Germany and West Germany, 1918-1989

Question 1

What were the years of the Weimar Republic?

Answer 1

1918 - 1933

The Weimar Republic was established in Germany after World War I and lasted until the rise of Nazi Germany.

Question 2

What was the period of Nazi Germany?

Answer 2

1933 - 1945

This era marked the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler and the totalitarian regime in Germany.

Question 3

What major event marked the collapse of the German Empire?

Answer 3

The signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918

This event effectively ended World War I for Germany.

Question 4

Define Democracy.

Answer 4

A system of government in which the citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives

Democracy literally means ‘rule of the people’.

Question 5

What are Right wing dictatorships?

Answer 5

Authoritarian governments controlled by one political party using force to maintain power

These regimes often suppress opposition and dissent.

Question 6

What does Lander refer to?

Answer 6

The regional governments of Germany

Each Lander has its own Parliament and ministries.

Question 7

What does the term Confessional mean?

Answer 7

A faith-based association such as a school or social club

Confessional divides were prominent in Germany’s social structure.

Question 8

What is the Reich?

Answer 8

Empire

The term is often used in the context of German history.

Question 9

What is the Bundesrat?

Answer 9

A federal council of representatives from each state with the Kaiser as president

The Bundesrat played a key role in German governance.

Question 10

What is the Reichstag?

Answer 10

A parliament elected by all men over the age of 25

The Reichstag was an important legislative body in the Weimar Republic.

Question 11

What was the political situation in Germany after World War I?

Answer 11

Chaotic and near collapse

The new government had to make hasty and difficult decisions due to social unrest.

Question 12

What was the main goal of the Provisional Coalition Government established by Ebert?

Answer 12

To bring stability to Germany after the war

The coalition included the SPD and USPD.

Question 13

What was Ebert’s fear regarding the new democracy?

Answer 13

That extremist groups would try to seize power

Ebert was particularly worried about leftist revolutions inspired by Russia.

Question 14

What was the significance of the German Revolution?

Answer 14

It led to the declaration of the German Republic on November 9, 1918

The Kaiser went into voluntary exile following this revolution.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The new German Constitution created a _______.

Answer 15

[Parliamentary Democracy]

Question 16

What was the voting system introduced in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 16

Proportional Representation

This system allocated seats based on the percentage of votes received.

Question 17

What age was required to vote in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 17

20 years old

Both men and women were granted the right to vote.

Question 18

Who was the leader of the SPD during the Weimar Republic?

Answer 18

Friedrich Ebert

Ebert played a crucial role in establishing the new government.

Question 19

True or False: The SPD and USPD had opposing goals.

Answer 19

False

Initially, both parties worked together to stabilize Germany after the war.

Question 20

What did the Freikorps aim to combat?

Answer 20

Communism

They were right-wing groups of ex-soldiers formed to fight against leftist movements.

Question 21

What event is referred to by the term ‘stab in the back’ myth?

Answer 21

The belief that the German Army was betrayed by the new democratic government

This myth was propagated by military leaders after Germany’s defeat in WWI.

Question 22

What was the purpose of the ‘Revolution from Above’?

Answer 22

To prevent a people’s revolution by transitioning to a more democratic system

This change was led by General Ludendorff and the military high command.

Question 23

What was the primary reason for General Ludendorff to transfer power to the Reichstag?

Answer 23

To provide a scapegoat for Germany’s defeat in WWI

Ludendorff feared the army would be blamed for the loss.

Question 24

What is the role of the President in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 24

The President could use Article 48 to bypass the Reichstag and pass new laws.

Question 25

What is a Chancellor in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 25

The Chancellor is the head of government who must ask the President to rule by decree when coalitions break down.

Question 26

Define Reichstag.

Answer 26

The Reichstag is the German parliament where laws are debated and passed.

Question 27

What are Lander?

Answer 27

Lander are the individual states within Germany that have their own governments.

Question 28

What is Article 48?

Answer 28

Article 48 allows the President to rule by decree in times of crisis.

Question 29

True or False: The Weimar Constitution was considered the worst of its kind in 1919.

Answer 29

False

Question 30

What was a major issue with the proportional representation system in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 30

It created many small parties, making it hard to form coalitions and pass laws.

Question 31

What was a significant public sentiment regarding the Weimar government?

Answer 31

Many Germans associated the government with the Treaty of Versailles and the 'November Criminals'.

Question 32

Fill in the blank: The 'stab in the back myth' asserted that Germany lost the war due to the betrayal of _______.

Answer 32

socialists, communists, and Jews

Question 33

What economic event significantly impacted Germany during the Weimar Republic?

Answer 33

The Wall Street Crash of 1929.

Question 34

What were the consequences of the Wall Street Crash on Germany?

Answer 34

Unemployment rose to 6.1 million and industrial production fell.

Question 35

What did the Weimar government do to maintain power during crises?

Answer 35

They used Article 48 to bypass parliamentary approval.

Question 36

What was a challenge faced by the Weimar government from its inception?

Answer 36

The fragmented nature of German politics due to proportional representation.

Question 37

Which extremist parties opposed the Weimar Republic?

Answer 37

* Communists on the left * Right-wing extremists

Question 38

What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on German society?

Answer 38

It cast a huge shadow over politics and society for 21 years.

Question 39

What was one of the major strengths of the Weimar government between 1919 and 1924?

Answer 39

It survived a series of crises, indicating a degree of support.

Question 40

Who was a key leader in maintaining the Weimar government?

Answer 40

Gustav Stresemann.

Question 41

True or False: The Freikorps were loyal to the Weimar Republic.

Answer 41

False

Question 42

What did the Freikorps do during the Weimar Republic?

Answer 42

They were involved in brutal tactics against left-wing uprisings.

Question 43

What did many conservative Germans prefer over democracy?

Answer 43

The absolute authority of the Kaiser.

Question 44

Fill in the blank: The Weimar Republic faced opposition for its involvement in the _______.

Answer 44

Treaty of Versailles

Question 45

What was the public response to the Weimar government's handling of the Great Depression?

Answer 45

Increased support for extremist parties.

Question 46

What was the primary economic system that helped stabilize Germany during the recovery period?

Answer 46

Foreign loans.

Question 47

What did the Weimar government do to ensure support from the military and trade unions?

Answer 47

Ebert offered concessions to gain their support.

Question 48

What was a significant factor in the rise of the Nazi Party?

Answer 48

Disillusionment with the Weimar government during the Great Depression.

Question 49

What impact did the Great Depression have on the electoral success of the NSDAP?

Answer 49

The NSDAP vote increased from 2.6% to 18.3% in the September 1930 election.

Question 50

Who won the presidential elections of 1932?

Answer 50

Hindenburg won the presidential elections of 1932.

Question 51

What role did the socialist and communist candidates play in Hitler's electoral success in 1932?

Answer 51

They split the vote on the left, allowing Hitler to come second overall.

Question 52

What percentage of the vote did the Nazi party win in the July 1932 elections?

Answer 52

The Nazi party won 37% of the vote.

Question 53

What was the public's attitude towards moderate parties in the July 1932 elections?

Answer 53

39% of the public voted for moderate parties; the majority rejected democracy.

Question 54

What was Hindenburg's stance on governing by decree?

Answer 54

Hindenburg refused to carry on governing by decree.

Question 55

Who was appointed Chancellor and who was appointed Vice Chancellor in the new government?

Answer 55

Hitler was appointed Chancellor and Von Papen was appointed Vice Chancellor.

Question 56

What social changes occurred in living standards in Germany from 1918 to 1932?

Answer 56

Living standards deteriorated, with increased unemployment and poor living conditions.

Question 57

What was implemented to improve working conditions for industrial workers?

Answer 57

A maximum 48-hour workweek was implemented, along with improved unemployment benefits.

Question 58

What was the 'golden twenties' period characterized by?

Answer 58

It was a period of relative stability but not prosperity, with a cultural renaissance.

Question 59

Fill in the blank: The Weimar Constitution granted women the right to _______.

Answer 59

vote

Question 60

What challenges did working women face in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 60

Obstacles included discrimination in the workforce and traditional societal expectations.

Question 61

What was the role of women in the workforce after the war?

Answer 61

More women attended university and worked in professional occupations.

Question 62

How did the Great Depression affect women's roles?

Answer 62

The Great Depression led to increased economic hardship, impacting women's employment.

Question 63

What was the goal of education in the Weimar Republic according to the Weimar Constitution?

Answer 63

To encourage personal development and civic responsibility.

Question 64

Describe some areas of cultural experimentation in the Weimar Republic.

Answer 64

Flourishing arts, music, literature, and new cultural mediums like film and radio.

Question 65

What was the Bauhaus movement known for?

Answer 65

Creating modern designs for buildings, furniture, and graphics.

Question 66

What was the attitude towards ethnic minorities in Weimar Germany?

Answer 66

Generally accepted under Article 113, but faced discrimination and hostility.

Question 67

Who was Walther Rathenau and what was significant about his death?

Answer 67

He was the Foreign Minister and his assassination symbolized rising intolerance.

Question 68

What prejudices existed in Germany from 1871?

Answer 68

Discrimination against Jews and ethnic minorities persisted.

Question 69

True or False: Article 113 of the Weimar Constitution was fully implemented without issues.

Answer 69

False

Question 70

What factors contributed to the hostility towards black people during the Weimar Republic?

Answer 70

The presence of mixed-race children and the association with French occupation.