Inter-war domestic developments in European states (1918–1939)

Question 1

What was the Dawes Plan?

Answer 1

$200m in loans to help recover the German economy.

Question 2

What was the Young Plan?

Answer 2

Reduced reparations to be paid to $121bn and floated another loan totalling $300m.

Question 3

What was the economic situation of German industry by 1927?

Answer 3

Industry recovered to pre-war levels but was still significantly behind other European countries.

Question 4

What was the state of German agriculture by 1928?

Answer 4

It never recovered to pre-war levels, and half of all farmers were selling at a loss due to falling grain prices.

Question 5

What was the unemployment rate in Weimar Germany by 1929?

Answer 5

1.9 million people were unemployed.

Question 6

What impact did the Great Depression have on Weimar Germany?

Answer 6

It undid the good work of Stresemann and led to the downfall of the Weimar Republic.

Question 7

Who was elected in 1925 and what was his political stance?

Answer 7

Hindenburg was elected and was ultra-conservative, wanting a return to the monarchy.

Question 8

What was the significance of the May 1928 elections?

Answer 8

70% of the vote went to pro-democracy parties, indicating some political stability.

Question 9

What was the Locarno Pact?

Answer 9

Stresemann accepted Germany’s Western borders, assuring European security and better relations with France.

Question 10

What was Germany’s status in the League of Nations in 1926?

Answer 10

Germany was accepted as a member and became a permanent member with the right to veto.

Question 11

What was the Treaty of Berlin (1926)?

Answer 11

It improved relations with the USSR and facilitated further economic and military exchanges.

Question 12

What was the social atmosphere in Weimar Germany?

Answer 12

There was a cultural shift with experimental media, expressionism, and a greater sexualisation of women.

Question 13

What was the impact of the ‘stab in the back’ myth?

Answer 13

It challenged the narrative of Germany’s defeat in WWI and was addressed in literature like ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’.

Question 14

What was Mussolini’s aim regarding the Italian economy?

Answer 14

To achieve autarky to prepare for war.

Question 15

What was the outcome of the Battle for the Lira?

Answer 15

Initially successful in reducing inflation, but ultimately led to a decline in the standard of living.

Question 16

What was the Lateran Treaty (1929)?

Answer 16

It recognized the Vatican as an official state and improved relations between Mussolini and the Catholic Church.

Question 17

What was Mussolini’s policy towards women?

Answer 17

He aimed to reinforce traditional roles and increase the birth rate, but largely failed to achieve his goals.

Question 18

What was the significance of the Ebert-Groener deal?

Answer 18

It consolidated support for the Weimar government in exchange for military backing.

Question 19

What did conservatives vote for during the Weimar government?

Answer 19

Conservatives seemed to be voting for more right wing parties, always opposing the liberalism of the Weimar government.

Question 20

Who led the Weimar government from 1929-1926?

Answer 20

The Weimar government was led by Ebert and Stresemann.

Question 21

What was the significance of the Ebert-Groener deal?

Answer 21

The Ebert-Groener deal was significant for consolidating the Weimar government by securing military support against leftist uprisings.

Question 22

What did Ebert promise in exchange for military support?

Answer 22

Ebert promised to take swift action against any leftist uprisings.

Question 23

How did Ebert use Article 48?

Answer 23

Ebert used Article 48 to suspend civil liberties and bypass the Reichstag, allowing him to act swiftly during crises.

Question 24

What crisis did Stresemann’s policies help to address?

Answer 24

Stresemann’s policies helped Germany recover from the hyperinflation crisis between 1920-1923.

Question 25

What caused the hyperinflation crisis in Germany?

Answer 25

The hyperinflation crisis was caused by the French occupation of the Ruhr and the government’s decision to print more money to pay striking workers.

Question 26

What was the Retenmark?

Answer 26

The Retenmark was introduced by Hjamlar Schat to help stabilize the German economy during the recovery.

Question 27

What was the Spartacist Uprising?

Answer 27

The Spartacist Uprising in 1919 was a leftist attempt to overthrow the democratic government, led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht.

Question 28

How did Ebert respond to the Spartacist Uprising?

Answer 28

Ebert called on the Freikorps to suppress the uprising, which resulted in over 100 deaths.

Question 29

What was the Kapp Putsch?

Answer 29

The Kapp Putsch in 1920 was an attempted coup against the Weimar government by right-wing forces.

Question 30

What was the outcome of the Munich Putsch?

Answer 30

The Munich Putsch in 1923, led by Hitler and Ludendorff, failed due to lack of planning and was quickly crushed.

Question 31

What was a key factor in the failure of extremist uprisings against the Weimar government?

Answer 31

The lack of sufficient numbers and leadership among extremist groups contributed to their failure.

Question 32

What foreign intervention helped Franco during the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 32

Germany provided 52 planes during the Spanish airlift from Morocco in 1936.

Question 33

What was the impact of Italian forces in the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 33

78,000 Italians were sent to fight, with their presence helping the Nationalists gain vital territory despite losing the battle of Guadalajara.

Question 34

What role did the USSR play in the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 34

The USSR was the only country providing significant support to the Republicans, including military strategists and tanks.

Question 35

What was the political situation in Spain leading up to the Civil War?

Answer 35

Political turmoil included the rise and fall of various governments, leading to a divided society and increased tensions.

Question 36

How did economic conditions contribute to the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 36

Spain’s economic struggles, particularly in the agricultural south, led to widespread poverty and discontent among the populace.

Question 37

What was the role of the Catholic Church in Spanish society during the lead-up to the Civil War?

Answer 37

The Catholic Church held significant power and opposed reforms that threatened its influence, creating societal divides.

Question 38

What was the significance of the Acerbo Laws in Italy?

Answer 38

The Acerbo Laws allowed any party winning at least 25% of the vote to receive two-thirds of the seats, facilitating Mussolini’s rise to power.

Question 39

What were the economic conditions in Italy that contributed to Mussolini’s rise?

Answer 39

Italy faced high unemployment, inflation, and social unrest, leading many to seek Mussolini’s promises of stability and job creation.

Question 40

What was a consequence of swift policy making in Italy?

Answer 40

The ruling party had a disproportionate number of seats compared to the votes they received.

Question 41

What economic issues did Italy face?

Answer 41

High levels of unemployment, inflation, and social unrest.

Question 42

How was the liberal government perceived in addressing economic problems?

Answer 42

It was seen as ineffective, leading many Italians to reject the democratic process.

Question 43

What did Mussolini promise to restore economic stability?

Answer 43

He promised industrialization and public works projects.

Question 44

What additional promises did Mussolini make?

Answer 44

A crackdown on bureaucracy and corruption.

Question 45

What was the industrial situation in northern Italy in the 1900s?

Answer 45

The north was home to around 60% of the country’s industry and generated 80% of its exports.

Question 46

What was the economic condition of southern Italy?

Answer 46

The south was impoverished and had high levels of illiteracy.

Question 47

How did Mussolini plan to address the issues in southern Italy?

Answer 47

Through the centralization of decision making.

Question 48

What was the role of Blackshirt violence in Mussolini’s rise to power?

Answer 48

It involved intimidation tactics and attacking opposition party leaders to silence dissent.

Question 49

How did Blackshirt violence affect public perception?

Answer 49

It created a sense of fear within the public, aiding their rise to power.

Question 50

What was significant about the 1924 election for the fascists?

Answer 50

They coerced many into voting for them to gain a majority.

Question 51

What was Mussolini’s approach to public speaking?

Answer 51

He was a charismatic speaker who used dramatic gestures to appeal to the public.

Question 52

What media did Mussolini use to spread his message?

Answer 52

He used newspaper articles like Il Popolo d’Italia, posters, and pamphlets.