History- Weimar Republic

• What event in October 1929 triggered a global economic crisis?

  The Wall Street Stock Exchange crashed.
• How did the Wall Street Crash affect Germany's economy?

  It caused a drying up of loans that had previously supported German industries, leading to economic decline.
• What was the unemployment rate in Germany by 1932?

  Nearly 6 million people were unemployed.
• What social consequences did the Depression have on the German population?

  It led to widespread misery, poverty, and homelessness due to rising unemployment and reduced government benefits.
• How did the economic crisis contribute to the rise of extreme political parties in Germany?

  The crisis led to discontent with the Weimar government, increasing support for the Nazis and Communists as they promised solutions.
• What was the outcome of the Reichstag elections in December 1924 and 1928 for the Nazi Party?

  The Nazis won 19 seats in 1924 and 17 seats in 1928.
• What significant event in October 1929 changed the fortunes of the Nazi Party?

  The Wall Street Crash led to a severe economic and political crisis in Germany, increasing support for the Nazis.
• What was the political situation in Germany by July 1932?

  The Nazi Party became the single largest party in the Reichstag with 230 seats.
• Why did President Hindenburg allow the Brüning government to rule by emergency decree?

  Due to the lack of a majority and the serious economic situation facing the country.
• What were the consequences of the rivalry between von Schleicher and von Papen for Hitler's rise to power?

  It led to a political deal that ultimately resulted in Hitler being appointed Chancellor despite Hindenburg's initial reluctance.
• How many ministers in Hitler's government were Nazis when he became Chancellor?

  Only three out of twelve ministers were Nazis.
• What tactics did the Nazi Party use during the 1933 election campaign?

  They employed violence and intimidation against opponents, restricted Communist campaigning, and controlled police forces.
• What was the significance of the Reichstag Fire in Hitler's consolidation of power?

  It allowed Hitler to persuade Hindenburg to issue an emergency decree that suspended civil liberties and targeted left-wing parties.
• What were the results of the March 1933 elections for the Nazi Party?

  The Nazis won 288 seats, making them the largest party in the Reichstag.
• What was the role of the SA and SS in the Nazi Party's rise to power?

  The SA used violence and intimidation against opponents, while the SS provided personal protection for Hitler and helped maintain order within the party.
• How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the Nazi Party's popularity?

  Many Germans resented the Treaty for its harsh terms, which fueled support for the Nazis who promised to overturn it.
• How did the overall political climate in Germany affect public sentiment towards the Weimar government?

  The failure of the Weimar government to address economic issues led to widespread disillusionment and increased support for extremist parties like the Nazis.
• What basic rights were undermined by the Nazis during their rise to power?

  Basic rights such as freedom of speech were undermined.
• How did the emergency decrees affect the political landscape in Germany?

  The emergency decrees allowed the Nazis to prevent the Communist Party from campaigning and arrest individuals without a trial, undermining the rule of law.
• Why did Hitler not achieve the decisive majority he wanted despite being the largest party?

  Hitler faced a campaign of intimidation and violence, which, along with emergency measures, prevented him from gaining an outright majority.
• What strategy did Hitler use to gain a working majority in the Reichstag?

  He banned elected Communist Party members from taking their seats and made a deal with the Centre Party and the National Party.
• What was the significance of the Enabling Act passed in March 1933?

  The Enabling Act allowed Hitler to make laws without the Reichstag's approval, effectively ending democracy in Germany.
• How did Hitler consolidate his power after the Enabling Act?

  He ruled by decree and used emergency powers to crush opposition, establishing a one-party state.
• What event is referred to as 'The Night of the Long Knives'?

  'The Night of the Long Knives' refers to the purge of SA leaders on 30 June 1934.
• Why did Hitler decide to eliminate the SA?

  Hitler was suspicious of the SA's power and influence, particularly under its leader Ernst Röhm, and sought the support of the army instead.
• What were the consequences of 'The Night of the Long Knives' for the Nazi regime?

  The SS became more powerful, and the army supported Hitler, solidifying his control over Germany.
• What title did Hitler assume after the death of President Hindenburg?

  Hitler became Führer, combining the roles of Chancellor and President.
• What was the significance of the oath of allegiance sworn by the armed forces to Hitler?

  This oath solidified Hitler's control over the military and established his dictatorship.
• How did the Nazi dictatorship control the German people?

  It controlled the people through a police state, propaganda, and the concentration of power in the hands of Hitler and the Nazi Party.
• By 1914, what was the status of the Social Democratic Party in the Reichstag?


  It was the single largest political party in the Reichstag.
• Who led the new government formed by the Social Democratic Party in November 1918?

  Friedrich Ebert led the new government.
• What significant political change occurred in Germany after the Kaiser abdicated?

  The monarchy was finished, and Germany became a republic.
• What was the outcome of the armistice signed on 11 November 1918?


  The armistice marked the end of the First World War for Germany.

  
• What were some of the consequences of the First World War on Germany by 1918?

  Consequences included the collapse of the Kaiser’s government, over 2 million German deaths, and severe food shortages.
• How did political divisions manifest in post-war Germany?

  There were serious political divisions between socialists, communists, and other left-wing groups versus right-wing groups, often leading to violent protests.

  
• What was the purpose of the elections held for a new Reichstag in January 1919?

  The elections aimed to establish a new government following the collapse of the Kaiser’s regime.
• Why did the new Reichstag meet in Weimar instead of Berlin?

  It was deemed safer to meet in Weimar due to the violence in Berlin, including an attempted communist uprising.
• What was the name of the new constitution created in August 1919?

  The Weimar constitution.
• What significant change did the Weimar constitution introduce regarding voting rights?

  It granted the vote to all German men and women over the age of 20, expanding suffrage significantly.
• How did the system of proportional representation in the Weimar constitution affect the political landscape?

  It often resulted in no single party having a majority, leading to coalition governments that could be unstable during crises.