Junkers Flashcards
During Kasier Reich 1871-1918 what did the Prussian voting system mean?
That Junker's votes were worth more than the middle and lower class votes to ensure their dominance 3 peasant votes to 1 Junker vote
To retain parliamentary authority, who formed an alliance with the German Conservative Party (Junkers)?
The National Liberals in order they could stand up to the rising SPD who represented the working class
Junkers began to allow middle classes into positions of power to secure this alliance and preserve own positions
Why were there riots in Prussia after 1908?
There was increasing political awareness and growing agitation
During the riots in Prussia in 1908 how many seats did the SPD win?
Just 7, with 23% of the vote
During the riots in Prussia in 1908 how many seats did the Junkers win?
212 with just 16% of the vote
Name two Junkers who promoted other Junkers to positions of power
Kaiser and Chancellor
In Nazi Germany in June 1934 what did Hitler do to the Junkers?
He manipulated them - Night of the Long Knives
What was Night of the Long Knives in June 1934?
Hitler won support from the military leaders, due to concerns raised by the army about the power and recklessness of the SA
When did Hindenburg die?
August 1934
What did Hindenburg’s death in August 1934 mean for Hitler?
He assumed the role as Fuhrer, reducing power of the Junkers considerably
Name 3 powerful Junkers that were removed from the Cabinet around 1938 and why?
1) Papen
2) Blomberg
3) Fritsch
They didn’t like Hitler’s aggressive foreign policy plans
What was the Kreisau Circle?
A small group of military leaders that were concerned about the failings during the war who plotted to assassinate Hitler
Who tried to kill Hitler? Did he succeed?
Count Von Stauffenberg
No and 5000 people were murdered by the Nazis
Why did Hitler attempt to kill the Junkers?
He distrusted them to wipe out links to imperial Germany
Why did Hindenburg and Ludendorff suggest that Germany be turned into a parliamentary democracy in September 1918?
Because it was believed that a lasting peace could only be achieved by democratic nations
What did Prince Max - the reformist do on 28th October?
He pushed through reforms which ensured that the Prussian elite could no longer dominate the military or government and the unfair Prussian voting system was abolished
Some Junkers were still holding powerful positions between 1920-1934? Name up to 3
1) Hans Von Seeckt, Commander in Chief of the Army 1920-1926
2) Franz Von Papen, Chancellor of Weimar Germany Jul-Dec 1932
3) Paul con Hindenbrug, President of Germany 1925-1934
How did Von Seeckt manage to undermine Weimar?
He refused to fire upon the Freikorps during the Kapp Putsch in 1920 which led to Wolfgang Kapp being able to take over 3 days, the Putsch was eventually ended by Ebert calling for general strike which Kapp fled
Who helped undermine Chancellor Schleicher and schemed with Hindenburg in Jan 1933?
Franz Von Papen
How did Franz Von Papen describe Hitler?
As a “Chancellor in chains”
In West Germany during 1945-1990 after the war what happened to the number of Junkers and why?
They declined as most Junker land was in Prussia, so most Junkers were forced to give up their land
At the end of the WW2 in West Germany what happened to Junker lands in the Communist East?
Junker lands were divided into smaller plots and turned into state run farms
In what year did the power of the Prussian land owning elite, come to an end?
1952
