The Rise of National Socialism Flashcards
What are some key traits of Nationalism?
It is a right wing idea that one nation should have superiority over other nations and that people are divided by their nations, which makes people of different nations, unchangeably different. It is a non-economic idea that tends to erupt from the suppression of a group.
What are some key traits of Socialism?
It is a left wing idea the people are divided by class, and that the upper class should pay the state as a sacrifice for their wealth. The state should own all major services and they should give people aid, depending on their class as opposed to nationality. Extreme socialism is communism.
Why was Hitler clever when he called his party, the National Socialist party?
It was clever because it appealed to both Nationalists and Socialists, and it drew people away from communism. He could also blame everyone for failings.
Why did Hitler go to prison?
He tried to overthrow the government with force. This meant he was charged with treason. However, judges were lenient towards nationalists, and he got out after 9 months.
What was the period from 1919 - 1924 known as?
The Dark Years. Hyperinflation occurred which meant that money in the bank became worthless very quickly. Towards the end, Hitler tried to overthrow the government.
What was the period from 1924 - 1930 known as?
The Golden Years. Inflation stopped and the stock market boomed. People no longer kept money in the bank, instead investing it, causing the market to expand. The USA also leant Germany money.
What was the period from 1930 - 1932 known as?
The Great Depression. The stock market crashed as it reached the highest demand. Over production occurred and then high deflation followed. Many people owed money to banks and Germany’s reliance on the USA put it in a worse position. The Nazi party got a large number of votes in 1932.
What is inflation?
When prices rise and money being saved loses value.
What is deflation?
When prices fall and shares lose value.
Why did the Nazis beat the Communists?
The Communists just focussed on the working classes, while the Nazis focussed on multiple classes.
What was different about the German electoral system?
They used a system called proportional representation, where the number of seats is determined by the proportion of the popular vote that party got. This allows small parties to get a better chance of making a start, but it makes getting a majority difficult.
How did the plan about giving Hitler a cabinet post work?
The president offered to give him a cabinet post and lift laws restricting the SA. Then, other politicians could control him. However, Hitler wanted the top job, so he refused.
How did the plan about splitting up the Nazis work?
Schleicher invited the Socialist Nazis, but not the Nationalist Nazis to join the Cabinet. However, Hitler had too much control, and Schleicher (the chancellor) failed to split them.
How did the plan about appointing Hitler chancellor work?
They decided to appoint Hitler chancellor, and appoint Von Papen as vice-chancellor, in a hope that he could stop him. This failed, and Hitler was left with absolute power.
What were Hitler’s three routes to power?
The first was to become president, but Hindenburg was too popular, and that failed. The second was to get a majority so that they could pass any law, but that was extremely difficult. The third was to become Chancellor. This is what he did.
