Germany Flashcards
What changes did Germany go through in the late 19th century?
The different German states had been rapidly
industrialising, much like their European neighbours.
Unification in 1871 and the domination of the new nation by the well-organised Prussian state ensured the process of industrialisation only increased.
What was Germany’s military like?
Germany established itself as the most powerful military force in Europe.
To what extent was there political change between 1890-1914?
Political change did not take place as quickly as industrialisation and Germany between 1890-1914 was dominated by wealthy Prussian land owners and the Kaiser, who was himself a Prussian noble.
definition: Weltpolitik
World politics- Germany’s expansion of territories in Africa and Fiji
The development of World trade and increase in naval power.
How did industrial changes affect workers?
Industrial and demographic changes led to huge social changes, especially in the growing towns and cities. However, the basic hierarchy of German society remained, even if the numbers in each group changed.
What social reforms were passed to help with working conditions?
the SPD worked to pass further social reforms that were designed to improve the working conditions of industrial workers, such as:
1891 - the Social Law banned Sunday working and the employment of children under 13.
1900 - the length of time accident insurance could be claimed for was increased.
1901 - industrial
arbitration
courts were introduced to settle disputes between workers and employers.
1903 - health insurance was extended and further restrictions were placed on child labour.
What domestic problems were caused by Weltpolitik and naval expansion:
The government’s majority in the Reichstag did not last and the government found it difficult to reform the Tariff Law in 1902.
The German government’s budget went into deficit
as it spent more and more money on the army, the navy and its new colonies. The
national debt grew to 490 billion marks by 1913.
defintion: chancellor
In charge of the government and had authority over the Bundesrat.
definition: bundesrat
Federal Council made up of 58 representatives from the 25 states. Introduced laws to the Bundestag and power to approve them.
definition: bundestag
Federal parliament made up of 397 deputies. Voted on laws introduced by the Bundesrat.
Why did politics change in Germany and what was it replaced with? Was it stable?
Defeat after the First World War led to the collapse of the old Prussian militaristic Germany and saw the rise of an open and
representative democracy. The political and economic crises of the 1920s and 1930s ensured that this new government was always one disaster away from complete collapse.
What system did the Weimar Government operate with and who could vote?
Germany began a bold experiment with
representative democracy. All adult Germans (women included this time) were able to vote and the system of proportional representation meant a wide range of views were given voice in Parliament. There was also an elected President.
What were the Weimar government known as and why did that cause people to dislike them?
The November Criminals and they were disliked as the signed the ToV
What voting system did the Weimar government use and who could vote?
Proportional representation meant a wide range of views were given voice in Parliament. There was also an elected President.
Every adult (including Women) could vote.
How did the Wall Street Crash affect Germany?
Germany suffered more than any other nation as a result of the recall of US loans, which caused its economy to collapse. Unemployment rocketed, poverty soared and Germans became desperate.
Why were many Germans turning towards extreme parties?
With the government unable to win a majority in the
Reichstag, laws could only be passed by
presidential decree. As a result, not enough action was taken to tackle the economic and social consequences of the Depression and Germans increasingly began to look to the political extremes for answers.
Why did the Nazi’s benefit the most?
It was a combination of policies with widespread appeal, a charismatic leader in Hitler and the violence of the SA helped make them the largest party in the Reichstag by the middle of 1932.
When was Hitler appointed chancellor and who by?
January 1933
President Hindenburg
How did Hitler dismantle German democracy?
He forced the passing of an Enabling Act through the Reichstag, which gave him unlimited powers for four years. He then eliminated any potential sources of opposition: other political parties, trades unions and even Ernst Rohm, the leader of the SA.
Why was Hindenburg’s death significant?
It allowed Hitler to declare and appoint himself as Fuhrer so he had absolute power over Germany.
definition: totalitarian state
when the government tries to control every aspect of life
How did the SS ensure the country ran smoothly?
It oversaw the Gestapo (secret police), which spied on ordinary Germans, and it ran concentration camps where enemies of the state were sent, removing potential threats.
How was the legal system controlled?
All judges had to swear an oath of loyalty to the Führer and all lawyers had to join the Nazi Lawyers’ Association. It was made harder to defend people placed on trial for suspected crimes and the death penalty was used much more widely than before.
How did Propaganda influence the German public to support the Nazis?
Joseph Goebbels ran the Ministry of Propaganda, whose job it was to convince the German people to embrace Nazi rule. This was achieved through control of the press, radio and the arts, and through rallies and sporting events.
