The Impact of War Flashcards
The Impact of War and the Defeat on Germany 1939-1949
1
Q
How many members were conscripted army in 1935?
A
555,000
2
Q
When was the Rhineland remilitarised?
A
1936
3
Q
When was the Anchsluss with Austria?
A
1938
4
Q
When was the Munich agreement ceded with German speaking Sudetenland?
A
1938
5
Q
Why were Britain and France getting frustrated?
A
Germany expanded to Czechoslovakia.
6
Q
Why did Britain and France declare war on Germany in 1939?
A
They wanted to uphold Poland’s independence but Germany attacked in 1939, causing them to declare war?
7
Q
What tactic did Germany use to defeat Poland within weeks?
A
Blitzkrieg tactics
8
Q
When was the Phoney War?
A
May 1940
9
Q
What happened during the Phoney War?
A
attack on the Western Front, prolonging Anglo-French . Hitler planned to destroy France and Britain to accept German aspiration.
10
Q
How long did it take for Germany to defeat low countries and France?
A
Six weeks
11
Q
What was the state of German expansion by 1941?
A
Hitler ruled Paris to Warsaw- the third reich bordered by friendly powers- Spain, Italy and USSR. Germany assumed the war was over.
12
Q
Why was the Battle of Britain instigated?
A
Churchill refused to negotiate, Germany needed to secure air superiority and invade Britain- disable military and strategic potential.
13
Q
When was Battle of Britain and where was it?
A
July-October 1940 Air battle fought over skies of Southern England
14
Q
What mistake did Hitler make during the Battle of Britain?
A
He decided to switch military focus to prepare for USSR invasion before neutralising Britain
15
Q
When was Operation Barbarossa and what was it?
A
June 1941 Invasion of the USSR
16
Q
What tactics did Germany use in Operation Barbarossa?
A
Blitzkrieg tactics- wanted successful quick victory against USSR like Poland and France.
17
Q
What happened during Operation Barbarossa?
A
The beginning seemed successful- vast tracts of Russian territory occupied and thousands were taken prisoner, because it was a surprise attack for the USSR
18
Q
How far away was the Nazis from Moscow by November 1941?
A
Only miles away from Moscow and Leningrad
19
Q
Why did France fall to the Nazis expansion?
A
French defence strategy on Maginot Line (Franco-German frontier fortification defence), making it powerless against Blitzkrieg, losing the will to resist
20
Q
When did German expansion of the USSR start to fail?
A
December 1941
21
Q
When was Pearl Harbour and Germany and Japan’s declaration of war against the US?
A
December 1941
22
Q
What was the US’ response to Pearl Harbour? What did this mean for Germany’s position during the war?
A
The US prompted into the Battle of the Atlantic. This didn’t fit with the Blitzkrieg strategy of turning industrial capacity of the worlds greatest power. It shows a loss in military and diplomatic intuition.
23
Q
What military failures occurred in 1942?
A
Britain won at El Alamein in North Africa Soviet counter offensive- forced 300,000 soldiers to surrender, Germany were no longer invisible. Naval struggle during Battle of Atlantic
24
Q
What happened to German strategy by 1943?
A
Turned to defensive but still driven by the idea of invisibility and prejudices about race and communism. Continued new radical orders of the Final Solution despite military struggles
25
What was the state of Germany by 1943?
Germany were facing bombing raids which caused destruction, dislocation, total devastation.
26
What did the Allies demand by 1943 in their strategic advantage?
Allies demanded an unconditional surrender- not accepting any negotiations.
27
When was the Battle of Normandy?
1944
28
When did Soviets start to advance through Europe? When did it reach its climax?
1944 (during Battle of Normandy). By 1945 they were a mile away from Berlin.
29
What suggests that from the start, Germany were going to lose the War?
Was not expecting a war by 1939- had limited resources. Planned for a localised war with Poland under the 4 year Plan. A full scale war was predicted to be more suited for Germany in mid 1940s.They started with no sense of strategy or national engagement- had to stretch to the fullest.
30
What domestic factors contributed to the state of Germany's role in the War ?
1941, 2/3 of industrialist warfare engaged in war activities. By 1941, there was modest weapon output causing the poor performance- failing to establish central agency for economic affairs and lacked cabinet control- meaning no key group to discuss the issues.
31
How had civilian consumption been affected between 1939-1941?
Civilian consumption went on decline by 20% in 1939-1941
32
What were Germany's main economic methods during the war?
To gain territory (vital for economic resources) Fritz Todt methods (responsible for prestige of National Motorway Project and Minister of Armament) Albert Speer policies for self-responsibility and the Central Planning Board
33
What was Albert Speer responsible for?
Responsible for: Increased arm production, 'industrialist self-responsibility programme', mass production, Central planning Board, influenced the Gaulieter
34
How much did Albert Speer's methods increase, tank, ammunition and total arms production?
Tank = 25% Ammunition= 97% Total = 59%
35
What was the significance of the Central Planning Board? When was it formed?
1942 Industrialists gained a degree of freedom, maintaining some control over the economy.
36
How were the SS a burden for the domestic economy?
the SS did what they wanted- exploiting land for personal gain, conquered territories which weren't used properly
37
What was Fritz Sauckel responsible for?
Coordinated millions of forced labour workers. This meant large and small companies could exploit foreign labour work. But he was also responsible for the exploitation and death of millions of forced labourers.
38
How did the economic issues during the war impact the Nazis position in the war?
Unable to replace the planes after Battle of Britain Unable to defeat Russian- 1/3 of troops had inadequate equipment.
39
How did the war benefit the industrialists?
They worked with the regime and it increased their profits for big businesses. In 1943, chemicals (IG Farben) businesses for extermination supplied 1/2 labour force
40
When were economic decrees passed for increased war production?
1939
41
How much did military expenditure increase between 1939- 1941?
It more than doubled
42
What was the state of mobilisation for total war by 1941?
It failed to achieve the required levels of arm production
43
What rationing was introduced? When were they introduced?
Food (the start) Clothes (by Nov 1939) Soap and toilet paper
44
What confrontations were faced between Ministry of Arms, Labour and Finances?
Ministries of Arms, Labour and Finances were all seeking for different interests
45
What evidence suggests that the economy and production was still stable in the middle of the war?
Blitzkrieg methods suggest the economy wasn't strained Production did still increase during the bombings Speer continued to increase weapons for two years
46
What did the Central Planing Board do?
Controlled distributions of raw materials, industrial equipment and components. Reorganised factories
47
How much steel did they convert to finished weapons?
100,000 tons of steel for the armed forces. 10,000 tons of finished weapons were made from that.
48
How many tons of weapons increased by 1944?
Increased by 4 folds- to 40,000
49
Why was production so inefficient?
Factories were wasteful in their production. This was slowly overcome in the following 2 years with rigorous application of modern methods of mass production
50
How did Bombing start to seriously effect the economy by 1943?
Large scale bombing impacted performance- reducing potential war production in 1944 by 50% despite having the potential to expand. Caused substantial disparity- failing to produce as many aircrafts and artillery pieces.
51
How did bombing impact civilians?
Air raids began in 1940 and intensified by 1942. Many left cities for rural areas. Emergency services couldn't cope, so government were forced to build emergency accommodation.
52
How many were killed in the Hamburg attack?
30,000
53
How many were killed in Dresden in 1945?
150,000, 70% of properties destroyed
54
How much had bombs increased from 1940 to 1944?
10,000 to 650,000
55
How many doctors were around in 1939?
15 doctors per 10,000
56
How many doctors were around in 1941?
One doctor per 10,000
57
How much fur was collected for the army in 1941-2?
1.5 million
58
What were the state of the hospital trains by 1941?
hospital trains brought back thousands of wounded soldiers
59
What had been ended in 1943 for civilians?
Professional sport ends, sweet shops close, manufacturing of civilian clothe shops stop
60
What bomber raid occurred in Cologne 1942?
Thousand bomber raid on cologne
61
When was Volkssturm formed?
1944
62
What was the Jewish annihilation like in Poland?
Indiscriminate killing occurred as soon as the SS-SD police operated in Europe as killing was adjunct to forced emigration
63
How many fronts was Germany fighting on in 1941?
3 fronts
64
What was the Speech to Reichstag about in 1939? Significance?
Annihilation of the Jewry in Europe in the outbreak of a 'World War'. Transition from piecemeal mass killing to systematic extermination. 'Removal of the Jews' became an ambiguous prophesy. This speech was repeated every January.
65
What was significant about Kristallnacht in indoctrinating the Jewish annihilation ideology?
Turning point for stripping their humanity
66
How many Jews were sent to camp in the early stages? What did this mean for the solution?
20,000 No longer a matter of legality
67
What camps were set up in WWII?
Extermination camps such as Dachau
68
What domestic racial and discriminatory measure were initiated from the out break of war?
Rationing cards had to have a J on them Jewish emigration became a priority Goebbels pushed for radical measures
69
How many Jews were deported to the French camp in July 1940? What was the response of this?
20,000 The French protested against being a 'dumping ground' - things had to change. Jews began to be exiled to Madagascar (pushed by Heydrich in 1940). Nazis utilised this as a propaganda technique as being 'generous'
70
How many Jews were encouraged to leave in 1939-1940?
70,000
71
What was the weakness of the Nazi racial policy in Poland?
They were overrun by Jews- causing contradictions. Acquired Poland with 2 million Jews. No clear policies other than Einsatzgruppen methods
72
What contradictions of racial policy occurred by Goering in 1941?
He wanted the restrictions of Jewish employment to be lifted. Showed that he had no clear idea of the racial policy. he had people discriminated but no massacres
73
What was the SS Einsatzgruppen? How many people were massacred?
2,700 'task forces' of SS and Police units. 16,000 Poles were massacred from mass shooting.
74
How did Himmler describe the deportation methods?
Cruel and tragic 'but better than physical extermination'
75
What was the racial situation in Denmark? How many Jews were smuggled?
Germany lightly occupied Denmark since 1940 (but the Danish gov't had power and so little antisemitism) In 1943, 8,000 Jews were smuggled to safety in Sweden (95% of the Jewish population) Danish kings were willing to protest if Nazis pushed
76
What was the Police Battalion 101?
10-12 of 500 men stepped forward and asked to be excused from participating murder of Jews on Jozefow. They were given other duties and the rest carried out their duties. No one was punished.
77
How many victims of mass shooting in 1941 of Einsatzgruppen in Germany?
700,000 in 1941-42
78
What did Jews have to wear in 1941?
A yellow star of David to be easily identifiable
79
What is the significance of the introduction of the Final Solution?
Brought an end to confusion in 1940-41 Ideological goals were fixed before 1933 WWII was a precondition for the Jewish fate Turning east proved that it was a war of racial annihilation
80
What was the significance of the Wannsee Conference?
It implemented policies that were already decided More so a signpost for genocide. Aimed to inform higher bureaucrats of their role. Decisions already made in 1940
81
What were the main methods against the Jews?
Mass killing, ghettoisation, deportation- a bureaucratic killing machine
82
What happened once the holocaust was in place by 1941?
Gas chambers and technical issues developed- many Nazi officials believed in the 'Jew Free' aim, but only few knew the real intentions.
83
How many people were systematically murdered?
6 million Jews killed 3 million poles killed 3 million Soviet soldiers/ prisoners killed Up to 1 million gypsies and thousands of homosexuals killed
84
How was the method of Racial Annihilation described as by Nazi leaders?
'Combing through Europe'
85
How many Jews were evacuated to the east by the time of the Wannsee Conference?
11 million
86
What was discussion between the Nazi officials during the Wannsee Conference?
Himmler banned further emigration- wanted large majority to die of natural causes and natural selection- forming the germ cell of the Jewish revival Discussed mixed race and transportation- agreeing on the exemption for 'irreplaceable' Jews working in vital war industries
87
What was the significance of the Wannsee Conference for the racial policies?
It clarified to confusing situation of deportation to the East Deportation became more organised- no longer vague, being specific and organised camp systems Coordinated and accelerated mass killings (due to Himmlers influence)
88
What was the new aim for their racial policy after the Wannsee Conference (1942-3)?
1/2 of the Jews were to die in the holocaust
89
What happened in terms of racial policy in 1943?
Concentration of all killings at Auschwitz, deportation of Reich Jews from Germany
90
What happened in terms of racial policy in 1942?
Rounded up all of the jews from Vichy France
91
When was the Wannsee Conference?
1942
92
What happened in terms of racial policy in 1944?
Mass deportation of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz Annihilations expanded and accelerated in signs of losing the war Auschwitz was destructed and evacuated in the final months of the war
93
What was the National mood of the home front at the start of the war?
Resigned and apprehensive but the economic success and Blitzkrieg caused ecstatic crowds
94
What was the state of the living standards at the beginning of the war?
The living standards by 1939 were not ready for a war.
95
What was the home fronts feeding standard during the war?
Germans were adequately fed up until 1944- 10% were above the minimum calorific standard by diets were boring. The last 12 months showed severe rationing and shortages
96
What was life on the home front like between 1939- 1941 (food, clothes, water)?
2/5 Germans ate better than before the war, but the diet was monotonous Winter coats were almost impossible to find and the system over clothing was complicated Germans only received hot water 2 days a week
97
What was life on the home front like between 1941-3 (people, propaganda, war campaigns)?
People got used to seeing wounded men and mourning wives Propaganda was used to increase morale Garments were sent to help soldiers and campaigns to save fuel and avoid tooth decay
98
What was life on the home front like between 1943-4?
War effort= produce arms, grow food, care for sick/ fighting. Anything that didn't contribute was eliminated. Propaganda continued as clothes rationing and hair care had been banned. People in concentration camps worked to death.
99
How many West foreign workers worked in German labour in 1944?
7 million with slight freedom
100
What was life on the home front like between 1944-5?
Non german workers were sent to arm factories. Letter boxed closed Volksturm Home Guards formed Tanks began to approach small towns and people tried too burn Nazi resources as Nazi leaders committed suicide at the end of the war
101
How did the women's role change in the workforce during the war?
Women were drafted to work in 1943-44 In 1943 women between 17-45 were conscripted to work. Age limit in last 12 months for women workers increased to 50
102
What happened in the air raid over the rail yards in 1944 ?
Killed 30 civilians- mostly women and children
103
What was the standards for workers during war?
High demands of labour for war industries Became important to maintain productivity- bonus and overtimes were reintroduced Non essential businesses closed in 1943 All 16-65 were registered for work (deemed as vital)
104
What did the government increase tax on?
Government increased income taxes and increased higher tax on beer, tobacco, cinema and travel.
105
What was the governments desperations like over workers in 1944?
By 1944 it was desperate and had a total ban on holidays, bonuses and rewards. Skilled labour was in short supply, millions of foreign labour mobilised to work. Military expansion needed to employ women effectively
106
What was life for agricultural communities like during the war?
Young men were increasingly conscripted into the military fronts. This caused a growing shortage in agriculture labour. Required an increase in cheap labour from eastern Europe. Rural communities protested hardship and shortages of farm machinery and animal food supplies
107
What was life like for women on the home front?
Agricultural problems caused great difficulty for women. Women had less incentive to work due to families and benefits Women had to have more responsibility in and out of homes- longer hours in arms factories combined with running a household Smoking and nervous fatigue increased in women
108
What pressures did issues over women cause during the war?
Complicated the Nazi policies- more demands for women workers but number of casualties meant more pressure for birth rates. Expected women to conform to the nazi appearance 3 million called to work, only 1 million took up jobs
109
What was life like for youth on the home front?
Known as the dislocated generation from evacuation, bombing and family loss Declined standards of education and academics Teachers were conscripted, formal exams ceased in 1943. The end saw strong focus for militarism Polarised between committed and disaffected
110
What was the minimum age of military service?
17 in 1943 16 in 1945
111
How was morale changing on the home front?
The war underlined the totalitarian nature of the nazi regime. Nazi victories were easy to exploit as propaganda, but failures were hard to censor e.g. El Alamein and Stalingrad SD reports showed a deepening cynicism
112
How did bombing impact morale on the home front?
Anglo-American bombs brought the war into their homes 13 square mile of Dresden city destroyed But morale didn’t decline- strengthen community bonds. Government couldn’t stand cumulative effect of sustained suffering. Goebbels used propaganda and became public face.
113
How many people were killed by bombs?
400,000 Germans 60,000 foreign workers/ prisoners of war 500,000 people became disabled or severely injured
114
Who were the political opposition?
Kriesau circle Freiburgarde Rote Kapelle Former students of Ruti School Neurokdin Helmuth Hukener (listened to the BBC)
115
What did kriesau circle do?
Traditional elites, officers and professionals. Started in 1933 Made plans for post nazism in 1943- 'Principles for New Order' planning an open and equal society They were executed ‘not for what they have done but what they had thought’ in 1944
116
What did Freiburgarde do?
He was an academic leader at university, opposed nazis and accused them of misleading Germans Helped hitlers downfall but didn’t want to contribute to the defeat
117
What did Rote Kapelle do?
Spy network for Soviet’s- acting sabotage 1942 were tracked down and leaders executed
118
What did ex Ruti School Neurokdin students do?
Duplicate and distribute anti-Nazi pamphlets
119
What youth groups protested/ resisted?
Weisse rose Edelweiss pirates Swing youth
120
What did weisse rose do?
Students and a lecturer of University of Munich organised opposition. Kirt Huber (leader) drafted widely circulated letters demanding personal freedom. Hans and Sophie scholl organised public demonstrations, carefully handing out leaflets Arrested by gestapo executed 1943
121
What did the edelweiss pirates do?
Anti social street fighters with hitler youth Became politically motivated by 1940s - producing anti nazi leaflet. Provided sanctuary’s for forced labourers Publicly hanged by SS in 1944
122
What did swing youth do?
Rejected nazi culture- liked American music and dance, dressed and hairstyled uniquely. Described as ‘degenerate’ They were anti establishment and anti nazi. They were repressed and sent to concentration camp.
123
Who were the conspirators for the July Bomb plot?
had key influencers and support from a lot of sections from the public. High ranking Wehrmacht officers that served on the Russian front. German military commanders in France Members of the kreis circle Field Marshall’s
124
Who was the leader and assassin of the July bomb plot ?
Leader= Ludwig beck Assassin= Claus Von stauffenberg
125
What happened at the end of the bomb plot?
Radio broadcast the Hitler has survived. SS went to restore order. Some conspirators were still in Paris, SS and Gestapo ordered them back into Berlin. Some committed suicide and others were hanged. By midnight, all authority was restored.
126
What was the aftermath of the bomb plot?
Hitler took vengeance on all that were involved. Gestapo and SS tracked them all down and committed brutal methods of execution (being ruthless for deterrence) . 200 victims
127
Why did the bomb plot fail?
Predicted failures from poor planning, no realistic assessment of support and their obstacles. Relied on a collapses after Hitlers death but they underestimated Hitlers loyalty so their popular support was insufficient.
128
Why was no resistor successful in defeating Nazism during the war?
Didn't act as a unified movement- being fragmented along the class lines lacked organisation and organised leadership. Allies were unwilling to recognise the country having any opposition
129
What were the overall death/ injury toll against resistors during the war?
Reich Minister of Justice sentenced 13,405 Germans to death for political offences. 800 were executed by 1945. During the war, 9,413 officers and men were shot for either political or religious views/ refused
130
What was the significance of the SD reports?
Security service with 50,000 officers by 1939, led by Heydrich. Overlapped with Gestapo. Staffed by Nazi party, members were 'faithful' (subjective and biased).
131
What did the SD reports show about morale every year?
1939 showed reluctant loyalty. 1940 discontent 1941 Mixed and uncertain 1942-3 unshakeable loyalty, grateful for Goebbels but war weariness 1944- Propaganda caused disillusion
132
Why didn't more people resist the regime during the war?
No legal way to remove Hitler Only few had access to Hitler, who were bound by oath Criticism received fierce repression 5000 executed at Bomb plot- fear Top nazis were involved in war crime and couldn't expect/ enhance from allies
133
Why does the populations indoctrination suggest the reason for limited resistance?
Fear of the Russian alternative Nazi racial state- they were convinced they were the superior race and determined to defend the regime- believed propaganda against Jews. Didn't want to repeat the aftermath of WWI
134
What showed that Hitler was delusional during the final months of the war?
Rejected several strategies to end the war. He ordered SS General Steiner to launch a counter attack against the Soviet army (impossible)
135
Quotes about the end of the war and Nazi dictatorship?
'enjoy the war while you can! the people is going to be terrible!'. 'Born of crisis and hatred, they had died in crisis and hatred'
136
Final stats before Germany were defeated?
3.5 million fled west when the Soviets arrived 1/2 million died in marches 1/4 civilians became homeless
137
What was the state of Germany during zero hour?
German state ceased to exist, central government broke down Urban destruction and food shortages- couldn't feed or accommodate.
138
How were the population displaced during zero hour?
Population displacement- 1 in 2 were on the move, 12 million refugees fled from the east 10 million of 'displaced persons' in forced labour/ prisoners/ families torn apart were looking for each other.
139
What happened to German soldiers during zero hour?
Over 11 million German soldiers were taken as prisoners of war. 7.7 million were released- 3.3 million in the USSR were captive until 1950
140
What were the state of buildings and cities in zero hour?
20% destroyed 30% damaged Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg reduced to rubble. Residence had emergency accommodation/ escape to the country side
141
What was calory consumption like in winter 1945 during zero hour?
Average calorie consumption from 2000 to 950-1150
142
What were the consequences of zero hour for the German economy?
Industrial capacity had obviously declined dramatically Infrastructure of bridges, railways and utilities were broken down State had huge debts, faced problems of rising inflations
143
What was still positive for Germany during zero hour?
Still had efficient civil service, long standing local government authorities, well established banking system and industrial base, potential productivity
144
What were the Nuremberg Trials in zero hour?
To punish Nazi leaders against either war crimes, crimes against peace, crimes against humanity and conspiring to commit the above crimes. Thousands of trials against a variety- leading lawyers, industrialists, doctors, etc
145
What was the flaw of the Nuremberg trials?
Many who were responsible for the crimes weren't brought to trials. They hid from the past and possibly continues. Some trials were for show just to reveal cruelty
146
What was discussed during the Teheran meeting in 1943?
unconditional surrender Determine military strategy for the final stage
147
What disagreements occurred during the Teheran meeting?
Serious disagreements over territorial change self interest and mutual mistrust prohibited compromise USSR wanted to keep gains from the nazi-Soviet pact from 1939 but issues over territories occurred No agreement found- special commission for further negotiations
148
Context of the Yalta Conference?
Soviet Red army were advancing through Germany but the West were struggling to keep up in their advance. They didn't reach the Rhine until February. Soviet liberation of states in East Europe. Roosevelt and Churchill had been criticised for allowing Soviets to establish influence in the east-polish territory and north east Prussia
149
What was discussed during the yalta conference ?
Poland was agreed to have German territory on the West borders, but the frontier of the border was postponed Germany was set to be divided into 4 zones with 4 high commanders and military occupation.
150
What was postponed during the Yalta conference?
Frontier of German-Polish border Special commission to look into reparations Described as an initial understanding before peace.
151
What issues were occurring during the yalta conference?
Stalin was in a powerful negotiation position. There was confusion over the western terms. Wanted the East to give freedom of speech and elections. Roosevelt was naive. Soviet zone became communist over democracy which caused tensions and mistrust
152
What was Truman's views going into Potsdam?
Truman was unclear of the situation and was prepared to continue American policies. Had little trust for Stalin due to the Red Scare and beliefs over democracy
153
What was Truman, Churchills and Stalin views going into Potsdam?
Truman- little trust for Stalin due to his American policies/values and democracy. Churchill- pessimistic, urged to prevent Soviet spread. Clement Attlee took over Stalin- Concerned about reparations and security
154
What impact did the war have on the USSR which motivated Stalin?
Soviets lost 20 million and the West Russian Industry and infrastructure Agrian production reduced to 40%, steel 50%. Needed reparations to rebuild, was against German divisions. Wanted access to industrial areas along the Rhine and Ruhr
155
How was occupation agreed upon during potsdam?
4D's were established (demilitarise, de-nazify, decentralise, democratise) Agreed to administer zones independently but as one unit. Issues decided unanimously
156
How was the German-Polish agreed upon during potsdam?
Agreed along the Oder-Neisse line between Poland and Soviet zone. They postponed any further discussions for no chance of renegotiation.
157
How was reparations discussed during potsdam?
USSR demanded 20 billion which was seen as exorbitant and impossible for the German economy
158
How was demilerisation agreed upon during potsdam?
All German military forces disbanded in 1945 and to prevent from having independent military perseverance under allied occupation as there is no government. This remained until 1955
159
The consequences of Potsdam?
Potsdam was a protocol, not a peace treaty. Plans for Germany to become one state after the occupation The occupation showed the grim realities of power politics and international rivalry. All decisions made were subjected to the context of the Cold War- US fear of Soviet army and USSR fear of US atomic bombs
160
How did all zones approach demilitarisation?
No armed forces permitted. Manufacture of arms were banned. Metal, chemicals, machinery and others from the war economy. Destruction led to confusion. Disbanded forces No German government so no independent Germany military force
161
What extreme methods did the US zone do to de-nazify Germany?
Thousands forced to visit open concentration camps Thousands of ex NSDAP members automatically arrested and others were banned from leading positions in the private and public services Missionary zeal - destroyed its capitalist structure to purge its Nazi evil
162
What were 131 Questions (west) by Lucius Clay?
to categorise the public into offenders which were interrogated and potentially punished with fines, imprisonment or death People weren't allowed to enrol at university
163
How was the US' zone democratised?
3 Landers established in 1946 and the first free election was held.
164
What did the US do with some of the leaders of the Nazi party?
Originally wanted to dismiss all leader from office. All nazi party members before 1937 were dismissed from office.
165
What were the British zones method of De-nazification?
Pragmatic Lucius Clays survey was not always followed up. Sent people to visit Concentration Camps. Soon allowed ex-party members back and even permitted to assume leadership roles in the zones. People were allowed to enrol at university
166
What were the British zones method of democratisation/ decentralisation?
Wary to give political freedom , preferred to control experts with limited input. But the financial cost led to a democracy in 1947. Free elections held
167
What were the French zones method of De-nazification?
Was not a priority, mainly wanted to assure security and defence as man power was limited
168
What were the French zones method of democratisation/ decentralisation?
Supported German dismemberment due to their own security and funding interests. Blocked any attempt by other Western powers. Held tight control, economically cut off, stubbornly resisted democratic parties until March 1947, when Lander elections were permitted.
169
Why was it important for Communists to gain votes?
Communism needed to be assured to control education and to appoint reliable support in key areas to ensure future support. But were struggling to gain enough votes in 1945
170
How did the Communists gain control?
SED gradually eliminated other political groups. Soviet military command suppressed political party activity in Berlin, CDU and LDPD activities ended, free expression was severely limited, political dissent restrained, military government determined appointment and dismissal.
171
When was democracy abandoned? How did the USSR change the political state of their zone?
Democracy was abandoned between 1948-9. Marxist-Leninist 'Party of a New Type' showed democratic centralism was established. Mass organisation under communist control of youth, women and unions in soviet zone.
172
How did the Soviets de-nazify their zone?
Blamed capitalism so developed a new social-economic system that was sharp and decisive. War criminals were executed/ imprisoned and nazi property was confiscated 450,000 Nazi party members were dismissed but needed the experience and skilled workers so later reappointed
173
How did(n't) the Soviets decentralise and democratise their zone
Had Lander as states at the end of 1945 but found them with less political importance. Soviets then established centralised authority that were responsible for transport, regional authority and control. Abandoned democracy in 1948.
174
Who led SED? What did they stand for?
Walter Ulbricht Liberation from Fascism, argued ordinary workers and peasants were innocent of Nazism and war guilt. Property belonging to absentee factory owners, Nazi war criminals and Junkers were confiscated- winning votes
175
What evidence is there that SED and other parties were severely controlled by centralised government influence (USSR)?
SED were often purged and forced to conform to soviet policies. Made new parties such as National Democratic and Democratic Peasantry. All parties agreed that state control was needed and economic intervention
176
Overall, was the methods of de-nazification successful?
Failed to secure destruction of the state, limited real change in values. The process was undermined by too many cases of injustice so the task grew out of hand with not enough staff. Left to local authorities.
177
What was the state of tensions between zones by 1947-8?
Zones weren't in agreement , all aims conflicted with individual political interest. In 1947-8, interests moved to the Cold War By 1947, the US zone and USSR zone completely contrasted
178
What were the Allied Control Council (ACC)? What did they do?
Military government body. Sorted out issues from WWII, including: shortage, homelessness, bereavement, soldiers in civilian cities, refugees, impact of genocide and the collapse of currency
179
What were the ACC planning in 1946?
Reconstruction plan as by winter time, the British zone had a weak economy and were unable to fund. French and USSR zone did not agree
180
What did the ACC do in 1947? Why?
Food imports costed 700 million a year. British and American zone combined to create Bizonia for aids.
181
What did the West do in 1948?
Marshall Plan implemented in the Western Zone London conference agreed on the currency and the state (USSR weren't invited)
182
What did the West do in 1949?
Trizonia New constitution (Basic Law) established in the West German State
183
Why did West Germany change its currency and what to in 1949?
Black Market gained from the Wests weak currency. Introduced a new currency called the Deutschmark. This was essential before aid
184
What did East Germany do to their currency in response to the West?
They changed their own currency to the East German Mark
185
What was the significance of the Berlin Blockade?
Confirmed division and cumulation of tense development. It was in response to the Truman doctrine and Marshall Plan, triggered by the change in currency. Berlin became the centre for Cold war
186
What was the significance of the Berlin Airlift?
Symbol of resistance to the spread of Communism and confirmed divisions further. The West protected democracy from Communism and stopped chances of falling to the Soviets without War.
187
What happened in terms of the Nazi racial policy in 1939?
Jews were resettled, moving into ghettos. Euthanasia programme begins
188
What happened in terms of the Nazi racial policy in 1940?
Plan drawn up to transport 4 million western jews to Madagascar 1940-41: 70,000 mentally ill were gassed
189
What happened in terms of the Nazi racial policy in 1941 and 1942?
1/2 million Jews were shot German Jews were ordered to wear the Star of David Mass deportation of Jews to the east Mass gassing of Jews at Chelmno camp
190
What happened in terms of the Nazi racial policy in 1942 and 1943?
1942 saw systematic round-up of Jews and Gipsies to Auschwitz 1943 Expansion of the extermination camp system
