germany Flashcards
How often did the elections for president take place under the Weimar Constitution?
Every 7 years
How was the chancellor appointed under the Weimar Constitution?
Appointed by the president from members of the Reichstag.
Must hold support of the Reichstag majority.
What was the Reichstag government under the Weimar Constitution?
Political parties were allotted seats according to the percentage of votes gained.
What was Article 48?
In an emergency, the president held powers to pass laws without Reichstag approval.
Who had the vote under the Weimar Constitution?
All Germans over the age of 20
What was proportional representation?
Under the system of proportional representation, seats were awarded in the Reichstag according to the percentage of votes gained.=.
Strengths of proportional representation
All parties which received votes had representation in the Reichstag.
Weaknesses of proportional representation
Because all parties that received votes had a seat in the Reichstag, many small and sometimes even extremist parties won seats.
This led to an unstable government, because no individual party had a majority and several parties had to form a coalition
The coalitions often broke down, meaning that the government no longer had a majority in the Reichstag. As a result, there was a series of short-term governments that were unable to effectively address Germany’s problems as a nation.
When was the armistice signed?
In November 1918, after which the Allies began drawing up a peace treaty.
Give 2 examples of the land Germany lost because of the Treaty of Versailles
- Alsace and Lorraine were lost to France
- Eupen and Malmedy were lost to Belgium
- Posen and West Prussia were lost to Poland
- The German port of Danzig was made an international city, not governed by Germany
How much percent of Germany’s European territory was lost overall due to the Treaty of Versailles?
Overall, Germany lost about 13% of its European territory, including almost 50% of its iron reserves and 15% of its coal reserves.
In addition Germany lost all 11 of its colonies in Africa and the Far East, and the colonies were goven to the victorious countries as ‘mandates’.
How much did Germany have to pay in reparations to the Allies because of Treaty of Versailles?
136,000 million marks
How were the German military forces cut because of the Treaty of Versailles?
Navy limited to 6 battleships, 6 cruisers, 12 destroyers, and 12 torpedo boats.
No tanks
Army limited to 100,000 men.
No submarines
No air force
What part of the Treaty of Versailles was particularly humiliating for the German people?
Article 231, the ‘War Guilt’ Clause.
This clause stated that Germany had to accept blame for starting the war.
The German public resented this,; they felt that responsibility for the war should be shared by all powers involved in the conflict.
What were the politicians that signed the Treaty of Versailles labelled as?
The ‘November Criminals’, and they were hated for their actions.
Many German people were angry about the government’s decision to sign the treaty. They felt that the Allies were deliberately seeking to weaken them.
When and why was Germany close to bankrupcy?
By 1918, due to the cost of WW1, and worsened by the Treaty of Versailles. The Allies insisted on huge reparations payments and, at the same time, they took away some of Germany’s income-generating areas.
Why did the Allied refuse when Germany asked for payments to be reduced since they were struggling?
The Allies had taken loans during WW1 and needed payments from Germany so that they could repay the money owed to other countries such as USA.
What happened in late 1922?
By late 1922, Germany failed to pay some installments. In December 1922, they missed another payment, leading to French retaliation.
Which countries invaded the Ruhr and when?
In January 1923, Belgian and French troops marched into the Ruhr.
Why was the Ruhr so important?
It was the centre of Germany’s production of iron, steel, and coal.
Why did the countries invade the Ruhr?
The Germans had fallen behind on their reparations payments and France and Belgium decided to take industrial products instead of cash payments.
What did the German government do in response to the invasion of the Ruhr?
They were angered by the invasion, but realised that they could not take any military action due to the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, so instead encouraged workers to carry out a campaign of passive resistance.
Some Germans used arson and sabotage to damage factories so production had to stop.
In response, the French brought in their own workers.
What were effects of the invasion of the Ruhr?
The German government’s reaction to the occupation of the Ruhr bought its temporary popularity: it resisted France and provided strike pay for the workers involved in passive resistance. The occupation also united the German nation against the invading French and Belgians.
However, the German economy had been struggling before 1923 and the invasion of the Ruhr made it worse. Germany lost income as a result of France and Belgium taking industrial products from the Ruhr and the German government was forced to print more money to pay the striking workers. The more notes were printed, the more the value fell and Germany entered a period of hyperinflation.
How many paper mills and printing shops were there by 1923 whose only job was to print money?
In the years 1919-23, the income of the German government was only a quarter of what it needed.
The government decided to print more banknotes so that it had enough money. By 1923, the government had 300 paper mills and 200 printing shops whose only job was to print money.
How did hyperinflation happen in 1923?
The government had started to print more money in WW1 to pay for the cost of the war.
After Germany lost, it printed even more to pay for the reparations demanded by the Treaty of Versailles.
After the invasion of the Ruhr, it was forced to print even more money to pay the striking workers.
Which groups benefitted from hyperinflation?
People with loans and mortgages could pay them off much quicker because the real value of the loan had fallen so much. This helped some businesses, as they were able to pay off their business loans quickly.
People who owned possessions were generally protected as the value of these possessions rose in line with hyperinflation.
Most farmers benefitted, as the food they produced could be sold at higher prices.
What were the negative effects of hyperinflation?
Millions of middle-class Germans were thrown into poverty and they blamed the Weimar government for their problems (even though these problems started before the Weimar government had formed).
There was a real danger that the Weimar government could be overthrown if the country’s economic problems were not resolved.
When did Gustav Stresemann become chancellor?
1923
What government did Stresemann lead, and what did they help to solve?
He led the ‘Great Coalition’ government.
The urgent problem of hyperinflation and brought about important movements in the state of the economy, e.g.:
A fall in unemployment
More house building
An investment in transport systems
How long was Gustav Stresemann chancellor for?
4 months, before becoming foreign secretary.
He held this position until his death in October 1929.
What did Stresemann introduce as a temporary solution to the 1923 hyperinflation crisis, and when?
In November 1923, Stresemann introduced the Rentenmark as a temporary solution, and the amount of money printed was tightly controlled.
What was the value of the Rentenmark based on, and what did Stresemann promise to do if the currency failed?
Germany’s industrial and agricultural worth.
Stresemann also promised to exchange the notes for shares in German land or industry if the currency failed, giving the German people confidence in the new currency.
What replaced the Rentenmark and when, and what did it do?
In 1924, the Reichsbank was handed control of the new currency.
In the same year, the Reichsmark was issued to replace the Rentenmark.
The Reichsmark was a new permanent currency that people in Germany and in other countries could now rely on. These measures restored faith in Germany’s financial system and were vital in allowing Germany’s economy to grow stronger.
When was the Dawes Plan agreed to, and between who?
In 1924
Between Germany and the Allies.
Name 3 of the key points of the Dawes Plan
- The USA loaned Germany 800 million gold marks; this gave a massive boost to the German industry.
- Reparations payments were lowered to 1,000 million marks for the first 5 years to make them for affordable. After that, the payments would be increased to 2,500 million marks.
- The Allies agreed to review the payment rate over time, to take account of Germany’s economic situation and ability to pay.
- The French agreed to withdraw troops from the Ruhr. They also agreed that any missed payments in the future would be dealt with by the Allies together.
- The Allies were given some control over the Reichsbank and railways in Germany.
Why did some Germans critisise the government for agreeing to the terms of the Dawes Plan?
They felt that Germany was accepting the blame for starting the war by agreeing to continue with reparations payments.
However, the Dawes plan helped to restore Germany’s economy and led to further loans from the USA.
Over the next 6 years, Germany recieved more than 25 billion marks in loans. This money allowed German industry to recover.
When was the Young Plan introduced?
1929
What were the terms of the Young Plan?
Despite the Dawes Plan and American loans, the German government still did not find it easy to make reparations payments.
- The total reperations bill was reduced to around $8 billion.
- The payments were to be made over 59 years, at a rate of $473 million per year.
- Germany was only obliged to pay a third of the annual sum each year. It should pay the rest if it could afford to do so.
Why did people in Germany oppose the Young Plan?
Some nationalist groups were angry that Germany would continue to pay reparations. They felt that the timescale for the payments was far too long and would limit Germany’s success as a nation.
What was the effect of the Young Plan on Germany?
At the beginning, the reduction in annual payments allowed the government to reduce taxes and released funds that were used to boost the German industry and create jobs for workers.
In the end, the Young Plan came to nothing. In 1929, the Wall Street Crash occured in the USA. After this, the Americans could not afford to loan any money to Germany.
In 1931, the German economy also crashed and the Allies agreed to suspend reparations payments.
When did Germany sign the Locarno Pact?
1925
What was the Locarno Pact and who did it involve?
A collection of seven treaties involving Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Britain, Czechoslovakia and Poland.
What were the terms of the Locarno Pact?
- Germany agreed to accept its new western borders, and all the countries involved in the Locarno Pact agreed to avoid military force except in self-defence.
- Germany agreed that Alsace-Lorraine would be French. In return, the French agreed not to occupy the Ruhr again.
-All parties agreed that Germany;s Eastern borders could be settled by ‘peaceful means’.
Why did Stresemann say the Locarno Pact was a victory?
It made peace in Europe more likely. Germany was now being treated as an equal to the other European powers rather than being ordered about by them.
In September 1926, Stresemann persuaded the other great powers to allow Germany to join the League of Nations. This was partly a result of the signing of the Locarno Pact.
Why were some nationalist parties and groups in Germany very resentful about the Locarno Pact?
They were very unhappy that Stresemann was accepting the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, particularly in relation to Germany’s borders.
When was the Kellogg-Briand Pact signed?
1928
How many countries signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact?
62, including Germany, the USA and France.
What was the aim of the Kellogg-Briand Pact?
To prevent a future war, by getting countries to promise not to use military forces to settle disagreements.
The USA was not in the league of nations and saw this pact as a way for it to be involved in building peace with other countries.
How did the Kellogg-Briand Pact show a clear improvement in Germany’s relations with other countries?
- Germany had been excluded from the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Versailles. Now, however, Germany was included among the main powers once again.
- It was clear that the Weimar Republic was now a respected, stable state. It had recovered from its troubled beginning.
- This pact gave the German public more confidence that the moderate political parties could be trusted to make Germany strong again.
When was the German Workers’ Party formed and who was it led by?
January 1919, Anton Drexler
What were the views of the German Workers’ Party?
1) Democracy was weak and a powerful leader was needed to build Germany’s strength.
2) Jews were to blame for making Germany weak.
3) Communists and socialists had brought about the fall of the Kaiser.
4) The socialist Weimar politicians had betrayed Germany by signing the Treaty of Versailles.
When did Hitler join the German Workers’ Party?
September 1919. At the time, the party seemed very unimportant but it rapidly became more popular over the years.
When was Hitler put in charge of propaganda for the German Workers’ Party, and what did he do in this role?
February 1920
He played an important part in increasing party membership.
What changes were made to the German Workers’ Party in 1920?
- Hitler and Drexler rewrote the aims of the party; the revised aims were published in its 25 point Programme.
- This party was renamed the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) or the Nazi Party.
What was Hitler’s role in the Nazi Party by 1921?
Hitler had become party leader.
Why were the Nazi Party’s aims kept vague in 1921, and give examples
The party’s aims were kept deliberately vague, so they would appeal to many different groups in Germany.
- Nationalists were keen on the destruction of the Treaty of Versailles
- People who wanted someone to blame for Germany’s problems and defeat in WW1 were attracted to the party’s anti-Semitism
- The middle classes and big businesses liked Hitler’s anti-communist ideas
Why did Hitler choose to do the Munich Putsch in Bavaria?
- From 1918 to 1923, many Germans had developed a deep anger towards the Weimar Republic. They were angry about issues such as reparations and the loss of Germany’s colonies. As a result, support for nationalist parties like NSDAP had grown significantly in Bavaria.
- The leaders of the Bavarian state government, including Gustav von Kahr, were hostile to the Weimar government. They agreed with the NSDAP’s views and sometimes chose to ignore SA violence. Hitler knew he would have support in Munich.
Why did Hitler choose then to do the Munich Putsch?
- During 1923, Germany’s economic position had worsened. In 1923, French troops marched into the Ruhr and took over German businesses there. The Germans who resisted were imprisoned or even deported. The Weimar Republic seemed unable to resolve the situation and many German people saw the government as weak and powerless. As hyperinflation reached its peak in November 1923, Hitler saw an opportunity to take power.
- Hitler believed the Nazi Party was ready to seize power. It had 20,000 supporters and the SA. Hitler had build a close relationship with the former army leader, General Ludendorff. Hitler believed Ludendorff could persuade the army to support the Nazi Party against the Weimar government; this would make a takeover possible.
Who were the 3 key characters involved in the Munich Putsch?
1) Otto van Lossow
2) Gustav vin Kahr
3) Erich Ludendorff
Otto van Lossow
- Head of the German army in Bavaria.
- Fled during the Putsch to join the opposition to Hitler.
Gustav von Kahr
- Bavarian prime minister
- Supported Hitler’s aims
Erich Ludendorff
- With Hitler, sought Kahr’s support in the Putsch
- Led the Putsch along with Hitler and was arrested as a result.
Which days were the Munich Putsch?
8 and 9 November 1923
What happened on 8 November 1923 (Munich Putsch)?
Hitler and his SA supporters stormed the beer hall.
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Hitler forced Kahr and Lossow to support his plan to march to Berlin and install Ludendorff as Germany’s new leader.
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Members of the SA used violence and intimidation against members of the Bavarian state government.
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Lossow and Kahr swore loyalty to the Putsch and left the beer hall.
What happened on early 9 November 1923 (Munich Putsch)?
President Ebert declared a state of emergency and Lossow was told to crush the uprising.
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Lossow and Kahr announced their opposition to the Putsch.
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Ludendorff believed the soldiers would give them their support and persuaded Hitler not to give up.
What happened on midday 9 November 1923 (Munich Putsch)?
2,000 Nazis and their supporters marched into Munich, aiming to take over vital buildings in the city.
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Armed police and soldiers confronted the Nazis.
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Fire was exchanged and 14 Nazis were killed.
What happened on 11 November 1923?
Hitler was arrested and awaited his trial.
How did Hitler utilise his trial after the Munich Putsch?
He made speeches attacking the government and claimed the leaders of the Weimar government were traitors, not him.
Newspapers across Germany and in some other countries reported the events of the trial. Hitler was seen as a nationalist standing up for German rights and his popularity grew.
When did Stresemann die?
October 1929 suddenly after a stroke.
This was a serious setback for the Weimar Republic.
What happened in October 1929?
There was a collapse of prices on the New York stock exchange, and investors lost confidence and began to sell. As a result, many American businesses were destroyed by the Wall Street Crash. This, in turn, triggered a downturn in the US economy.
The USA had recalled the loans it had made to Germany, leading to a financial crisis in Germany since the government did not have the money to repay the loans.
Many German businesses were forced to close due to the economic problems, so many people lost their jobs. Unemployment increased rapidly and the government needed more money to pay umemployment benefits; it raised taxes to provide this money.
Effects of the Great Depression on young people in Germany.
In 1933, more than 50% of people aged 16-30 were unemployed. Even people with a good level of education could not find work.
Effects of the Great Depression on factory workers in Germany
Four out of ten could not get a job. They also suffered because unemployment benefits were reduced by the government. Food prices were high and many unemployed people could not afford to eat.
Effects of the Great Depression on farmers in Germany
Since the mid-1920s, farmers had been struggling because the price of their goods was falling. Many farmers were in depth. The economic problems in rural areas led to an increase in support for the Nazis.
The Nazis used existing farmers’ organisations to spread their influence and take advantage of the economic problems that farmers faced, like falling prices for their goods.
Effects of the Great Depression on Businessmen in Germany
Those who managed to keep their businesses struggle, because people had less money to spend on goods.
This was partly because many people were unemployed and partly because of government tax rises.
Effects of the Great Depression on the Weimar Republic
As a result of the Great Depression, the SDP and the Centre Party (the two main parties in the coalition government) fell out.
Henrich Bruning (the Centre Party leader) suggested making further cuts to welfare benefits, but Hermann Muller (the SDP leader) refused to accept this.
Muller resigned and Bruning became chancellor.
What measures did Bruning introduce after becoming chancellor?
Bruning introduced several unpopular measures. including tax rises and further cuts to unemployment benefits. These measures greatly increased the suffering of the German people.
In response, many Germans turned to extreme political parties, in the hopes of a solution. The Nazis gave people scapegoats; they claimed that Germany’s problems had been caused by Jews, Communists, and Weimar politicians.
How many seats did the Nazis win in the 1930 election and how many did the Communists win?
The Nazis won 107 seats.
The Communists won 77 seats.
What were the 3 main factors the Nazis focused on to take advantage of the economic and political problems of the Weimar Republic?
The appeal of Hitler
The activities of the SA
Skillful use of propaganda
The appeal of Hitler
During election campaigns in 1930-32, the Nazis presented Hitler as the strong leader Germany needed and was looking for.
When making speeches, Hitler developed a powerful and convincing personal style. He said he was Germany’s last hope and he promised a better future. These messages were very popular with people who were desperate to see Germany become strong again.
Powerful business interests were willing to support Hitler and provide financial backing for his campaign with the aim of stopping the rise of communist support.
After 1929 the National Party which had previously attracted the support of big businesses in Germany had been in decline, so industrialists began to favour Hitler as an alternative.
The role of the SA
- In 1930, the SA had 40,000 members, and their presense at Nazi Party rallies helped the Nazis to appear strong.
- At rallies, the SA used lights and symbols of power such as swords and flags. These reinforced the idea that the Nazis could bring a better future for Germans.
- In the elections of 1930 and 1932, the SA used violence to threaten the opposition. Some people were killed and voters were intimidated as they cast their votes at polling stations.
Nazi election propoganda
- Parades and marches were organised by mobile Nazi units. They included political speeches and entertainments such as plays, concerts, and sport.
- The Nazis owned eight different newspapers. Each paper aimed to sell the Nazi message to a particular audience.
- Huge rallies were held, to demonstrate the order and discipline of the Nazi Party.
- Posters were designed to target specific groups in Germany. The messages were deliberately clear and simple.
How many seats did the Nazi Party have in the Reichstag in July 1932?
230 seats (37.4% of the vote)
April 1932
Chancellor Bruning banned the SA and the SS using a presidential decree to calm political unrest
This made the right wing angry.
Army General von Schleicher organised a right-wing coalition, including army officers and business interests to convince President Hindenburg to sack Bruning.
May 1932
Von Schleicher selected von Papen, a wealthy politician, to head up the new government. Von Schleicher continued to influence events behind the scenes.
July 1932
In the elections, von Papen’s coalition government lost seats. The Nazis increased their popular vote, winning 230 seats in the Reichstag.
Hitler wanted Hindenburg to sack von Papen and make him the new chancellor. Hindenburg resisted as he thought Hitler was not suitable and from a low class of Germans.
November 1932
Von Papen called another election. The Nazi vote fell but they remained the largest party. The Nazis refused to give their support to von Papen.
Powerful business leaders signed a letter to Hindenburg asking that Hitler be made chancellor, Hindenburg refused.
December 1932
Hindenburg appointed von Schleicher as chancellor. He asked Hindenburg to suspend the constitution and give him special powers as he believed von Papen and Hitler were trying to overthrow him.
Hindenburg did not agree and news of von Schleicher’s request meant he lost support of the Reichstag.
January 1933
Hindenburg reluctantly appointed Hitler as chancellor.
what were the limits to hitler’s powers when he became chancellor
- under the weimar constitution, there were clear limits to the chancellor’s powers to make laws
- hindenburg kept all the presidential powers
- hitler’s cabinet of twelve included only two other nazis
- only a third of the reichstag members were nazis
When was the Reichstag fire
The evening of 27 February 1933
Who was blamed for starting the reichstag fire
Marinus van der Lubbe, a Dutch communist
Consequences of the Reichstag Fire
The new Nazi chief of police was Hermann Goering. He said that van der Lubbe had been part of a communist anti-government plot and the Nazis should seize this opportunity to destroy communist opposition.
Hitler used the fire to attack the Communists and increase his own personal power.
On the night of the fire, 4000 communist leaders were arrested. On 28 February 1933, Hitler persuaded Hindenburg to pass a new emergency decree - the ‘Decree for the Protection of People and the State’.
This gave police the power to search homes and imprison anyone they arrested without trial. The police were also able to ban meetings and close newspapers and Goering used the decree to take over the state radio station.
What was the exact date of the March 1933 election?
Hitler called an election for a new Reichstag just 6 days after the Reichstag fire.
Why did Hitler call the March 1933 election?
Hitler was determined to secure more seats in the Reichstag for the Nazis. He claimed that the Reichstag fire was proof of a serious communist threat, and that people should vote for the Nazis to stop this threat.
What steps did Hitler take before elections to ensure the Nazis would do well in the March 1933 election?
- Goering began to replace police officers with Nazi supporters. Hitler was effectively in control of the police force, so SA violence- for example, to intimidate opponents- was not stopped. During the election campaign, political violence led to 70 deaths.
- Thousands of members of the Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party were arrested and sent to concentration camps.
- The SA broke up election meetings by opposition parties.
- Newspapers which did not support the Nazis were. closed.
- Hitler secured funds from industrialists to help the Nazi election campaign. They gave generously because the Nazis promised to destroy communism and ensure stability in Germany.
- Threatening supporters were posted at polling stations to ensure ‘correct’ voting.
Why was Hitler disappointed by the results of the March 1933 elections?
Although the Nazis were now the largest party in the Reichstag, they did not have a majority. This meant their measures could be voted down by other parties.
Nazis: 288 seats
Others: 359 seats
What did the Enabling Act do?
It marked an end to the Weimar Constitution and the end of democracy itself in Germany.
This act allowed Hitler to make laws and to sign treaties without the approval of the Reichstag.
So Hitler no longer needed Reichstag approval to make decisions, and used this to remove any remaining opposition to his government: this became known as the ‘Nazi Revolution’.
How long was the Enabling Act originally supposed to be applied for, and when did it renew?
Originally 4 years
Renewed in 1937
How many times did the Reichstag meet for the rest of Hitler’s time in power after the Enabling Act?
Only 12 times.
When the Reichstag did meet, its role was no longer to debate or make decisions. Instead, it was there to listen to Hitler making speeches.
Measure 1 of the Enabling Act
Local government
- 31 March 1933: The Nazis closed down Germany’s 18 separate state parliaments
- Hitler then reorganised these parliaments so the Nazis had a majority in each parliament
- Hitler appointed Nazi state governors to make laws
- January 1934: Hitler abolished state parliaments altogether
Measure 2 of the Enabling Act
Trade unions
- 2 May 1933: the Nazis broke into the trade union offices and arrested their leaders
- The Nazis then created the German Workers’ Front and forced workers to join this new organisation
Measure 3 of the Enabling Act
Other political parties
- 10 May 1933: the Social Democrats were suspended. The Nazis occupied their party offices and took their funds.
- End of May 1933: the Nazis suspended the Communist Party in the same way.
- July 1933: Hitler created a new law which banned all political parties except the Nazi Party
When was the Night of the Long Knives?
30 June 1934
What happened on the Night of the Long Knives?
Members of the SS arrested around 200 SA officers. These officers were taken to Munich, where many of them - including Röhm - were executed.
The SA leaders were not the only targets. Hitler also took revenge on old enemies like Kahr and Schleicher.
What did Hitler claim he was doing with the Night of the Long Knives?
Hitler was more than happy to take responsibility for the events of that night. He claimed he was defending Germany against a plot that was going to be led by Röhm.
Why did Hitler do the Night of the Long Knives?
Hitler felt it was time to reduce the power of the SA. There were many reasons for this
- The SA was becoming very powerful; in 1934, it had over 2 million members. Its leader, Ernst Rohm, was a possible rival to Hitler as leader of the Nazi Party.
- The head of the SS, Heinrich Himmler, resented the SA’s influence and was keen to reduce its importance.
- Some SA members continued to use violence and intimidation and their behaviour was an embarrassment to Hitler. In addition, there were frequent drunken fights between SA members. As a result, the Nazis lost the support of many conservative Germans.
- The influence of the SA affected the Nazis’ relations with the regular army. Because of the TOV, the army only had 100,000 men. Hitler wanted to rearm Germany and increase the size of its army, but the SA wanted to take the place of the army.
In 1934, SA units began stopping army convoys and confiscating their weapons, so Hitler felt he had to take action.
What would Hitler’s rule be?
Totalitarian: he would have control over all aspects of people’s lives.
This meant that there would be very little opportunity for opposition.
What is a police state?
A totalitarian state in which the government uses the police to control the population.
Hitler was determined to remove any opposition to his rule. He introduced a series of measures to ensure that most Germans were too frightened to even critisise the Nazis.
Terror and the Police State: the SS
This organisation started out as Hitler’s personal bodyguard.
In 1932, they introduced a new black uniform with a silver badge; this made them stand out from other uniformed Nazis.
Under Himmler’s leadership, the SS grew to hundreds of thousands, with local branches across Germany. The SS could arrest anyone they wanted, and execute or detain them without trial.
Terror and the Police State: the Gestapo
The Gestapo had the power to search anyone’s home.
They appointed local block wardens to watch their neighbours and report any suspicious activity.
By 1942, the Gestapo had around 30,000 followers.
Terror and the Police State: Concentration Camps
These were originally used to hold political prisoners. Early camps were based in disused factories or warehouses. Over time, a network of camps was put in place.
Prisoners were often treated harshly; they were often worked to death or died of disease. The camp system was run by the SS, who were responsible for protecting the Reich and carrying out Hitler’s racial policies.
Terror and the Police State: Informers
The Gestapo relied heavily on ordinary Germans who voluntarily informed on other people in their area.
It is mostly agreed that at least half of all Gestapo investigations came about because of information provided by neighbours, colleagues, friends, or even family members.
Censorship
The Nazis used censorship to ensure that the German people only heard the ‘correct message’ to live their life according to Nazi beliefs.
- Programmes on the radio were strictly controlled. In 1934, all radio stations in Germany were brought together under the Reich Radio Company. Radios made in Germany could not pick up foreign broadcasts.
- Newspapers were strictly controlled and any paper that opposed the Nazis was shut down. Editors were made responsible for ensuring there were no critical articles in their publications.
All owners. editors, and journalists had to be members of the Reich Press Chamber, and no one with unacceptable views could become a member of this chamber.
Propoganda
The Nazis used propaganda to spread positive messages about the Nazi Party and to encourage people to share the Nazi view of what it meant to be German.
Goebbels believed that propoganda should be more subtle, as it would be more effective if people did not realise they were being manipulated.
- Owners of factories, bars, and restaurants were ordered to install loudspeaker systems so they could broadcast Hitler’s speeches
- In 1936, the Olympic Games were held in Berlin. Hitler used this as an opportunity to show the world the supremacy of the Aryan race.
At this time, German schools emphasised the importance of sport and this was reflected in the fact that Germany won more medals than any other country.
Give 2 examples of new subjects introduced to the school curriculum
Race Studies taught young people that Aryans were superior and that Jews were the lowest Racial type.
More time was given to PE so children would remain fit and healthy. This would prepare the boys to become soldiers and the girls to become mothers.
Examples in maths often used military problems, such as the distance of targets for bombing attacks.
The biology curriculum emphasised the supremacy of the Aryans.
In geography, children were taught about the German need for living space.
When was Hitler Youth founded?
1926, but its membership was small.
In 1933, the Nazis banned all other youth groups except which?
Except, AT FIRST, those in the Catholic Church.
In 1936, the Hitler Youth Law was passed. What did this mean, and when did the law become stricter?
Under this law, all eligible young people had to belong to a Nazi Youth Organisation, although there were no penalties for non-membership.
In 1939, this law became stricter and membership became compulsory, and therefore by 1939, 8 million young people were members.
The Sterilisation Law
In 1933, the Sterilisation Law was passed. This allowed the Nazis to sterilise people with illness such as ‘simple mindedness’.
From September 1933, tramps and beggars were also sterilised.
It is believed that up to 700,000 people were sterilised by the Nazis.
What did the Nazis believe mental illnesses were?
They believed that mental illness was hereditary.
At first, people with mental illness were sterilised, but, from 1939, the Nazis began to put them to death instead - first by starvation or lethal injection and later using gas chambers.
This policy was abandoned in 1941, following public protests, but, by this time, over 70,000 people had been killed.
Anti-Semitism in 1933
In April 1933, the Nazi government organised a nationwide boycott of Jewish shops and businesses.
In the same year, Jews were banned from government employment, teaching, medicine, amd journalism.
Anti-Semitism in 1935
Jews were banned from public places, such as parks, cinemas, and swimming pools. They were also banned from the army.
The Numberg Laws
In September 1935, the Nuremberg Laws were introduced. There were two of these laws.
The Reich Law for the Protection of German blood and Honour stated that Jews and Aryans could not marry.
Aryans who were already married to Jews were encouraged to get a divorce; otherwise, they would be treated in law as Jews.
The Reich Law on Citizenship said only people of German blood were German citizens. Jews could no longer vote in elections or hold a German passport.
What caused the Night of the Broken Glass?
In November 1938, a German official in the Paris Embassy was murdered by a Jewish man.
This gave the Nazis an excuse to launch a campaign of terror and murder aimed at Jews in Germany.
When was the Night of the Broken Glass?
On the night on 9-10 November 1938.
What happened on the Night of the Broken Glass?
- over 800 shops owned by Jews were destroyed
- 191 synagogues were vandalised or set on fire
- many Jewish homes were attacked and property was damaged or stolen
-91 JEWS WERE KILLED AND 30,000 WERE ARRESTED
Evacuation
The Germans made plans to evacuate children from major centres of population, such as Berlin.
At first, many families chose not to send their children away. But as Allied Bombing attacks became more common from 1942, mass evacuation began with children being sent to rural areas, such as Bavaria.
About 2.5 million German children were evacuated into rural areas as part of the KLV programme.
Rationing
The first rationing began in August 1939 and included bread, meat, dairy, soap products, and, from November, clothing.
Food stamps were issued to civilians and the appropriate number of stamps had to be handed over when food was bought.
In the early part of the war, goods were shipped back from occupied countries to help solve the problems of shortages, but as the war continued, there were so many shortages that the government had to cut rations in 1942.
Bread was restricted to half a loaf per day, and meat to just 40 grams per day.
Total war
- From January 1943, all men aged 16-65 and all women aged 17-45 had to register as available for work.
Small businesses which were not essential for the war effort were closed and their employees were taken into the army or transferred to war work.
However, there were many exemptions to the rules about women registering for work, because Hitler did not approve of married women working. - In August 1944 a ban on holidays for workers was introduced and the working week was increased to 60 hours.
- By 1943 the labour shortage was so serious that Hitler had to allow women to help the war effort.
