Nazi Germany Flashcards
What happened in the Weimar Republic period?
A new constitution was enacted in 1919 directly following the war that made Germany a modern, liberal democratic political structure. The Reichstag was elected and had a say in legislation.
How did the Treaty of Versailles impact Germany?
It forced Germany to accept all responsibility for the war, pay reparations and give up land to America, Britain and France, among other things
What happened at the beginning of Germany’s great depression?
After WWI the country was in economic ruins and could no longer make Versailles payments. France and Belgium invaded the Ruhr industrial region hoping to claim profits but workers went on strike, increasing inflation and causing the middle class to lose their investments
What happened economically in Germany between 1923 and 1929?
A new currency was introduced and the economy somewhat stabilized. Under The Dawes Plan the US lent Germany money for reparations, but when the stock market crashed Germany fell back into debt
What was the Nazi reaction to the economic turmoil in Germany during the great depression?
They announced state responsibility for civilian employment and said industry profits should be shared by all civilians
Who had traditionally had economic power in the german empire?
The Kaiser (emperor) and Chancellor (prime minister)
Why did people idealize Nazi law and order?
Because political uprisings were common and people trusted the Nazis to control them. They thought Germany needed a stronger government to combat lawlessness
Why did the Nazis think the Aryan race was superior?
Because it descended from indo-Europeans
Who did the Nazis scapegoat?
The Jews (for the Treaty of Versailles and worker exploitation by banks and industry) the Roma (gypsies) and people with disabilities (for ‘diluting’ the Aryan Race)
When did Hitler become Chancellor?
In 1932 when the Nazis received 33% of the popular vote. They realized there was still work to do to garner more support.
What happened in the burning of the Reichstag?
A month after Hitler became chancellor a fire was set to the Reichstag and Nazis claimed it was a part of a communist plot to take over Germany. They used it to call new elections and pass the Reichstag Fire Decree and Enabling Act, extending government power
What did the Reichstag Fire Decree accomplish?
It restricted powers of press and asembly, eliminated privacy of communications, banned all political parties but the Nazis, eliminated the need for warrants and granted Hitler Power to pass legislation without Reichstag approval
What happened in the ‘Night of Long Knives’ purge in Nazi Germany?
In 1934 Hitler ordered the assassination of all SA leaders. When President Paul von Hinderburg died, Hitler declared himself Führer
What happened to the economy during the Nazi period in Germany?
The Nazis attempted to achieve German self-sufficiency and the economy thrived, but workers had limited rights and could not protest for more
What happened during the Holocaust?
All Jewish Germans and Jews in countries Germany invaded were detained in ghettos and concentration camps. In total, over 6 million died.
