Germany: democracy and dictatorship

• This book covers over 50 years of Germany's history. It is an extraordinary time in which Germany went through revolution, humiliation, economic chaos, and, of course, two world wars. This period also saw the emergence and rule of one of history's most infamous dictators - Adolf Hitler. This book aims to examine why these events happened and how the lives of ordinary Germans were affected.
• Germany joins League of Nations

  1926
• Young Plan is proposed

  1929
• Wall Street Crash, leading to the Great Depression


  1929
• Kaiser Wilhelm II becomes Emperor of Germany

  1888
• French and Belgian troops invade German industrial area of the Ruhr, Hyperinflation makes money worthless


  1923
• Munich Putsch


  1923
• Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates; the First World War ends

  1918
• Naval race: Germany begins to expand its navy to compete with Britain's navy


  1898
• First World War begins

  1914
• Spartacus League revolt


  1919
• Treaty of Versailles is signed

  1919
• Weimar Constitution is established

  1919
• Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Membership of the League of German Girls becomes compulsory


  1936
• Wannsee Conference: plan created for extermination of Europe's Jews, Death camps are set up in German-occupied areas


  1942
• Hitler is named Chancellor; after Hindenburg's death in 1934, Hitler becomes Germany's dictator


  1933
• Kristallnacht: Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues attacked


  1938
• Germany invades Poland: the Second World War begins


  1939
• Dawes Plan: US loans money to Germany


  1924
• Hindenburg becomes President


  1925
• American jazz music comes to Germany, Founding of Nazi Party, Kapp Putsch


  1920
• Foundation of Hitler Youth


  1922
• Night of the Long Knives; Rohm is arrested and later shot


  1934
• Volkswagen car company is formed

  1937
• Hitler commits suicide, Surrender of Germany to Allies in the Second World War

  1945
• Before 1870, there was no such country as Germany. Instead, there was a collection of small states that were loosely linked together by a similar culture and language.
• The King of Prussia became the new German Emperor (or Kaiser).
• Militarism


  The belief that a country should have strong armed forces
• Second Reich


  The new country of Germany, created in 1871, was known as the Second Reich. Reich is the German word for 'empire'.
• Kaiser


  The ruler of Germany, supported by advisers or ministers, and the chief minister was called Chancellor - rather like a Prime Minister.
• Reichstag


  The parliament, which was elected by all men over age 25. The Reichstag discussed and voted on the laws that the Kaiser and his ministers drew up.
• Bundesrat


  The representatives sent by each state to consult with the Kaiser over new laws.
• The Kaiser could choose to ignore their advice and make all the decisions he wanted to on his own.
• The Kaiser also made all decisions that related to the army, navy and other foreign countries.
• By 1913, Germany was producing more iron and steel and as much coal as Britain. In industries such as electrical goods and chemicals, German companies dominated Europe.
• Many workers in the new factories, mines and workshops were unhappy because their wages were low, working conditions were poor, and food was expensive.
• Social Democratic Party (SPD)

  A new political party that many ordinary workers voted for, believing in socialism - the idea that power and wealth should be shared equally among the people.
• Around one in three Germans voted for this political party at this time.
• Weltpolitik


  The idea that Germany should have an empire abroad too, and transform into a global power with control over countries in different parts of the world.
• 'A place in the sun'


  The desire for Germany to have an empire abroad like other European countries.