Studied by 22 peopleTags & Description
What were the strengths of the Weimar government ?
proportional representation
laws had to be approved by the Reichstag and the Chancellor could not just push them , preventing the abuse of power
Proportional Representation
Any political party taking part in the elections would gain seats in the Reichstag equivalent to the number of votes they received
What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Republic ?
Government ended up in coalitions , which made it difficult for a political party to gain a majority. Political parties opposed to democracy were also able to gain seats in the Reichstag. This made it challenging for the Reichstag to pass laws , leading to a weak and often short-lived government. Article 48 could be used to preserve and protect democracy , but at the same time it could also be misused and exploited. This could be a threat to the constitution
What were the political challenges that the Weimar Government faced ?
Treaty of Versailles
Spartacist uprising
The Kapp Putsch
Why did the Treaty of Versailles caused many people to be angry at the Weimar Republic ?
The Germans were expecting a fair treaty and were shocked and angry when the terms were announced , calling it a dictated peace forced upon Germany. The treaty undermined the Weimar Republic and poisoned the attitudes of many Germans towards the Weimar Republic. As their unpopularity grew, extremist ideas , voices and violence took root in the country
The Spartacist Uprising 1919
The Spartacists were a left wing communist group. They fought for power in the early 1919s and were joined by rebel soldiers and sailors. However, the Freikorps were a group that opposed the Spartacists and they fought bitterly. Eventually , the Freikorps won
The Kapp Putsch 1920
Wolfgang Kapp led 5K Freikorps into Berlin in a rebellion. The Weimar government ordered the German army to attack the Freikorps and put down the rebellion but the army refused to act against them. Germany’s trade unions and 12 million industrial workers declared a general strike which saved the Weimar government.
How did the general strike led by the industrial workers and trade unions led to the end of the Kapp Putsch ?
Germany had no transport , power or water. At the same time , all civil servants and government officials showed support for the Weimar Government and refused to cooperate with Kapp. This made him realise that his rebellion would not succeed and he fled the country , leading to the end of his rebellion
What were the economic challenges faced by the Weimar Government ?
The occupation of the Ruhr and hyperinflation
How did the occupation of the Ruhr affect Germany’s economy ?
In 1922 , Germany had failed to make reparation payments to the allies. In January 1923 , French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr valley and took what was owed to them in the form of raw materials and goods. In response, the government ordered the workers to stop cooperating with the French. However, this sudden halt in industrial production caused the German currency to collapse.
How did hyperinflation affect Germany’s economy ?
The government continued to print money but it only caused the currency to become worthless. This led to hyperinflation and prices of goods started to rise. The middle class suffered the most from hyperinflation as they had their savings wiped out and unemployment was widespread.
How did hyperinflation affect the middle-class Germans view on the Weimar Republic ?
The Weimar Government lost support from the middle-class Germans as they felt that the government favoured the workers, industrialists and politicians more
How did the Weimar Government try to solve the problem of Germany’s economy collapsing ?
In November 1925 , the new Chancellor replaced the German mark with a new currency called the Rentenmark and he also negotiated the reorganisation of reparations through the Dawes Plan (1924) and the Young plan (1929). These actions allowed Germany to stabilise its finances by reducing its debt
The Golden Age of Weimar
Took place from 1923-1929 where the economy was recovering and democracy had a chance of taking root
What were the different opinions about the Golden Age of Weimar ?
Many thought that Germany had averted the worst of the crisis years and had entered a new period of stability and success. Others felt that the period of recovery only served to mask the major weaknesses that continued to plague the Weimar Government
Nazi 25-Point Programme
Abolition of the TOV
Anschluss (union) between Germany and Austria
Only “true” Germans to be allowed to live in Germany, Jews were executed
Nationalisation of large industries and businesses
Generous provision for old-age pensioners
Creation of a strong central government in Germany
Nationalisation
process of a country taking over a large industry or business
How did Hitler become leader of the Nazi Party ?
In July 1921 , he overthrew the leader of the Nazi Party and became its new leader. He appointed close allies in the party to key roles. He also turned the SA into a private army. By November 1923, there were around 50,000 members , with thousands turning up to hear Hitler speak at Nazi meetings. Many were impressed by the energy and commitment of the Nazis.
SA
Also known as the Stormtroopers , they would fend off Hitler’s rivals on the streets and in the Nazi party.
The Munich Putsch 1923
On the evening of 8 November , Hitler and his followers marched on Munich in an open act of rebellion. He expected the local government , police and troops to support him but they didn’t. They were met with armed police and a battle broke out. Hitler was subsequently arrested and the Nazi Party was banned
What happened during the aftermath of the Munich Putsch?
The Nazis were humiliated. Hitler was faced with trial but it was turned into a showcase when he made long speeches to the judge , criticising the Weimar Republic and setting out his ideas. The judge agreed with him as he had strong nationalistic views and disliked the Weimar Republic. Hitler was made a national celebrity
How did Hitler rebuild the Nazi Party ?
Hitler now knew that he could no longer use force , but work within the democratic system to achieve power. He set out Nazi policies and re-established his control of the party by creating a new force known as the SS. Hitler also made it clear that he would not tolerate any rivals or disagreement
What were Hitler’s main ideas in his book ‘Mein Kampf’ ?
Loyalty to a Germany, racial purity and state control of the economy were encourage
Aryans were the master race and all other races , especially Jews , were inferior
War and struggle were essential part of the development of a healthy Aryan race
Total loyalty to the Fuehrer was encouraged
Germany needed living space as its people were hemmed in
How did Hitler want to achieve living space for Germany ?
Expanding into Poland and Russia
How did Hitler win support for the Nazi Party ?
He was a powerful , persuasive , confident and charming speak who prepared and practised his speeches. He was good at gauging the mood of the audience and appeared sincere to civilians. He managed to win over many important business owners and industrialists who agreed with his anti-communist and anti-trade views. Hitler also created a network of Nazi Parties
What were some challenges that the Nazi Party faced ?
The Nazis weren’t able to gain much support in the Reichstag as most industrial workers in town supported the socialist SPD or communists. In addition , the period 1924-1929 was when the Weimar Republic was relatively stable and prosperous. In the 1928 elections, the Nazi Party only managed to gain 12 seats in the Reichstag
How did the Great Depression impact Germany ?
unemployment
failure of democracy
rise in communism
growth in support for the Nazis
What was the impact of unemployment on the Germans ?
Most parts of German society were affected and many small business and shops went bankrupt. This caused the income of the average German to fall by 40% between 1929-1932. Germans experience hunger and often experience illnesses. They were also evicted from their homes as they were unable to pay rent , causing an increase of makeshift shelters and slums in cities
Why did democracy fail during the Great Depression ?
The coalition collapsed in 1923 and President Hindenburg used his powers under Article 48 to elect a new Chancellor, Heinrich Bruning. However, the measures President Bruning put in place were so strong that he was not able to get support from the Reichstag to pass into law. The parties in the Weimar Republic were so divided that it proved impossible to form a coalition with a majority of seats and President Hindenburg continued to rule by decree , passing new laws using Article 48
What were some of the measures Chancellor Bruning put in to help Germany overcome the Great Depression ?
Cut government spending on welfare and cut the wages of civil and most government employees
Why was there a rise in communism during the Great Depression ?
Many workers felt that the Weimar Republic was not managing the crisis well and the political parties seemed to care more about their own positions. They started turning to the German Communist Party (KPD) , causing its representation in the Reichstag to increase from 10% to 15%. This frightened many Germans.
Why were many Germans frightened about the rise in communism during the Great Depression ?
Business leaders feared the communists because of their plans to introduce state control of business and were concerned about the growing strength of German trade Unions. Many middle class Germans were afraid as they knew the communists were hostile to people like them. Landowning farmers were alarmed as the communist government in the USSR took over all the land , killing and imprisoning them in the process
What are some reasons for the growth in support for the Nazi Party during the Great Depression ?
The Hitler Factor
Use of Propaganda
SA & SS
How did Hitler cause the growth in support for the Nazis during the Great Depression ?
He was a powerful and persuasive speaker and used film , radio and print to spread his message. He also held a hectic tour of rallies all around Germany and appeared as a dynamic man of the moment , a leader of a modern party with modern ideas. He was also able to appear as a man of the people , someone who understood the problems of the people.
How did the use of propaganda cause a growth in support for the Nazis ?
Nazi leaflets , newspapers and radio broadcasts blamed the economic problems Germany was facing on the TOV , especially the term on reparations. They also blamed the Weimar Republic for being too selfish and divided to take the actions necessary to get people back to work. At the same time, Nazi propaganda promised strong and decisive action to help the people and offered up culprits , especially the Jews, to blame for problems
How did the Nazi campaign help to win support for the Nazis ?
Hitler promised to:
end ineffective democratic coalition governments
restore the glory days of the Kaiser and authoritarian rule
return to traditional German values
fight the threat of communism
This cause a large number of Germans to give support to the Nazis
How did the the SA & SS cause a growth in support for the Nazis ?
They gave the impression of discipline and order , which the people felt was the order the country truly need. They welcomed the fact that the SA were prepared to fight the communists. Additionally, the SA were also better organised than the communists and usually had the support of the police and army when they beat up opponents and disrupted the meetings and rallies of opposing parties
How did Hitler become Chancellor ?
In June 1932, President Hindenburg appointed Franz Von Papen as Chancellor in an attempt to gain support from the Reichstag. However, his plan failed during the July 1932 elections where the Nazi did exceptionally well. He called another election in November but the Nazi Party still came out as the largest political party although their votes dropped. In December 1932, President Hindenburg appointed Kurt Von Schleicher as the new Chancellor but he was unable to gain the support of the Nazis. Finally, in a desperate attempt to get the government working again , Hitler was appointed Chancellor in 1933.
What were some challenges Hitler faced when he first became Chancellor ?
SPD AND KPD - they opposed anything Hitler tried to do
Von Schleicher and Army - loyal to Hindenburg than him
President Hindenburg - German people held far more loyal and respect to him than Hitler
Von Papen and Elites - planned to control him and use his Nazi Party to try and replace him. The powerful land and business owners supported this
Did not have majority in Reichstag - did not have majority to to carry out his plans
The Reichstag Fire
On 27 January 1933 , the Reichstag building was burnt down. Hitler immediately declared this as the beginning of a communist uprising and persuaded President Hindenburg to pass the Decree for the Protection of People and State. 4000 communists were arrested , with opposition party meetings , newspapers and radio broadcasts to be banned. It became difficult for opposition parties to campaign
The Enabling Act
Allows Hitler to make and pass laws without consulting the Reichstag. It was passed in 24 March 1933 , causing democracy in Germany to end
Why was Hitler able to pass the Enabling Act ?
Only the SPD voted against Hitler as the communists were in jail and many Reichstag members were injured or intimidated by the SS and SA.
Gleichschaltung (Co-ordination)
A process used by Hitler to continue strengthening his power. It involved bringing all aspects of the state under Nazi control
How did Hitler bring all aspects of Germany under Nazi control ?
In April 1933 , Hitler passed a law banning all Jews from civil service , making it impossible to promote in the civil service unless one was a Nazi member. In May , trade unions were banned. All local counties and state assemblies had to have a Nazi majority. By July , Hitler passed a law banning all other political parties and Germany became a one-party state
The Night of the Long Knives
On the weekend of 29-30 June 1934 , squads of SS men arrested the leader, Rohm, and other leading figures of the SA. Hitler accused Rohm of plotting to overthrow and murder him. Him and 400 others were executed
What effect did the Night of the Long Knives have on the SA ?
It lost much of its prestige and influence , with many of its members being absorbed into the army and the SS
The Army and the Oath of Allegiance
Shortly after the Night of the Long Knives , President Hindenburg died. This made Hitler as Fuehrer. On 2 August 1934 , the entire army swore to an oath of personal loyalty to him.
What were the economic policies under Nazi rule ?
Economic Recovery and Unemployment
Rearmament and the move to a war economy
Living standards
Working conditions
How did Hitler and the Nazis recover Germany’s economy and reduce unemployment ?
Germany’s finances were organised to fund a huge programme of work creation. The Reich Labour Service sent men on public work projects and conservation programmes. Railways were extended or built from scratch and there were major house building projects and new public building projects. The President of the Reichsbank used state regulations such as deficit financing to stabilise Germany’s finances to fund grand programmes. This was effective in reducing unemployment
How did Hitler achieve rearmament and moving to a war economy ?
In 1936 , Hitler announced a Four-Year Plan under the control of Goering. Goering managed the economy through a series of regulations that controlled most aspects of labour prices and raw materials- setting new target prices that private industries had to match. Conscription reduced unemployment while the need for equipment and uniforms created jobs in the coal mines , steel and textile mills. Engineers and designers gained new opportunities. These measures helped to bring about economic recovery and boosted Hitler’s popularity
What were the living standards in Germany under Nazi rule?
Big companies no longer had to worry about trouble some trade unions and strikes. However , farmers and middle classes weren’t so lucky.
What were the living standards like for farmers under the Nazi rule?
During the Great Depression , many farmers borrowed money to survive and were deep in debt to the banks. The introduction of the Reich Entailed Farm Law made it impossible for banks to take the land of farmers who were in debt and forced out , saving the farmers from losing their land. However, the farms were now owned by state and most farmers remained poor
What were the living standards like for middle-class Germans under the Nazi rule?
Owners of businesses connected rearmament be fitted from government contracts. However, many small businesses found it difficult to do well in the prevailing economic conditions
What were the working conditions in Germany under the Nazi rule ?
Hitler tried to win the loyalty of workers with various schemes. The Strength through Joy programme provide workers with leisure activities that they often can’t afford. The Beauty of Labour movement improved working conditions and a state scheme was introduced to help workers purchase the Volkswagen Beetle.
Strength through Joy programme
Gave workers cheap theatre and cinema tickets , organised courses , trips and sports event , and even offered discounted cruises on luxury liners.
Beauty of Labour movement
Introduced features not seen in many workplaces before , such as washing facilities and low-cos5 canteens.
What were the effects of the schemes introduced by Hitler on the workers ?
The workers lost their main political party , the SPD. They also lost their trade unions , which was a source of bitter resentment for many of them. Instead, they were forced to join the DAF that kept strict control of workers. They were unable to strike for better pay conditions and in some areas m they were prevented from moving to better-pay jobs. Wages remained comparatively low. This caused many workers to grumble that their standard of living was even lower than the Great Depression
What were the social policies under Nazi rule ?
Role of women in Nazi Germany
Education and Hitler Youth
The persecution of minors
Hitler and the Jews
What was the role of women under Nazi rule ?
Women were excluded from politics and academics. They were not allowed to vote in elections and were discouraged from pursuing university studies. Many young German girls received vigorous training through the League of German Girls in domestic tasks . Employment opportunities for women were limited and discrimination against women applicants were encouraged
How was education like under Nazi rule ?
Teachers had to join the National Socialists’ lLeage of Teachers and attend training courses stressing Nazi ideology and physical education. The curriculum was changed to reflect greater emphasis on Nazi values , including infusing Nazi ideas into subjects such as history and biology. Textbooks had to be Nazi-approved. The Hitler Youth was also created
Hitler Youth
Aims to groom German Youths to be future leaders in Nazi organisation. The Nazi Party did this to instil Nazi ideologues in the youths so that they’ll obey the government when they’re older
Why did Hitler and the Nazi Party persecute minorities ?
The Nazis believed in the superiority of the Aryan race and thus persecuted members of other races and many minority groups.
What were some ways in which the Nazi Party persecuted minority groups ?
1939-1945: over 300k men and women were forcefully sterilised and 5000 disabled babies and children were killed either by injection or starvation
1939: an “euthanasia programme” of the disabled and mentally , even those of the Aryan race , started
1939-1941: 72k mentally ill patients were gassed
Why did Hitler hate the Jews ?
He blamed Jewish business men and bankers for Germany’s defeat in WWI as he thought they had forced surrender of the German army. The Nuremberg Laws passed in 1935 caused Jews to be treated like outcasts. The Nazi also launched a violent attack on the Jews , this event was known as Kristallnacht.
The Nuremberg Laws
Passed in 1935 and took away German citizenship from the Jews , depriving them of all civil and political rights. They were forbidden from marrying pure-blooded Germans, Jewish children were humiliated and segregated. Many Jews working in professions like law , journalist or in universities lost their jobs as these progressions came under government control. Many Jews owning small businesses lost contracts of were forced to close through intimidation.
Kristallnacht
In November 1938 , a young Jew killed a German diplomat in Paris and the Nazis used this as an opportunity to launch a violent attack on the Jews. SS troopers ran riot , smashing up Jewish shops and workplaces. 91 Jews were murdered , 20k were taken to concentration camps and many more left the country.
How did the Nazi Party control and instil fear in the civilians ?
The SS
Concentration Camps
The Legal system
The SS
Responsible for destroying opposition to Nazism and carrying out the radical policies of the Nazi. Another sub-division known as the Gestapo , arrested citizens and send them to concentration camps without any reason , causing most citizens to fear them
What was life like for people in concentration camps ?
Prisoners were forced to do hard labour and given limited food. They suffered harsh discipline , heatings and random executions.
How did Hitler control the Legal system ?
Judges had to belong to the Nazi-approved National Socialist League for the Maintenance of Law, or else they could not practise. Hitler also abolished trial by jury and many opponents of Nazism rarely received fair trial. The Nazis made sure that police forces were headed by a high-ranking Nazi.
What was the purpose of propaganda and censorship under Nazi rule ?
To impress Germans , limit their access to information and ideas and remind them of the power of the state
How did Hitler and the Nazi Party limit German access to Information and Ideas ?
There was very strict control over what Germans were allowed to read , hear and watch. No books, paintings or any other art form could be produced without Nazi approval. There was heavy censorship and newspapers were not allowed to print anti-Nazi ideas. The government also made cheap radios available so all Germans could buy one and listen to Nazi propaganda when aired
What were some types of resistance and opposition to Hitler and the Nazis ?
Political opposition
Military resistance
Refusal to conform
Political Opposition to the Nazis
Some socialists and communists were still active , sending back reports back to leaders in exile or trying to encourage workers to resist by striking or sabotaging equipment
Military resistance to Nazis
The aristocratic officers and conservatives opposed the Nazi regime as they were suspicious of Hitler and Nazism , growing increasingly concerned about Hitler’s aggressive foreign policy. Several officers even carried out assassination attempts on Hitler
What are two groups that resisted the Nazi ?
Churches
Anti-Nazi Youth Groups
What are some examples of anti-Nazi Youth Groups ?
The White Rose
Edelweiss Pirate
The White Rose
Encouraged others to resist and reject Nazi rule. It consisted of students who attended the University of Munich. They secretly distributed leaflets on topics that revealed the atrocities of the Nazi regime
Edelweiss Pirates
They mocked the Nazis and would regularly get into fights with the Hitler Youth. Some of they actively opposed the Nazi regime
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