Common Essay, ‘The terms of the Treaty of Versailles were the main reason for Hitler’s rise in the period 1919 to January 1933.' How far do you agree?

Question 1

Points FOR

Answer 1

The significance of German humiliation,
‘November criminals’ propaganda, and Nazi
promise to scrap article 231 (the war guilt clause)
as a motive for nationalists to support Hitler.
• The significance of the Nazi promise to end
reparations as a cause of support.
• The significance the military clauses in creating
German resentment and feelings of insecurity as a
factor in Nazi support.
• The economic impact of loss of territories rich in
natural resources in generating support for the
Nazis.
• The role of Nazi lebensraum propaganda and
promise to recover territories in gaining political
support.
• The significance for Nazi support of the growth of
both left and right-wing extremism as a
consequence of the Versailles terms.

Question 2

Points AGAINST

Answer 2

The significance of economic factors including the
Wall Street Crash and Nazi economic support of,
or promises to, small businesses, farmers,
industrialists in generating political support.
• The contribution of Hitler’s personality and skill as
a figurehead of opposition (e.g. Mein Kampf and
the propaganda of Weltanschauung) in gaining
popular support.
• The political support generated by alliances with
other parties on the right (e.g. Harzberg Front)
• The role of the NSDAP organization – para-
militarism, gauleiters, Hitler Youth movement etc.
in generating political support.
• The significance of the SA in disrupting the political activities of their opponents.
• The significance of the constitution and structure
of the Weimar political system for the NSDAP rise
to power: proportional representation,
Hindenburg’s presidency, Article 48.
• The role of popular anti-Semitic ideas in
generating support for Hitler

Question 3

4 paragraphs

Answer 3

AGAINST
- Economic Problems
- Hitlers general appeal
-