Germany - Theme 5 Flashcards
what does reich mean?
empire
what are the first, second and third reichs?
first - Holy Roman Empire
second - Bismarck’s Germany
third - Nazi Germany
what do intentionalists and functionalists think?
intentionalists- it was Hitler’s intention for WW2
functionalists- Hitler is not only to blame for WW2 . Significant outside influences
name an example of functionalist & intentionalist historians
A.J.P Taylor - functionalist
Fritz Fischer - intentionalist
What did David Lloyd George say about the treaty of versailles?
Treaty was too harsh + it would cause another war in 25 years
What was the Anglo-German Naval agreement?
1935, Britian signed agreement with Nazi government. Nazi navy could expand their navy as long as it didnt top a third of the size of the British royal navy. (Appeasement)
What 2 views on the relevance of MEINKAMPF in the WW2 causes debate are expressed ?
intentionalist Hildebrand - MK was a programme listing Hitler’s thoughts + future plans
functionalist Donald Cameron - MK is an explanation of Hitler’s political ideas not a programme. nothing to prove he was able to fulfil plans.
What does German rearmament suggest about Hitler’s intentions?
Suggests that Hitler intended war from before he became Fuhrer
Summarise the Austrian takeover 1938
- Hitler said to Schuschnigg (Austrian Chancellor) he must accept Austrian Nazis into his government.
-Schuschnigg said no and held an anschluss referendum, believing Austrian anti Nazis would win the vote.
-Hitler freezes, surprised.
-Goerring takes over go communicate German threats. Chaos breaks.
-Schuschnigg gave in + ‘invited’ German troops to restore order. Anschluss commenced
In what sense was WW2 the ‘wrong war’ for Hitler??
he admired Britain and saw them as a natural ally. However ended up against Britain in WW2 and had intended war with Russia
What did MEINKAMPF say about colonies?
Germany would expand into the east
How did Beck react to Anschluss 1938
Resigned as he didn’t support Austrian takeover
Why was the invasion of Czechoslovakia different from Hitler’s previous actions?
Czechoslovakia does this hold German-speakers. Not part of PanGermanism
What were Hitler’s main foreign policy aims
Lebensraum
Overturn Treaty of Versailles
Unite German speakers
Destroy Communism
Rearmament
In what ways did Hitler signal the end of the Treaty of Versailles in 1935?
-reintroduced conscription
-rebuilt his Luftwaffe
-rebuilt navy, Anglo naval agreement
-Germany regained the Saar
