Germany COMP Flashcards
Germany 1919-1991
Why is it called the Weimar Republic?
Because they have no royalty (the kaiser abdicated) and the government moved to Weimar.
What was the Weimar constitution?
A set of rules made for Weimar germamy
What were the main points if the Weimar constitution?
Authority comes from the people
President is elected
If safety is endangered the president can do anything to help - (Article 48)
How was Germany punished for WW1?
The treaty of versailles
What were the economic terms of the treaty of versaille
Reparations of £6.6 billion
Coal, sheep and cattle given to France
What were the military terms of the treaty of versailles?
Army - no more than 100,000 men
No aircraft or tanks
No union with Austria
No submarines
What were the land terms of the treaty of versailles?
Alsace - Lorraine given back to France
All colonies to be given to the allies
What was the spartacist uprising?
1919: communists led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxembourg wanted to overthrow the government.
All arrested and killed
What was the Kapp putsch?
1920: Wolfgang Kapp and General Luttwitz led freikorps when they stormed Berlin. They were angry avout the treaty of versailles. Were in power for four days but workers went on strike
What was the Munich putsch?
Hitler led 600 stormtroopers in a march through Munichh, after interrupting a meeting with the Bavarian prime minister because of the treaty of versailles. However, Hitler was arrested.
When were the Stresemann years?
Between 1923 and 1929
Who was Gustav Stresemann?
He was Chancellor of Germany in 1923 and then foreign minister.
What did Stresemann do to help the German economy?
He introduced a new currency (the retenmark) to help with hyper inflation.
He agreed the Dawes plan - 1923 - so that the US lent Germany 800 million gold marks.
He agreed the Young plan - 1929 - which reduced reparations.
How did the Nazis gain power and votes.
- In 1926, Joseph Goebells is put in charge of propoganda.
- In 1927, they only win 17 seats.
- 1930 - People vote for them to keep communists out.
- Hitler speaks at 4 - 5 mass rallies every day.
- 1932 - Nazis have 230 seats.
How does Hitler become chancellor?
By July 1932, The Nazis are winning 37.5% of the vote. Franz von Papen was chosen to be chancellor, followed by Kurt von Schleicher. Von Papen made a deal with Hitler so he became vice - chancellor while Hitler was chancellor.
What was the Reichstag fire?
February 1933 - There is a fire in the reichstag building. Hitler blames the communists - their biggest opposition - and gets the party banned.
What was the Enabling act
March 1933 - Hitler passes Article 48. He removes civil rights and bans all other political parties.
What was the Night of the Long Knives/
Hitler feels that the SA have become too powerful under Ernst Rohm. He launches an attack on them, causing hundreds of murders.
When does Hitler become a ‘fuhrer’ (dictator)?
August 1934 - President Hindenburg dies.
What is Gleichaltung?
This means that Nazis control every part of life - Everyone had to be part of a Nazi group eg. the Hitler Youth.