greater artistic freedom and experimentation
  • International acclaim for German cinema and art
  • Berlin became a cultural hub
• What were the main aims of Stresemann's foreign policy?

  • Reintegration into the international community
  • Revision of the Treaty of Versailles
  • Ensured Germany's security through treaties
  • Focused on economic recovery through loans and trade
• What underlying problems persisted in Germany despite Stresemann's achievements?

  • Fragile economic recovery reliant on US loans
  • Nationalist resentment towards the Treaty of Versailles
  • Political instability due to Weimar Constitution weaknesses
  • Dependence on foreign powers limited independence
• How did the Great Depression affect the achievements of the Stresemann era?

  • Withdrawal of US loans led to economic crisis
  • Mass unemployment reversed economic progress
  • Resurgence of extremist party support
  • Increased political instability and leadership changes
• What factors suggest the Weimar Republic faced significant challenges from the start?

  • Weak political system lacking strong traditions
  • Economic problems from reparations and weaknesses
  • Presence of strong extremist groups
  • Lack of popular support for the republic
  • Legacy of World War I and Treaty of Versailles
• What is considered a significant achievement of the Weimar Republic?

  • Establishment of a democratic system
  • Guarantee of civil liberties
• Why might the Nazis have wanted to burn down the Reichstag?

  To create a pretext for consolidating power
• Why was the Enabling Act important to Hitler?

  It allowed him to make laws unilaterally
• Why did Hitler execute people like von Schleicher during the Night of the Long Knives?

  To eliminate potential threats to his power
• Why did Hitler choose the army's support over the SA's?

  The army was more powerful and loyal
• How did the Nazis react to the Reichstag Fire?

  • Arrested 4000 Communists and opponents
  • Issued the Emergency Decree
  • Suspended civil liberties
  • Increased police powers
• How did the Enabling Act help Hitler secure power?

  • Allowed him to pass laws without approval
  • Eliminated checks from the Reichstag and President
  • Made him a legal dictator
• What was the outcome of the March 1933 elections for the Nazis?

  They won 43.9% of the votes
• What did the Emergency Decree issued by Hindenburg allow?

  Arrest suspects without trial and ban meetings
• Who was appointed Head of Ministry for Propaganda on 13 March?

  Goebbels
• What did the Law against the Formation of New Parties establish?

  Germany became a one-party state
• What was the significance of the Concordat signed on 20 July?

  Protected religious freedom, banned political activity
• What was the role of the SS under Himmler?

  To root out opponents and threats to the Party
• What was the main purpose of the Night of the Long Knives?

  To eliminate SA leadership and consolidate power
• How did Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in January 1933 affect his power?

  He was in a precarious position initially
• What was the impact of the Reichstag Fire on the Nazi regime?

  It allowed the Nazis to suppress opposition
• What did the Nazis do with the police after the Reichstag Fire?

  Ordered local police to cooperate with the SA
• Who was Marinus van der Lubbe?

  A Dutch communist charged with arson
• What was the significance of the 'stab in the back myth' promoted by Goering?

  It blamed others for Germany's WWI defeat
• How did the Nazis use propaganda during the Depression?

  To target different groups for votes