Germany Flashcards
1
Q
When did Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate
A
November 1918
2
Q
What happened after Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated
A
Weimar Republic formed (no monarchy)
3
Q
When was the Armistice signed and what was it
A
November 1918, ended WW1
4
Q
Constitution
A
The rules for how a country’s political system works (not the gov.)
5
Q
Article 48
A
President could pass laws without Parliament’s approval in times of crisis
6
Q
democratic strength of Weimar constitution
A
all people had the same rights in law and to vote
7
Q
democratic weakness of Weimar constitution
A
some people voted for parties that wanted to destroy the democratic system
8
Q
president strength of Weimar constitution
A
a strong president could protect the country in times of crisis
9
Q
president weaknesses of Weimar constitution
A
-a new government would be elected every 7 years
-a corrupt president could abuse their power and undermine democracy
10
Q
chancellor strengths in the Weimar constitution
A
their appointment was democratic
11
Q
chancellor weaknesses in Weimar constitution
A
they never had a majority in parliament and coalitions often collapsed
12
Q
Proportional representation strengths in the Weimar constitution
A
clear and fair system, if a good party gained lots of votes they would have the majority of parliament
13
Q
Proportional representation weaknesses in the Weimar constitution
A
small parties had to from coalitions which led to weak and unstable government and coalitions often fell apart
14
Q
how many chancellors did Weimar Germany have 1919-23
A
7 which showed how unstable German politics was
15
Q
article 48 strengths
A
the President could quickly respond to events without the Reichstag’s consent in times of crisis
16
Q
Article 48 weaknesses
A
-a bad president could abuse their power and power
-undermines democracy as people wouldn’t have a say
17
Q
State’s Rights strengths in Weimar constitution
A
the states would have a degree of independence
18
Q
States’ rights weaknesses in Weimar constitution
A
Individual states could oppose the national government and go against its policies
19
Q
was Germany invited to the Paris Peace Conference
A
no
20
Q
when was the Treaty of Versailles signed
A
June 1919
21
Q
spartacist revolt date
A
Jan 1919 (before ToV)
22
Q
spartacist revolt political alignment
A
communist
23
Q
spartacist revolt aims
A
-overthrow central gov
-turn Germany communist by establishing Soviets across the country
24
Q
spartacist revolt events
A
-50,000 workers strikes
-seized key media, comms, gov buildings
-poorly organised
-leaders were arrested and killed
25
Weimar reaction to spartacist revolt
-gov turned to Freinhorps for help
-100s were killed
-Ebert and gov fled Berlin
26
effects of spartacist revolt
-new gov looked weak (fled)
-violence created a rift between SPD and communists
27
Kapp Putsch date
March 1920 (after ToV)
28
Kapp Putsch political alignment
Extreme nationalism
29
Kapp Putsch aims
-overthrow gov and replace with an authoritarian gov
-destroy communism
-make Germany ‘great’ again
30
Kapp Putsch events
-Luttwitz and Freinhorps seized Berlin
-made Kapp chancellor
-German army refused to take action
31
Weimar survival of Kapp Putsch
-general strike called:
-Kapp and Luttwitz fled Berlin
-Putsch collapsed
-gov also fled Berlin
32
effects of Kapp Putsch
-gov. weakness (no control in Berlin or over the army)
-strength of nationalist movements in Germany
-SPD still had some support
33
what was the Ruhr
centre of Germany’s production of iron, steel and coal
34
when was the occupation of the Ruhr
Jan 1923
35
how long was the Ruhr occupied for
10 months
36
short term positive effects of Ruhr occupation
-temporary popularity boost for the gov
-united Germany against the invaders
37
who occupied the Ruhr
French and Belgians
38
why was the Ruhr occupied
to take payments in form of industrial products and raw materials
39
German action during Ruhr occupation
workers stroked and refused to cooperate (passive resistance)
40
long term negative effects of the Ruhr occupation
-large economic impact
-Gov. decision to print more money triggered hyperinflation
41
inflation
prices increase so the value of money decreases
42
why did inflation begin
Gov began printing money to pay war debt and £6.6 billion reparations
43
hyperinflation trigger
French occupation of the Ruhr and the gov’s decision to print lots of money
44
highest point of hyperinflation
Nov 1923
45
negative effects of hyperinflation
-prices rose rapidly and millions of Germans were thrown into poverty
-people’s savings became worthless
-gov became very unpopular (Nazi’s tried to take advantage in the Munich Putsch)
46
who benefited from hyperinflation
-people with debts could pay them off easily
-farmers could increase prices and shield themselves from the impact
-property or land owners were protected as the values rose
47
effect of WW1 on Germans
-not confident they would win
-blamed the Kaiser
-frustrated
-weak
48
in 1923 how much money was the government printing
they had 300 paper mills and 2000 printing shops dedicated to printing money
49
how much was a loaf of bread in marks, Nov 1923
203,000 billion marks
50
what did the SPD do Nov 1918
prevented the Communists from taking over
51
when did the SPD gain 40% of the vote
Jan 1919
52
when did the National Assembly agree a new constitution for Germany
July 1919 (6 months after elections)
53
when did left-wing and right-wing parties win 20% each in elections
June 1920
54
when did Streseman become chancellor
August 1923
55
which currency did Streseman introduce and when
the temporary Rentenmark in November 1923
56
what temporary currency was introduced after the Rentenmark
The Reichsmark in 1924
57
what was Stresemann the leader of
the Great Coalition
58
positive effect of Reichsmark 1924
quickly accepted by Germans and other trade countries, controlled hyperinflation
59
Dawes Plan
1924
-restructured how Germany would pay reparations
-French withdrawal from the Ruhr
-US loan of 800 million marks- key source of support for the German economy
60
effect of the Dawes Plan 1924
-made reperations from the ToV more manageable
-economy was dependent on U.S loans
-German industry production doubled between 1923-29
-culture grew and more homes were built
-but growth slowed in 1927
-more jobs were created and standard of living improved
-however unemployment was still a problem: the economy wasn’t growing fast enough for the population
-food prices fell in 1920s (agricultural depression)
61
when was Germany admitted to the League of Nations and effect
1926 (renewed Germany’s status as a great power)
-increased security and improved relations
-better trade relations
62
when did Hindenburg become president and effects
1925 (increased Weimar Republic’s popularity)
63
Locarno Treaties
1925
-fulfilled the terms of the ToV
-improved relations with Britain and France
64
the Young Plan
1929
-Germany had 59 years to pay the reperations
-overall amount was reduced by 20%, annual payment of 2 billion marks
-final removal of troops from the Ruhr
65
how many seats did the Nazis win in the 1928 election
only 12
66
the Kellogg-Briand pact
1928
-signed by many countries including all the great powers
-armies could only be used for self-defence and future problems would be solved peacefully
67
Weimar Golden years date
1924-29
68
political negatives of the Weimar Golden Years
-no party could secure a majority in the Reichstag
-many nationalists and far-right groups opposed
-Nazis were still determined to overthrow the republic
-Hindenburg disliked the new republic
69
support for the Weimar republic/government after the golden years
-both leaders were very popular and extremists did poorly
-coalitions continued to collapse (weak constitution)
70
Which party did Hitler originally join and when
DAP (opposed to the ToV) in September 1919
71
What changes did Hitler make to the DAP in Feb 1920
-named National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazis) (ideologies are more clear)
-revealed the Twenty-Five Point Programme (clear aims and ideas)
-swastika and salute (clear identity)
72
Main points of the Twenty-Five Point Programme in 1920
-strong central government to replace the ‘weak’ democratic republic
-abolition of ToV
-union with Germany and Austria
-Jews can’t be citizens
-state ownership of large businesses and industries
73
Who did the 25 Point Programme appeal to 1920
-those who hated the ToV (nationalism)
-the working class (socialism)
-ppl who needed a scapegoat for German suffering (Anti-Semitism)
-ppl who hated communism
74
When did Hitler become the leader of the Nazis
July 1921
75
When was the SA set up
August 1921
76
What did the SA do 1921
Controlled crowds at Nazi events and disrupted meetings of their political opponents using threats and violence
77
Causes of Munich Putsch
-deep resentment of the Weimar government so support for extremist parties
-bc of: occupation of Ruhr, hyperinflation
-inspired by Mussolini in Italy
78
Events of Munich Putsch
-8th Nov 1923
-hijacked a meeting of Bavarian government and announced he was taking over
-support from General Ludendorff
-supporters and SA marched through Munich and were met by armed police
-shot fired and battle erupted
-Ludendorff arrested and Hitler fled
-Hitler arrested on the 11th
79
Results of Munich Putsch
-Hitler paints himself as a patriotic defender of Germany’s interests
-spent nine months in jail
-wrote Mein Kampf
-rethought his approach to gaining power
80
Short term, negative consequences of the Munich Putsch
-Nazi party banned and couldn’t campaign
-No leadership while Hitler was jailed
-Party image suffered (violent)
-However penalties didn’t last long
81
Long term positive consequences of Munich Putsch
-trial made huge publicity for Hitler and Nazis (increased support)
-Nazi party was restructured to compete in elections
-his book helped spread his ideas
82
When was Hitler released from prison
Dec 1924
83
When did Hitler relaunch the Nazis after his imprisonment
Feb 1925
84
Hitler’s ideologies in Mein Kampf
-Aryans were superior
-Nationalism (power of German nation)
-Socialism (industry and land to benefit working people)
-Totalitarianism (no democracy)
-Traditionalism (Christian morality, gender roles)
85
Who did the ideologies in his book appeal to?
-working class (liked socialism)
-German nationalists
-traditional people
86
Nazi Party Reorganisation 1924-28
-party headquarters in Munich
-overhauled party finances
-expanded nationwide
-Hitler Youth, Woman’s and Teacher’s league set up
-SA expanded
-SS founded in 1925
-Rallies held in 1926 (emphasised military discipline and order)
87
How did Germany’s economic recovery not help the Nazis win votes in 1928
People didn’t feel the need to support extremist like the Nazis, as there was no economic crisis to exploit
88
How did Germany’s political recovery not help the Nazis win votes in 1928
Restored peoples faith in the moderate parties and their pride and status
89
How did Hindenburg as president not help the Nazis win votes in 1928?
He was very popular and appealed to right wing nationalist who might otherwise have voted for the Nazis
90
When did the Great depression start?
October 1929 after the Wall Street crash
91
How did the Weimar Government respond to the Great depression?
-huge reliance on article 48 as there was no majority in the Reichstag
-coalition between Muller’s SPD and Bruning’s centre party collapsed
-Muller resigned and Bruning raised taxes, cut benefits and was known as the ‘Hunger Chancellor’
92
Who was most affected by the Great depression?
-Young people
-Factory workers
-Farmers
-businessmen
93
How many people were unemployed in 1933?
6 million
94
Why did their response to the Great Depression weaken the Weimar gov
-The use of article 48 undermined peoples faith in democracy
-Bruning’s policies were deeply unpopular
-people began turning to extremist parties for solutions
95
Who supported the communists during the great depression?
-The water class and unemployed
96
Who was scared of the Communist gaining power during the great depression?
-Upper and middle classes
-Business owners
97
How did Hitler appeal to the Germans during the great depression?
-strong leader with superhuman qualities which contrasted with the weak government
-Confident and persuasive speaker
-gave broad messages and promised solutions to big issues
-gave scapegoats for Germans to blame: Jews, communists, Weimar politicians
98
the work of the SA during great depression
-intimidate people
-hold marches and drills in public (image of order and power contrasted to weak gov.)
-intimidated voters
-attacked rival parties and disrupted meetings
99
Nazi use of posters to gain support during great depression
-designed to target specific groups
-clear and simple messages
- ‘work and bread’, ‘our last hope: hitler’
100
Nazi parades and marches to gain support during great depression
-political speeches and entertainments
-free for the public
101
Nazi newspapers to gain support during great depression
-owned 8 diff newspapers
-each aimed at a specific audience
102
Nazi rallies to gain support during great depression
-showed order and discipline of the party
-involved thousands of people and the SA
103
when did Nazi votes first increase by a lot
Sept 1930 (12 to 107)
104
when was Bruning sacked as chancellor
may 1932
105
why was Bruning sacked as chancellor, and effects
Von Schliecher convinced Hindeburg to, it meant a new chancellor was needed and showed power of right-wingers like Von S
106
when did Von Papen become chancellor
May 1932 (after Bruning was sacked)
107
when was the Reichstag building burnt down
Feb 1933
108
how did Hitler use the Reichstag fire to his advantage
a communist was found inside: used this to accuse the communist party of conspiring against the gov
109
how did the Reichstag fire weaken Nazi’s opponents
-communists are weakened
-Reichstag Fire Decree gave the police emergency powers
-Nazis were recruited to the police and targeted opponents: banning meetings, shutting newspapers
-SA violence now went unchecked
110
how did the Reichstag fire increase power and support for the Nazis
-fear of communists increased and Nazis published propaganda
-business leaders donated huge amounts
-SA members intimidated voters outside polling stations
111
how many seats did the Nazis win in March 1923 election
288 (still not majority) so Hitler would have to go into coalition with other parties to change the constitution or pass laws
112
Enabling Act
as chancellor, Hitler would have the power to make laws without parliamentary consent: no democracy as he had powers of a dictator
113
how did Hitler gain two-thirds majority to pass the Enabling act
-Reichstag Decree removed Communists
-gained support from the Nationalist and Centre parties
-SA intimidation
114
when was the Enabling Act passed
March 1933
115
what did Hitler do once the Enabling Act was passed by July 1933
- banned trade unions, to give the Nazis control over industry
- banned all other political parties, no competition/ opposition
116
when was the Night of the Long Knives
June 1934
117
cause of night of long knives
leaders of the SS and army warned Hitler that Röhm (SA leader) was planning a coup
118
how many SA members and political rivals were killed in the Night of the Long Knives
400
119
night of long knives removal of Hitler’s political opponents
-terrified potential opponents
-key rivals and enemies were removed: Röhm, Strasser, Von Schleicher
-SA’s power reduced, directly under Hitler’s control
120
night of Long Knives increased Nazis support
-SS grew in importance
-people and army admired Hitler for weakening the violent SA, won trust
121
when did Hitler become Führer
August 1934
122
what did Hitler do to the army after becoming Führer
-made the German army swear a personal oath of loyalty to him
-ensured soldier’s did what was best for him, not Germany
123
why was Hindenburg’s death important for Hitler
he was the last obstacle due to his presidential powers
124
why did voters want Hitler to become Führer
-90% voted yes
-intimidation
-many people just liked him
125
how did the Nazis create fear to control Germans
-creation of a police state: SS, Gestapo, control of the legal system, concentration camps
-which they used to remove opposition
-removal of civil rights
126
how did the Nazis use indoctrination to control the Germans
- propaganda: rallies, sport, media, education (making people believe Nazi ideas, increasing support)
-censorship and control of: culture, literature, media
127
who was the SS leader of indoctrination
Heinrich Himmler
128
who was the leader of propaganda and censorship
Joseph Goebbels
129
Gestapo
-secret state police
-identified and arrested those who committed political opponents
-relied on informers
130
how did the SS and the Gestapo help the Nazis control Germany
-created fear, nobody would speak out
-had sweeping powers to remove opponents
-could arrest and imprison people without trial
131
how did censorship help Nazis control Germany
-people couldn’t access any info or ideas that went against the Nazis
-prevented criticism
132
what things were controlled in censorship by thr Nazis
-books (would be publicly burnt)
-radio
-newspapers
-culture (artists, actors, musicians)
133
when was the Nazi olympics (propaganda)
1936
134
how was the radio used for Nazi propaganda
to widely broadcast Nazi ideas
135
how were films used for Nazi propaganda
included messages about Aryan superiority, anti-communism, anti-semitism
136
how were posters used for Nazi propaganda
to portray Hitler as a great and powerful leader
137
how did the Nazis use of propaganda differ once they were in power
-about maintaining power and influencing people’s beliefs (not about votes)
-much bigger, omnipresent and unavoidable due to Nazi control of the media
138
why was the Church a threat to nazis
majority of Germans were christian’s, christianity opposed Nazi beliefs.
139
what was the Nazi church
the Reich church
140
what did the Reich church do
-combined Nazi symbols with christian services
-removed Jewish elements
141
successes of Nazi attempts to control the church
-catholic influence was reduced (schools and youths shut down)
-vocal opponents from the church were arrested and sent to concentration camps
-Reich church helped to control some Protestants
142
limitations of Nazi attempts to control the church
-policies provoked criticism from leading christian figures
-confessional church remained and attendance was high
143
confessional church
anti-Nazi church
144
Nazi views on the role of women
-ideal woman was a housewife
-no role in politics
-traditional and misogynistic views
145
Nazi social policies towards women and why
-train women for traditional roles (remove from work, increase birth rate)
-encouraged marriage (gave loans for couples to get married)
-rewarded childbirth
-divorce and abortion laws changed
-encourage women to have children with SS men
-emphasised the ideal Aryan woman
146
Nazi economic policies towards women
-propaganda idealised housewives and mothers
-forced women out of work
-girl’s school curriculum was changed to traditional roles
-women’s access to uni was limited
147
how successful were the Nazis in increasing marriage and birth rates (1933-39)
-somewhat successful
-marriage rate increased (not by a lot)
-divorce rate increased
-birth rate increased
148
how successful were the Nazis in reducing employment for women (1933-39)
-slightly successful
-number of women working increased by 50%
-but in labour industries rather than professions
149
how did the Nazi education policies help to control the youth
-exposed children to propaganda from a young age, making it easier to indoctrinate them
-emphasised core Nazi values and ideas
150
how did Nazi youth movements help Hitler control Germany
-children were constantly exposed to Nazi ideas, so the next gen would carry Nazism forward
-to support the police state by ensuring children were loyal to Hitler, not their parents
-indoctrination
151
What was the purpose of the Nazis' control over the education system?
To ensure the loyalty of future generations
## Footnote
This control was part of a broader strategy to indoctrinate youth with Nazi ideology.
152
What organization did teachers have to join to teach under the Nazis?
National Socialist Teachers' League
## Footnote
This membership was mandatory for teachers, and refusal resulted in termination.
153
What was a key focus of the Racial Science lessons in Nazi education?
Emphasising a hierarchy of races
## Footnote
Jewish people were portrayed as inferior, while the Aryan race was considered superior.
154
How did history lessons in Nazi education frame Germany's role in World War I?
Germany had been 'stabbed in the back'
## Footnote
This narrative aimed to instill a sense of betrayal and victimhood among students.
155
What was the focus of geography lessons in Nazi education?
Land 'unfairly' taken from Germany after the Treaty of Versailles
## Footnote
This focus aimed to foster resentment towards the Allies and promote revanchism.
156
What was the purpose of increasing PE lessons in Nazi education?
To create healthy Germans for the future
## Footnote
Boys were prepared for military service, while girls were prepared for motherhood.
157
What specific lessons were girls given in Nazi education?
Lessons on housework and running a home
## Footnote
This was part of the Nazi ideology promoting traditional gender roles.
158
different types of training in the youth groups
political, physical, character and gender-specific training
