Nazi Germany Flashcards
I like bread
Describe the impact of WW1 on Germany.
Two million troops died - over four million wounded.
Government debt increased from 50 billion to 150 billion marks.
Food shortages caused by British naval blockages lead to the death of 750 000 Germans.
What was the armistice?
The peace agreement between Germany and the allies, signed on the 11th of November. It was the first major desision of Ebert’s new republic.
Describe the strengths of the Weimar constitution.
Women were able to vote.
Proportional representation made sure all parties had a fair share of seats.
Voting age reduced from 25 to 21.
No one person or group had too much power.
Reichstrat could regulate power of the Reichstag by defying new laws.
Describe the weaknesses of the Weimar constitution.
Lack of strong government meant they were weak in a crisis.
Based on division and violence - government used force against public riots.
Small parties won seats, leading to coalition governments that were unstable.
What were the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles (1919).
Germany had to take the blame for the war (war guilt clause).
Germany had to pay reparations, fixed at 136 000 million marks.
Germany lost land, and all it’s colonies.
German military strength was cut, limited to 100 000 men.
Why did Germans oppose the Treaty of Versailles?
Loss of land meant some of Germany was cut off.
Germans feared for the economy due to having to pay reparations.
They thought it was unfair to be blamed for the war.
Loss of military strength made them feel weak and vunerable.
Who were the November Criminals?
The leaders of the new Weimar republic, so named because they signed the Treaty of Versailles, seen as traitors.
Explain the ‘stab-in-the-back’ theory.
German people never believed their army had been defeated by war. Those who criticised the treaty said the army had been betrayed by politicians, and forced to surrender.
Define hyperinflation.
When the price of goods increase by a lot. This led to the German currency becoming worthless.
