Germany topic 2 Flashcards
1
Q
What helped Germany’s economy grow between 1924 and 1929?
A
- Loans from American banks boosted Germany’s economy (Dawes plan)
- Money used to build factories and create jobs
- Living standards improved during this time
2
Q
What event caused the Great Depression?
A
- Wall Street Crash in October 1929
- Americans sold shares quickly → prices dropped
- Many couldn’t repay loans → bankruptcies and job losses
3
Q
How did the Wall Street Crash affect the American economy?
A
- People lost savings and homes when shares crashed
- Businesses closed as no one could afford goods
- Mass unemployment followed across the USA
4
Q
Why did the Depression affect other countries (not must USA) like Germany?
A
- Americans stopped buying foreign goods (e.g. from Germany)
- US banks demanded loan repayments from Germany
- German businesses went bankrupt → mass unemployment
5
Q
How badly was Germany hit by the Depression?
A
- German exports dropped → factories shut down
- US loans recalled → German banks and firms collapsed
- By 1932, 6 million Germans unemployed
6
Q
How did the Depression affect German people?
A
- Many were jobless, homeless, and hungry
- Public anger grew against the Weimar government
- Led to rising resentment and desperation
7
Q
What political changes happened because of the Depression?
A
- People lost faith in moderate parties
- Support grew for extreme parties (Nazis and Communists)
- Promises of radical change became more appealing
8
Q
How did Hitler and the Nazis benefit from the Depression?
A
- Nazis blamed the Weimar Republic and offered strong leadership
- Hitler promised jobs, food, and national pride
- Gained popularity among the desperate and unemployed
9
Q
What role did antisemitism play in Nazi ideology?
A
- Jews made up about 1% of the German population
- Many Germans blamed Jews for economic problems
- Antisemitism increased with Hitler’s rise in the early 1930s
10
Q
How popular were the Nazis in 1928?
A
- Only 12 seats in Reichstag
- Around 800,000 votes (~3% of population)
- 8th most popular party in Germany
11
Q
How popular were the Nazis by July 1932?
A
- 230 seats in Reichstag — largest party
- Nearly 14 million votes
- Rapid rise due to economic and political crisis
12
Q
How did the Depression help the Nazis?
A
- Business collapse, unemployment, bank closures
- Desperate Germans listened to Nazi promises
- Nazis repeated messages: Versailles unfair, Jews to blame, Germany must be strong again
13
Q
Why did many Germans lose faith in the Weimar government?
A
- Constant arguments, little action on unemployment
- Chancellors Müller and Brüning failed to fix crisis
- Brüning used Article 48, but lost Hindenburg’s support
- Democracy seen as weak and ineffective
14
Q
What happened when Brüning lost support from Hindenburg?
A
- Tried to redistribute land → angered Hindenburg
- Without support, Brüning resigned
- Showed Weimar’s instability and inability to reform
15
Q
Why was Hitler personally appealing to many Germans?
A
- Charismatic and powerful speaker
- Gave people hope and confidence
- Promised strong leadership and national pride
16
Q
Why did fear of communism help Hitler?
A
- Russian Revolution (1917) made Germans fearful
- Communists wanted to take over businesses and land
- Upper/middle class and churchgoers feared loss of wealth and religion
- Hitler promised to crush communism
17
Q
How did the SA help fight communism?
A
- SA (Stormtroopers) fought communist gangs
- Protected Nazi rallies and intimidated opponents
- Seen as defenders of order and stability
18
Q
How did the Nazis change tactics after the Munich Putsch?
A
- Abandoned violent revolution for legal elections
- Spread ideas via persuasion and intimidation
- Targeted all social groups with tailored messages
19
Q
How did the SA contribute to Nazi growth?
A
- Grew from 100,000 (1931) to 400,000 (1932)
- Protected Hitler’s events and attacked rivals
- Gave Nazis an image of strength and discipline
20
Q
How did Nazi propaganda help increase support?
A
- Led by Joseph Goebbels from 1928
- Used radio, cinema, posters, leaflets, newspapers
- Showcased strength through rallies, parades, speeches
21
Q
What was the role of the Hitler Youth?
A
- Recruited young followers with clubs and activities
- Taught skills like map reading, gun handling, survival
- Helped create loyal future Nazis
22
Q
How did Hitler use technology in campaigning?
A
- 1932: Flew to 20 cities in 7 days to give speeches
- Constant radio appearances boosted popularity
- Showed Nazis as modern and dynamic
23
Q
Which social class was most important to Nazi support in 1930?
A
- Middle class were the backbone of Nazi support
- Feared communism, supported strong leadership
- Wanted to protect their social and economic position
24
Q
How were Nazi voters different from Communist voters?
A
- Communists mainly supported by working-class people
- In areas like the Ruhr, Communists got up to 70% of the vote
- Nazis had broad appeal across many social groups
25
Why did many farmers vote for the Nazis?
- Depression hit food prices → farmers suffered financially
- Nazis promised higher crop prices and better status
- Feared land seizure by Communists
- Nazis strongly anti-Communist
26
Why did middle-class Germans support the Nazis?
- Lost savings and jobs in Depression
- Feared Communist revolution and breakdown of law/order
- Disillusioned with Weimar’s weakness and arguments
- Nazis offered discipline, order, and strong leadership
27
Why did some women vote for the Nazis?
- Nazis promoted family values, morality, and self-discipline
- Criticised cinema, theatre, and media for spreading “muck and filth”
- Promised to restore traditional values and protect youth
28
Why did many young people support the Nazis?
- Attracted to idea of rebuilding Germany and future jobs
- Wanted to join military, build homes, roads, hospitals
- Inspired by Hitler’s speeches and vision of strength
29
Why did the upper class and factory owners vote for the Nazis?
- Wanted strong leadership and return to national pride
- Supported Nazi promises to rebuild the military
- Could profit from rearmament and war industries
- Nazis opposed Communism, protecting their wealth
30
How did Nazi anti-Communism help gain support?
- Farmers feared land seizure
- Middle and upper class feared losing wealth
- SA fought Communists in the streets → showed Nazis could protect Germany
31
What key promises helped the Nazis gain support from across society?
- Destroy the Treaty of Versailles
- Create jobs and rebuild Germany
- Fight communism
- Promote order, morals, and nationalism
32
Why were coalition governments common in Weimar Germany?
- Around 30 political parties
- No party gained a majority → coalitions formed
- Coalition governments often disagreed and were unstable
33
What was the role of the President in the Weimar system?
- Could appoint Chancellors using Article 48 in emergencies
- Had power to bypass Reichstag when democracy failed
- Hindenburg used this power frequently in early 1930s
34
When did Hitler become Chancellor of Germany?
- 30 January 1933
- Appointed by President Hindenburg
- Hindenburg believed Hitler could be controlled
35
What was the result of the September 1930 election?
- Nazis gained 107 seats → 2nd largest party
- Unemployment had doubled to ~3 million
- Chancellor Brüning became unpopular for raising taxes & cutting unemployment pay
36
How did the Nazis grow in popularity after 1930?
- Used posters, flags, and mass rallies
- Hitler’s speeches attracted huge crowds
- SA (Stormtroopers) attacked Communists and disrupted their meetings
37
How did street violence affect views on democracy?
- Clashes between Nazis, Communists, and groups like Reichsbanner
- 1932: Bomb plots, fights, murders
- Weimar seen as chaotic, democracy seen as failing
38
How many Chancellors did Germany have between 1919–1933?
- Over 10 Chancellors
- On average, 1 per year
- Showed lack of stability and disillusioned the public
39
What happened in the July 1932 Reichstag election?
- Nazis = 230 seats (biggest party)
- Hitler demanded to be Chancellor
- Hindenburg refused – feared Nazi violence
40
Who became Chancellor after July 1932 and what happened?
- Von Papen appointed by Hindenburg
- Called another election in November 1932
- Nazi votes fell, but still largest party → von Papen resigned
41
What happened in the November 1932 election?
- Nazis lost seats but still largest party
- Von Papen’s support also fell → resigned
- Hindenburg appointed von Schleicher as Chancellor
42
Why did von Schleicher fail as Chancellor?
- Had no majority in Reichstag
- Couldn’t pass any new laws
- Resigned after less than 2 months
43
Why did Hindenburg finally appoint Hitler as Chancellor?
- All other options had failed
- Believed Hitler could be controlled
- Appointed von Papen as Vice Chancellor
- Only 2 Nazis in the Cabinet to limit power
44
Why did Hindenburg and his advisers think they could control Hitler?
- Restricted number of Nazis in Cabinet
- Thought Hitler depended on traditional elites
- Underestimated his ability to gain full control
45
What problems did Hitler face after becoming Chancellor in Jan 1933?
- Could be replaced by President Hindenburg
- Germany still a democracy → needed Reichstag support
- Most politicians were not Nazis
46
How did Hitler try to gain more power in February 1933?
- Called a new election for March 1933
- Used control of police, radio, and press to intimidate opponents
- Hoped for majority in Reichstag
47
What happened on 27 February 1933?
- The Reichstag building burned down
- Marinus van der Lubbe, a Dutch communist, was blamed
- Hitler claimed it was a communist plot
48
How did Hitler use the Reichstag Fire to gain more power?
- Convinced Hindenburg to pass the Protection Law (28 Feb)
- Gave Hitler emergency powers to "protect" Germany
- Could now suppress opponents legally
49
What did Hitler do before the March 1933 election?
- Banned leading communists from campaigning
- Arrested 4,000 communists, shut down their newspapers
- Created fear of a communist uprising
49
What were the results of the March 5, 1933 election?
- Nazis got more votes than ever before
- Still no majority, so couldn’t rule alone
50
What was the Enabling Act and when was it passed?
- Passed on 23 March 1933
- Gave Hitler power to make laws without Reichstag approval
- Centre Party supported it due to fear of communism
- Marked the end of democracy in Germany
51
What changes did Hitler make after passing the Enabling Act?
- 7 April 1933: Nazis took over all local government and police
- Created the Gestapo (secret police)
- Opened the first concentration camp at Dachau for political prisoners
52
What did Hitler do to trade unions?
- 2 May 1933: Banned all trade unions
- Seized their money, arrested leaders
- Removed workers’ ability to strike or complain
53
What happened on 14 July 1933?
- Hitler banned all other political parties
- Law Against the Formation of New Parties
- Germany became a one-party Nazi state
- Trying to form a new party = 3 years in prison
54
What did Hitler do to the SA in 1934?
- Used the Night of the Long Knives (June 1934)
- Murdered SA leaders like Röhm to remove rivals
- Brought the SA under control
55
When did Hitler become Führer and how?
- 2 August 1934: President Hindenburg died
- Hitler merged President and Chancellor roles
- Made army swear loyalty to him personally
- Gave himself title Der Führer (The Leader)
56
What happened during the Night of the Long Knives?
- 30 June 1934: Hitler & the SS stormed a hotel
- Arrested & executed SA leaders, including Ernst Röhm
- Around 400 people killed over next few days
- Victims included non-Nazis like ex-Chancellor von Schleicher
57
What was the SA and why was it a threat to Hitler?
- Stormtroopers (SA) = Hitler’s private army
- Helped him rise to power by beating up opponents
- Leader Röhm had 400,000 men and wanted to merge with army
- Rohm planned to take charge of army, making him too powerful
58
Why did Hitler need to keep the army on side in 1934?
- The army had only 100,000 men, but vital skills & experience
- Hitler needed them to help regain land lost in Treaty of Versailles
- Army leaders feared Röhm and didn’t want to be taken over by SA
58
What rumours increased Hitler’s fears about Röhm?
- Röhm was rumoured to be planning a power grab
- May have tried to replace Hitler as leader
59
What happened to the SA after the Night of the Long Knives?
- SA was not abolished, but lost all power
- No longer a major force in Germany
- Replaced by SS as Hitler’s main security group
60
What did the Night of the Long Knives show about Hitler’s rule?
- Hitler was open about the murders
- Established political murder as part of Nazi government
- Showed he could "get away with murder" without punishment
60
Who led the SS, and what was its role after June 1934?
- Heinrich Himmler
- SS grew in power, formed the basis of Nazi police state
- Worked with Gestapo to crush opposition
61
What happened after President Hindenburg died (2 Aug 1934)?
- No new President appointed
- Hitler merged roles of Chancellor and President
- Became Führer (The Leader) of Germany
62
What oath did the army swear after Hitler became Führer?
- Swore personal loyalty to Hitler, not to Germany
- Agreed to stay out of politics
- Hitler promised to rebuild Germany’s military strength
63
What promise did Hitler make in his election campaign to help unemployed Germans?
* Promised "Work and Bread"
* Aimed to tackle mass unemployment
* Over 6 million Germans were out of work in 1933
64
What was the National Labour Service (RAD) and who had to join it?
* Compulsory for men aged 18–25 for 6 months
* Work included planting forests, digging ditches, mending hedges
* Lived in camps, wore uniforms, received free meals and pocket money
* Helped reduce unemployment figures
65
What were the Nazi public work schemes and their impact?
* Autobahn (motorway) construction began in June 1933
* Gave work to nearly 100,000 people
* By 1938, 3,800 km of highway built
* New schools and hospitals also created jobs
66
How did rearmament help reduce unemployment?
* Built tanks, battleships, planes, and guns
* Created thousands of jobs through government contracts
* Benefited factory owners and big business leaders
* Boosted the German economy through military expansion
67
What was conscription and how did it affect employment?
* Introduced in 1935 for males aged 18–25
* Mandatory two years in the armed forces
* Army expanded from 100,000 (1933) to 1.4 million (1939)
* Reduced unemployment through military service
68
What is 'invisible unemployment' and how did Nazis use it to their advantage?
* Women who left jobs to raise families weren't counted
* Part-time workers counted as full-time
* Jews forced out of jobs and replaced by unemployed non-Jews
* Jews excluded from unemployment statistics
69
Why did Hitler want Germany to be self-sufficient?
* Wanted Germany to be powerful and respected again
* Believed rearmament was key to regaining lost land and pride
* Aimed to control the economy and direct all production towards Nazi goals
* Sought independence from foreign trade for war readiness
70
Who was Hjalmar Schacht and what was his role in the Nazi economy?
* Appointed Minister of Economics in 1933
* Signed trade deals with South America & southeast Europe for raw materials
* Helped increase weapons production and reduce unemployment
* Sacked by Hitler for being too slow in making Germany self-sufficient
71
What was the Four Year Plan and who introduced it?
* Introduced in 1936 by Hermann Goering
* Aimed to prepare Germany for war within 4 years
* Focused on increasing production of weapons, uniforms, steel, and explosives
* Some targets met (e.g., steel), but others (like oil) were not
72
How did the Nazis try to make Germany self-sufficient?
* Sought to stop relying on foreign imports
* Developed artificial substitutes for key goods:
Petrol from coal, wool/cotton from wood
Makeup from flour, coffee from acorns
* Goering: "Guns make us powerful. Butter only makes us fat."
73
How did the Nazis support German farmers?
* Cut taxes for farmers and protected them from eviction due to debt
* Farmers crucial for self-sufficiency – needed to boost food production
* Around 30% of population worked in agriculture and forestry
74
What Nazi farming policies caused resentment among some farmers?
* Laws prevented land from being divided between children
* Aimed to keep farms large and under one family control
* Some children moved to cities for work, causing rural depopulation
* Others supported the policy as it secured their farm long-term
75
What happened to trade unions after Hitler came to power in 1933?
* All trade unions were banned
* Only the Nazi Party was allowed
* Workers were forced into the German Labour Front (DAF)
* Many had previously supported Social Democrats and Communists
76
How did the Nazis provide jobs to the working class?
* RAD (National Labour Service) – compulsory work for young men
* Public works – roads, schools, hospitals (e.g., autobahns)
* Rearmament – army growth + weapons factories
* Unemployment fell, but wages stayed low at first
## Footnote
"Roads, Rifles, RAD = Jobs"
77
What was the German Labour Front (DAF) and what did it control?
* Replaced banned trade unions
* Controlled workers’ conditions, hours, and wages
* Workers couldn't strike or quit without permission
* Two key schemes: Beauty of labour, Strenth through joy.
## Footnote
DAF = Don’t Argue, Follow
78
What was the 'Beauty of Labour' scheme?
* Aimed to improve workplace environments
* Introduced better lighting, washrooms, safety equipment
* Built canteens and sports facilities
79
What was 'Strength Through Joy' and how did it reward workers?
* Organised leisure and entertainment
* Cheap holidays, theatre, football tickets, cinema trips
* Aimed to boost morale and productivity
* Offered savings scheme for the Volkswagen "People’s Car"
80
Were Germans actually better off under the Nazis? (Pros)
* Unemployment reduced drastically
* Jobs in construction, rearmament, RAD
* Some enjoyed Strength through joy rewards and improved workplaces (Beauty of labour)
* Volkswagen savings scheme gave hope of owning a car
81
Were Germans actually better off under the Nazis? (Cons)
* Lost workers’ rights – no strikes, quitting required permission
* Food became more expensive due to Nazi self-sufficiency goals
* Longer working hours and stricter control
* Most couldn't afford holidays like cruises or skiing trips
82
What was the initial impact of WWII on Germany (1939–1941)?
* Early victories in 1940: six European countries defeated within weeks
* German people optimistic – believed war would bring wealth and power
* Luxury goods (e.g., perfume, fur) came from conquered nations
Most luxury goods went to high-ranking Nazis, not ordinary people
83
What happened in 1941 when Germany attacked the USSR?v
* Initial success, but harsh Russian winter halted German advance
* German troops poorly equipped – guns froze, clothing inadequate
* Huge defeat at Stalingrad: 80,000 Germans died, 90,000 surrendered
* USSR pushed Germany back; USA joined war, turning tide further
84
What was rationing like for German civilians during the war?
* Rationing began in November 1939 – included food and clothing
* Example: people were allowed only 1 egg per week
* Shortages of basic goods like soap, toilet paper, hot water
* Substitutes used (e.g., stewed pine needles as soap)
85
What was Total War and who organised it?
* Introduced in 1942, led by Albert Speer (Armaments Minister)
* Goal: focus all efforts on war – weapons, food for soldiers
* Non-essential businesses closed (e.g., beer halls, dance clubs, sweet shops)
* Letterboxes boarded up; factories stayed open longer
86
How did Germany respond to labour shortages during the war?
* Many male workers became soldiers
* Women drafted into factories in large numbers
* By 1944, around 7 million foreign workers (slave labour) used in factories
* Workers came from countries conquered by Germany
87
What was the impact of Allied bombing on German cities (from 1942)?
* Cities destroyed; no electricity, water, or transport
* Many Germans became refugees, fleeing to safer areas
* Thousands killed or injured; medical services overwhelmed
* Bombing caused flooding, gas explosions, unexploded bombs
* Public support for Nazis declined as suffering increased
88
Why did Hitler want to control young people?
* He wanted lifelong loyalty to him and the Nazi Party
* Believed brainwashing children would stop rebellion
* Prepared them to fight, suffer, or die for Nazi ideals
89
How did Nazis use the school system to spread their ideas?
* All subjects were used for Nazi propaganda
* Lessons discouraged independent thinking
* Students were indoctrinated from an early age
90
What was taught in Nazi school subjects?
* History: German victories, unfair WWI treaty
* Geography: lands Germany should conquer
* Science: weapon-making, chemical warfare
* Maths: racial questions (e.g., cost of disabled lives)
91
What was 'Race Studies' and what did it teach?
* New subject teaching Nazi racial beliefs
* Claimed some races (e.g. Jews, Slavs) were inferior
* Promoted “improving” the human race through Eugenics
92
How were textbooks and teachers controlled by Nazis?
* Textbooks rewritten to include Nazi ideas
* Teachers had to join the German Teachers League
* Non-compliant teachers were fired
93
What were 'Napolas' and who attended them?
* Elite Nazi schools for potential leaders
* Students selected by teachers for loyalty
* Training focused on academics, fitness, discipline
94
How did universities change under the Nazis?
* Courses rewritten to reflect Nazi views (e.g. antisemitism)
* Einstein’s Theory of Relativity banned due to his Jewish heritage
* Students trained as soldiers for one month a year
94
What were 'Adolf Hitler Schools'?
* Set up by Hitler Youth Organisation
* Produced 'ideal Nazis': loyal, clever, strong
* Combined academic and extreme physical training
95
What happened to university lecturers under Nazi rule?
* Between 1933–34, 15% were replaced
* Reasons: racial background or political views
* Over 3000 academics dismissed by 1939
96
Did university education remain important to the Nazis?
* No – it was not a priority
* Fewer people went to university during Nazi rule
* Nazi loyalty and physical strength were valued more
97
Why did Hitler want to control young people outside of school?
* Wanted full control over their beliefs and behaviour
* Aimed to create loyal, tough, obedient future Nazis
* Described ideal youth as “fast as a greyhound, tough as leather, hard as steel”
98
What was the Hitler Youth Organisation and when was it created?
* Set up in 1922 to spread Nazi ideas to youth
* Met after school to promote loyalty to Hitler
* Taught boys military skills, girls domestic skills
99
What happened to other youth groups under the Nazis?
* Banned in 1933 (e.g., Church groups, Cub Scouts)
* Made Hitler Youth the only legal youth organisation
* Massively increased membership
100
What was the 1936 Law for the Incorporation of German Youth?
* Made Hitler Youth equal in importance to school and home
* Controlled all sports facilities and competitions
* Deepened Nazi influence on children’s free time
101
When was Hitler Youth membership made compulsory?
* In 1939
* All German children had to join
* Participation became a legal duty
102
What was the structure of Hitler Youth for boys?
* Hitler Youth (14–18)
* Met several times a week and at weekend camps
* Trained in marching, weapon use, fitness, leadership
103
What was the structure of Nazi youth groups for girls?
* League of German Girls (14–17)
* Activities: fitness, cooking, childcare, homemaking
* Aimed to prepare girls for motherhood
104
What were children encouraged to do if their parents or teachers criticised the Nazis?
* Report them to authorities
* Built loyalty to Hitler over family or teachers
* Created fear and distrust within families
105
How many members did the Hitler Youth have over time?
1933: 2.29 million / 7.53 million aged 10–18
1936: 5.44 million / 8.66 million aged 10–18
1939: 7.29 million / 8.87 million aged 10–18
106
Did all young people support the Hitler Youth?
* No – some rejected Nazi control
* Groups like the Swing Youth listened to jazz and had Jewish friends
* Other rebel groups (e.g., Edelweiss Pirates, Navajos) mocked and fought Hitler Youth
107
Who were the Edelweiss Pirates and similar gangs?
* Youth gangs opposed to Nazi ideas
* Went camping, sang anti-Nazi songs
* Some physically attacked Hitler Youth groups
* Included both boys and girls, even Jewish members
108
What were women’s rights like in Germany before the Nazis?
* Women could vote and had equal government pay
* Many were university-educated, working as doctors or lawyers
* Women's rights were ahead of many other countries at the time
109
How did the Nazis view women’s role in society?
* Hitler called women’s world “her husband, her family, her house”
* Believed women should follow the three Ks: Kinder, Küche, Kirche (children, kitchen, church)
* Saw motherhood as a patriotic duty
110
Why did the Nazis want more women to have children?
* Germany’s birth rate had halved between 1900 and 1933
* Nazis needed a growing population to expand their empire
* Career-driven women were blamed for fewer births
111
What jobs were women discouraged or banned from under the Nazis?
* Female doctors, teachers, lawyers, judges were sacked
* Working women were discouraged, as jobs might reduce births
* Women were banned from jury service – claimed they were too emotional
112
What did the Nazis do to control women’s behaviour?
* Banned smoking in public, high heels, and trousers
* Discouraged slimming as it wasn’t good for pregnancy
* Strong focus on traditional, feminine appearance
113
What financial incentives were given to encourage childbirth?
* Marriage loans equal to one year’s wages offered
* A quarter of the loan was cancelled per child
* Contraception and abortion were banned
114
What was the Motherhood Medal?
* Awarded yearly on 12 August (Hitler’s mother’s birthday)
* Given to women with many children
* Gold Cross awarded for eight children
115
What was Lebensborn?
* Nazi programme to increase the birth rate
* Linked to SS members and unmarried women
* Estimated 8000 children born through Lebensborn
116
How did the Nazis spread their ideas about women?
* Through the German Women’s League (cooking, childcare, health advice)
* By 1939, 1.7 million women had attended motherhood training courses
* The Nazi Women’s Organisation trained elite women in Nazi beliefs
117
Were Nazi policies towards women successful?
* Birth rate rose from 970,000 (1933) to 1,410,000 (1939)
* BUT reality changed as war began
* Women were needed back at work in factories due to soldier shortages
118
How did Nazi wartime needs contradict their views on women?
* Despite discouraging work, women became main wage earners
* Men going to war created labour shortages
* Unlike Britain, women weren’t formally conscripted to work
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