history prac

• World War Two began on September 3, 1939
• World War One began on July 28, 1914
• The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Peace on September 2, 1945.
• Hitler allowed other leading nazi's (himmler and goring) to accumulate immense personal power. Therefore nazi rule was not autocratic but instead had many competeing centres of power
• Resistence to joining Hitler Youth and churches retained a good deal of influence. Thus it is argued nazis were not successfull in transofrming Germany to a Nazi society
• Big business retained its control over the German economy and flourished under the nazis
• Nazi propaganda was very effective as they used radio broadcasts, films, posters and newspapers to spread their message
• During consolidation period (1933-1934) Hitler and nazi party destroyed germanys democratic constitution and eliminated almost all rival centres of power.
• Enabling Act 


  basis for Hitler to abandon government through cabinet meetings
• When president Hindenburg died on 2 August 1934 Hitler abolished office of president and became dictator of germany. Army also swore an oath to personal allegiance to Hitler - neutralizing the only institution in Germany that could pose a threat to nazi power.
• nazis were able to impose their own ideology, particularly on the young - youth groups, education, intimidation of christian churches
• women in germany were elevated but relegated
• limit on how many women could teach/learn. Limited success: women employment only dropped from 37% to 31%
• gold cross for women who birthed 8 children
• 'forced sterilisation' blue eyed blonde hair policy 'biologically inferior'


  people who were thought to be degenerate or disabled couldnt have children
• 3 K's


  Church, Children, Kitchen
• 10 commandments 


  only allow women to be celebrated when doing what pleases society
• Goebbis stated "purpose of women is to be beautiful and to bring children into the world"
• T4 Killing Programs mercy death for children with disabilities. ' the life would be costly and couldn't serve the state so didn't have a function'
• indoctrination


  imposing a set of ideas
• youth groups became compulsory in 1937

  • intention for longevity for reich
  • no choice for individuality
  • childs time is take up
  • if not on board - get out
• treaty of versailles banned army, navy, airforce
• 1923 - inflation (money was worthless) 6 million people unemployed
• January 30th 1933 Hitler comes to Power
• MEFO bills - 'i owe you's' parallel currency
• Autarky 


  striving for complete self sufficiency
• bread + work promise 


  Hitler promised to provide food and get people their jobs back - he becomes good on the promise
• 1938 - defence gains 20% of GDP
• guns + butter 


  Hitler would improve the defence along with provide anything a german person would want. Controlled every aspect of german life
• nazism reorganised the whole economy and society around its vision of war
• 1936 - reoccupied Rhineland 


  • demilitarised since treaty of versailles
  • "overheated economy" Schacht fired for Goering (military man)
• 1936-1939 Goering put in charge of economy
• Second 4 year plan 


  Autarky

  • economic declaration of war - saying it but not saying it
  • hostile to wealth (should be putting money back into germany)
  • provoked jews to leave the country
• causes of ww1

  • nationalism
  • alliance systems
  • imperial rivalries
  • militarism 'arms race'
• ' if you fall into line and do good work then rewarded with german holiday'
• social policies

  • youth indoctrination
  • eugenics 'biologically inferior'
  • pursuit of racial purity
  • gender roles
  • censorship + control: cultural institutions
• hitlers success made him popular due to his promises giving people hope and confidence
• foreign policy 


  promise he would make germany great again

  • uniformity and unity
  • achieving what germany was like pre ww1
  • rearmament
  • world leaders wanted to avoid another European war - hitler saw this as a weakness - pushed boundaries
• steps towards war


  conscription

  demilitarised rhineland

  austria connection

  granted hitlers request for land

  nazi-soviet non-aggression policy

  invasion of poland

  britain and france declare war on germany
• foreign policy before ww1 consolidated support as he was successful in tearing up treaty of versailles, achieveing gaols and national restoration.