Germany topic 1 Flashcards
1
Q
What was Germany like before the First World War?
A
- Before 1870, no single country called Germany—made up of small German-speaking states.
- Prussia was the largest and most powerful state, led by its king.
- Unification in 1871 after wars with France, Austria, and Denmark → Germany became the Second Reich.
2
Q
What was the role of Prussia in the unification of Germany?
A
- Prussia was the most powerful Germanic state before 1871.
- Militarism (belief in a strong army) was central—had advanced weapons and strong tactics.
- Prussian generals and officers shaped the new German army after unification.
3
Q
What was the political system in the German Empire?
A
The Kaiser ruled over Germany and had supreme power.
The Bundesrat (state representatives) consulted on new laws, but the Kaiser could ignore them.
The Reichstag (parliament) was elected by men over 25, but the Kaiser controlled military & foreign policy.
4
Q
What was the Second Reich?
A
- Germany, formed in 1871, was called the Second Reich (“empire” in German).
- The First Reich was the Holy Roman Empire (before 1806).
- Hitler’s Germany (1933-1945) was known as the Third Reich.
5
Q
Who was the Kaiser’s main advisor?
A
- The Chancellor was the chief minister (like a Prime Minister).
- The Kaiser made the final decisions, could ignoring advice.
- The Reichstag voted on laws, but the Kaiser had ultimate power.
6
Q
Who was Kaiser Wilhelm II?
A
- Became Kaiser in 1888 at age 29.
- Grandson of Queen Victoria, cousin of Britain’s George V.
- Wanted Germany to be as powerful as Britain and started industrialisation.
7
Q
How did Germany’s economy grow under Wilhelm II?
A
- Germany industrialised rapidly → By 1913, produced more iron & steel than Britain.
- Led in chemical & electrical industries in Europe.
- Supported by rich businessmen & industrialists.
8
Q
What was the impact of industrialisation on German society?
A
- Rich factory owners & military officers gained influence.
- Workers faced low wages, poor conditions & expensive food.
- Many joined trade unions & went on strike to demand better rights.
9
Q
What was socialism, and why was it growing in Germany?
A
- SPD (Social Democratic Party) grew in popularity—wanted more workers’ rights.
- Believed power & wealth should be shared equally.
- One in three Germans voted for the SPD.
10
Q
How did socialism challenge the Kaiser?
A
- The SPD wanted the Kaiser to share power with the Reichstag.
- Radical socialists wanted a revolution to overthrow the Kaiser.
- Socialism became a major issue for the German government.
11
Q
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II’s personality and leadership style?
A
- Energetic, outgoing, but impatient & rude.
- If ministers disagreed with him, he would sack them.
- Obsessed with military power & expanding Germany’s army/navy.
12
Q
What was ‘A Place in the Sun’?
A
- Many European countries (e.g., Britain, France, Portugal) had large overseas empires.
- The Kaiser wanted Germany to have an empire abroad too.
- This idea was called Weltpolitik (“world policy”)—aimed at making Germany a global power.
13
Q
What was Weltpolitik?
A
- Germany’s foreign policy from the late 1800s → aimed at expanding Germany’s empire.
Led to colonial expansion, especially in Africa.
- The phrase “a place in the sun” (1897) was used by General von Bülow to justify German imperialism.
14
Q
Why did the Kaiser want a large navy?
A
- To help Germany take over & protect colonies.
- To rival Britain’s powerful navy.
- Led to the Naval Laws (1898-1912) → rapid expansion of the German navy.
15
Q
How did Germany fund its military expansion?
A
- Huge sums of money were borrowed & taxes increased.
- Germany went into long-term debt to fund its army and navy.
- The Kaiser expanded the army as well as the navy.
16
Q
How did Germans react when the war first began?
A
- In August 1914, war was popular in Germany—many thought it would be short and victorious.
- Young patriotic Germans eagerly joined the army.
- The reality was harsh trench warfare, gas attacks & food shortages.
17
Q
How did the British navy affect Germany during the war?
A
- Britain blockaded Germany, stopping supplies of food, medicine & clothing.
- Severe shortages led to hunger and suffering.
- By 1915, protests began—500 women demanded their men return from war.
18
Q
Why was Germany close to collapse by 1918?
A
- Food shortages left people starving on turnips and bread.
- A deadly flu epidemic spread, killing thousands.
- General Ludendorff admitted Germany could not win and urged democratic reforms.
19
Q
What happened in the German Revolution of 1918?
A
- 28 October 1918—Sailors in Kiel mutinied, refusing to attack British ships.
- Workers & soldiers joined protests, forming councils in cities like Hamburg & Munich.
- On 9 November 1918, the Kaiser abdicated and fled Germany.
20
Q
Who took over Germany after the Kaiser abdicated?
A
- Friedrich Ebert (SPD leader) became temporary leader.
- Promised free elections to let Germans choose their government.
- 11 November 1918—Germany surrendered, ending WWI.
21
Q
What was the economic impact of WWI on Germany?
A
- Germany was bankrupt, having borrowed heavily from the USA.
- 600,000 war widows & 2 million wounded soldiers needed pensions.
- Factories were exhausted, having only produced weapons, not trade goods.
22
Q
How did the war divide German society?
A
- Some factory owners got rich, while workers had wage restrictions.
- Many ex-soldiers felt betrayed—believed politicians (the ‘November Criminals’) had surrendered too soon.
- Some Germans resented women working in factories, seeing it as a threat to traditional values.
23
Q
What happened in Germany after the Kaiser abdicated?
A
- The Kaiser abdicated on 9 November 1918, leaving Germany in chaos.
- Friedrich Ebert (SPD leader) became temporary leader.
- He signed an armistice to end WWI and introduced social reforms (better working conditions, food supply, etc.).
24
Q
How was the Weimar Republic created?
A
- Ebert declared Germany a democratic republic—no more Kaisers.
- Elections were held in January 1919, with the SPD winning the most votes.
- Due to violence in Berlin, the new government met in Weimar on 11 February 1919—this was the birth of the Weimar Republic.
25
Who were the Spartacists, and what did they want?
* A communist group who wanted Germany to be run by workers' and soldiers' councils instead of a parliament.
* Led by Rosa Luxemburg & Karl Liebknecht.
* On 6 January 1919, they attempted to seize power in Berlin.
26
How was the Spartacist Revolt stopped?
* Ebert used the Free Corps (2,000 ex-soldiers) to crush the uprising.
* After three days of street fighting, the revolt was crushed.
* Luxemburg & Liebknecht were captured, beaten & murdered.
27
What is communism?
* A system where all property is owned by the government, and wealth is shared equally.
* No private businesses or landowners—factories & farms run for everyone’s benefit.
* Inspired by the 1917 Russian Revolution, where communists seized power & killed the royal family.
27
What was the Free Corps (Freikorps)?
* A group of ex-soldiers who hated communists & blamed them for Germany’s defeat in WWI.
* They violently crushed left-wing uprisings, including in Bavaria (May 1919) & the Ruhr (March 1920).
* Used brutal force to maintain order and fight communists.
28
Why did many Germans fear communism?
* Richer Germans feared losing their land & businesses, as had happened in Russia (1917).
* The Free Corps & other right-wing groups saw communists as a threat to Germany.
* Communist uprisings were violently crushed, preventing a communist takeover.
29
What was the Weimar Republic?
* The Weimar Republic (1919-1933) was Germany’s first democratic government.
* It replaced the Kaiser’s rule after WWI.
* Named after Weimar, where the new government was formed.
30
What was the Weimar Constitution?
* A set of rules on how Germany would be governed.
* Allowed all Germans over 20 to vote, including women.
* One of the most democratic systems in the world at the time.
31
Strengths of the Weimar Republic?
* All Germans had equal rights, including freedom of speech.
* Proportional representation made voting fair.
* President elected every 7 years to provide stability.
32
Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic
* Proportional representation led to many small parties in the Reichstag, making it difficult to pass laws (and allowing extremist into gov)
* No party ever won a majority (1919-1933), so coalitions had to be formed.(weak gov)
* Many Germans (army generals, factory owners, judges) disliked democracy and preferred the Kaiser’s rule.
33
Who were the key political leading roles?(Weimar)
* President – Elected every 7 years, controlled the military, and could rule in emergencies using Article 48.
* Chancellor – Chosen by the President, needed support from at least half the Reichstag to introduce laws.
* Reichstag (Parliament) – Elected every 4 years, discussed and voted on new laws.
34
What was Article 48?
* Allowed the President to rule by decree in an emergency.
* Could bypass the Reichstag, making democracy weak.
* Was later used by Hitler to gain total power.
35
Who could vote in the Weimar Republic?
* All men & women over 20 had the right to vote.
* Germany was more democratic than Britain, where only women over 28 could vote.
36
Political Parties & Their Views on the Weimar Republic (from right to left)
* KPD (Communist Party) – Supported by the working class. They were against the Weimar Republic and wanted Germany to become a communist state run by workers' councils, not a parliament.
* SPD (Social Democratic Party) – Mostly working-class supporters. They were pro-Weimar Republic, believing in democracy and reforms to improve workers' rights.
* DDP (German Democratic Party) – Had middle-class supporters like lawyers and writers. They were pro-Weimar Republic and supported freedom of speech and individual rights.
* Centre Party (Zentrum) – Supported by Catholics from all classes (mainly in southern Germany). They were pro-Weimar Republic and represented Catholic interests in politics.
* DVP (People’s Party) – Mainly supported by middle-class businessmen. They supported the Weimar Republic but hoped for a return of the Kaiser in the future.
* DNVP (National People’s Party) – Had middle and upper-class supporters, including ex-soldiers. They were against the Weimar Republic, wanting a strong leader or the return of the Kaiser.
* NSDAP (Nazi Party) – Supported by unemployed ex-soldiers and some middle/upper-class people who feared communism. They opposed the Weimar Republic, wanted Germany to be powerful again, and hated democracy. They also wanted a strong military and one leader to rule.
37
what happened in the 1919 election in germany?
* There were 421 deputies (people eleceted to the reichstag).
* largest party was SPD with 163 seats, no clear majority.
* first goverment was a coalition wetween SPD, center party, and DVP
38
who were the first 3 Presidents of the Weimar republic?
Ebert (1919-1925)
Hindenburg (1925-1932)
Hindenburg (1932-1934 when he died)
39
What was the Treaty of Versailles?
* A peace treaty signed on 28 June 1919 to punish Germany after WWI.
* Written by France, Britain & the USA – Germany had no say.
* Germany had to accept full blame for the war (the War Guilt Clause).
40
What were the Terms of the Treaty?
(L.A.M.B)
L- lost land to new countries like poland and Czechoslovakia and 11 territories in Africa and far east given to allies.
A- Army reduced to 100,00 soldiers (to be used internally), Navy limited to 6 battleships and around same of other things (but no submarines allowed), currect air force was destroyed, and Rhineland demilitarised (no military allowed in).
M- Germany had to pay £6.6 billion in repearations to the Allies.
B- had to accept full blame for war (just germany not its allies.)
41
what land did germany lose after treaty of versailles?
* Alsace and Lorraine lost to france.
* areas lost to Belgium.
* areas lost to Poland (west prussia and posen) which split germany in half and seperated from east prussia.
* Plebiscites (votes) had to take place in other areas to decided whether they wanted to stay in germany.
* Germany port of Danzig was made international.
* Output of rich Sarr coalfields given to france for 15 years.
* altogether Germany lost 13% of its European territories and almost 50% of its iron and 15% of coald reserves.
42
Why did Germans hate the Treaty?
* Too Harsh:
-Lost land, resources & industry, damaging the economy.
-Reparations payments would cripple Germany for years.
* 'Diktat' – No Choice
-Germany was forced to sign the treaty without discussion.
-The government feared invasion if they refused.
* The ‘Stab in the Back’ Myth
-Many Germans believed they hadn't truly lost the war.
-Some blamed the new politicians for surrendering too soon.(Nov criminals)
-Hindenburg (German war hero) claimed, "The German army was stabbed in the back."
43
What was hyperinflation?
* Extreme price rises making money worthless.
* A loaf of bread went from 4 marks (1921) → 201 billion marks (Nov 1923)
44
Why did Hyperinflation happen?
* Germany couldn’t afford reparations (from the Treaty of Versailles).
* In January 1923, 60,000 French & Belgian soldiers invaded the Ruhr (Germany’s industrial heartland) to take what was owed.
* The German government ordered Ruhr workers to strike (passive resistance).
* The government printed money to pay the strikers, but this caused prices to rise.
* People spent money quickly → Shopkeepers raised prices.
* Government printed even more money, making inflation worse.
* Workers were paid twice a day but still couldn’t afford basic goods.
* People carried money in wheelbarrows, but savings became worthless.
45
What were the effects of hyperinflation?
✔ Winners – People with debts (easy to pay off), some businessmen (bought cheap property).
✖ Losers – Middle class & savers (lost everything), workers (wages worthless).
46
47
How did hyperinflation affect the Weimar Republic?
* Weimar govt lost support – people blamed politicians.
* Many turned to extremist parties (Nazis, Communists) for solutions.
48
How bad was hyperinflation?
* Money became worthless – used for fires, paper planes, kites.
* 1923 was the worst year since WWI for many Germans.
49
Who suffered the most?
✖ Savers – Life savings became worthless (e.g., 1000 marks couldn’t buy bread).
✖ Elderly – Pensions lost value; couldn’t afford essentials.
✖ Small businesses – Trade collapsed due to constant price changes.
50
Who benefited from hyperinflation?
✔ Debtors – Loans became worthless; debts easily repaid (e.g., 10,000 marks could be cleared with a single banknote).
51
Who did Germans blame for hyperinflation?
* Weimar Government – Their decision to strike in the Ruhr and print money caused the crisis.
* Led to more distrust in democracy and growing support for extremist parties.
52
Why was there so much violence after WWI?
* Many Germans hated the Treaty of Versailles and the Weimar government.
* Left-wing and right-wing extremist groups wanted to overthrow democracy.
53
What and when was the Kapp Putsch?
* March 1920, Led by Wolfgang Kapp, supported by 5000 Free Corps (ex-soldiers, police).
* Aimed to restore Germany’s military strength and regain lost land.
* Government fled, but 12 million workers went on strike, shutting down Berlin. (no gas, water, electricity)
* After 100 hours, Kapp fled abroad, and the Weimar government returned.
54
What and when was the Red Rising in the Ruhr?
* March - April 1920 Left-wing workers stayed on strike after Kapp fled, taking over several towns.
* Government sent soldiers & Free Corps to crush the rebellion.
* Over 1000 workers killed.
* Fails as left wing groups were not united.
55
Who was assassinated & why?
* 350+ political murders (1919–1922), mostly by right-wing extremists.
* Matthias Erzberger (signed armistice) – assassinated (1921).
* Walter Rathenau (Foreign Minister) – murdered.
* Philipp Scheidemann – acid attack.
* Many right-wing killers got short prison sentences (average 4 years).
56
What does this show about the Weimar Republic?
* The government was unstable and under attack from both sides.
* Right-wing judges were lenient to those who opposed democracy.
57
Who was Adolf Hitler in his early years?
* Born 1889 in Austria-Hungary, failed art student.
* Fought in WWI, won medals, injured in 1918.
* Joined German Workers’ Party (1919), later led it and renamed it the Nazi Party.
58
How did Hitler grow the Nazi Party?
* Powerful speaker, used speeches and newspapers to gain support.
* Created the swastika as the party symbol.
* Formed the SA (Stormtroopers) to intimidate opponents and protect meetings.
* Party grew from 3,000 (1920) to 5,000 (1921) to 55,000 (1923) members.
59
What was the Munich Putsch (1923)?
* 8th Nov he attempts to overthrow the Weimar government in Munich, then march to Berlin.
* Hitler stormed a beer hall, declared a takeover, and got support from General Ludendorff.
* Nazis took control of buildings, but the government resisted.
* The next day, police stopped the march, killing 16 Nazis.
* Hitler was arrested for treason.
60
What happened at Hitler’s trial?
* 24-day trial, Hitler used it to spread Nazi ideas.
* Judges sympathized – Ludendorff was freed, Hitler sentenced to 5 years (only served 9 months).
* He wrote Mein Kampf, outlining his beliefs, including anti-Semitism.
61
What did Hitler learn from the failed putsch?
* Violence wouldn’t work – the Nazis needed to win power legally through elections.
* This shift in strategy led to the Nazis’ later success.
62
Who was Gustav Stresemann?
* German politician, Chancellor in 1923, then Foreign Minister (1924-1929).
* Believed Germany had to cooperate with other countries to recover.
* Led efforts to stabilize the economy and improve Germany’s global reputation.
63
How did Stresemann solve hyperinflation?
* Stopped printing old money, introduced the Rentenmark (1923), replaced by Reichsmark (1924).
* Hyperinflation ended, but savings were lost forever, angering many Germans.
64
How did Stresemann restore Germany’s international status?
* Locarno Pact (1925) – Germany & neighbors promised not to invade each other.
* League of Nations (1926) – Germany became a respected member again.
* Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928) – Germany agreed never to go to war unless attacked.
* Success: Germany was respected again, but some Germans wanted lost land back.
64
How did Stresemann deal with the Ruhr crisis?
* Negotiated the Dawes Plan (1924) – USA loaned 800 million gold marks to Germany.
* Germany resumed reparations, and French & Belgian troops left the Ruhr.
* Some Germans believed he should have refused to pay reparations entirely.
65
How did Stresemann help German industries?
* Dawes Plan money used to build factories, roads, schools, and houses.
* Created jobs and higher wages, foreign companies invested in Germany.
* Radio sales rose from 1M (1926) to 4M (1932), showing economic improvement.
* Concern: Germany relied too much on American loans.
66
Had Germany fully recovered?
No uprisings (1924-1929), economy improved, but issues remained:
* Weak governments – No single party could rule alone, leading to arguments.
* Extreme parties (Nazis & Communists) still opposed democracy, though Nazis struggled for votes (only 2% in 1928)
* Farmers & middle classes still suffered from debt and lost savings.
* Germany’s success depended on U.S. loans – What if America demanded repayment? - Stresemann - "Germany is dancing on a volcano"
67
Why were the 1920s called a ‘Golden Age’ in Germany?
* Weimar Germany removed strict controls on entertainment from the Kaiser’s rule.
* Artists, writers, musicians, and performers experimented with new ideas.
* Berlin became a cultural hub, famous for its nightlife and creative freedom.
68
How did nightlife change?
Berlin had theatres, operas, and cabarets with controversial performances.
Kurt Weill’s The Threepenny Opera mocked politicians and society.
Jazz clubs emerged, some with nude dancers and transvestite nights.
69
What was the impact of cinema?
* Cinema became hugely popular in Weimar Germany.
* Fritz Lang’s Metropolis was the most technically advanced film of the decade.
* Marlene Dietrich became a global star, known for playing strong, glamorous women.
70
How did literature evolve?
* Germany had 120 newspapers and magazines, making writing very influential.
* All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Remarque sold 500,000 copies in 3 months.
* Many books and articles critiqued war and modern German society.
71
What were the key features of Weimar art?
* Avant-garde artists like Otto Dix and George Grosz painted realistic, critical scenes.
* Their work showed the divide between rich and poor and the impact of WWI.
* Art challenged traditional values and often carried strong political messages.
72
What was the Bauhaus movement?
* Modern design school creating simple, practical, and functional objects.
* Designed furniture, coffee pots, and buildings with a sleek, modern look.
* Rejected traditional, elaborate designs in favor of minimalism.
73
How did people react to cultural changes?
* Many Germans loved the freedom and innovation of the Weimar era.
* Traditionalists and right-wing groups saw the changes as moral decline.
* The Nazis strongly opposed Weimar culture, calling it corrupt and degenerate.
74
What happened to Weimar artists after 1933?
* When Hitler came to power, many artists and filmmakers fled Germany.
* Fritz Lang and George Grosz left due to Nazi censorship.
* The Nazis banned ‘un-German’ art, music, and literature.
75
what were some weaknesses of the early germany political system?
-the chancellor had to stay in the kaisers good books or he would be dismissed.
-they stuggled to raise enough tax to cover spending abroad.
-prussian influence was dominant
-industrialisation led to poor working and living conditions which the kaiser and chancellor ignorred.
