Weimar and Nazi Germany - Importance of Germany Flashcards
1
Q
Creation of Germany
A
- Before 1871, Germany had been made up of separate states, the largest of which was Prussia
- In 1871, these states defeated France in a short war and then Prussia united them to from a German Reich (Emprie)
- This state soon dominated Europe with industrial and military power
- It had vast anunts of natural resources and fertile land
2
Q
Germany’s overseas empire
A
- Germany followed the rest of Europe in colonising the rest of the world
- It started in 1880 and by world war one, it had African and Pacific territories
3
Q
The German rule
A
- Had aking (Kaiser), chancellor and then the reichstag (parliament)
- From the 1890s, only the Kaiser had power
- He could appoint or dissolve the Reichstag or chancellor
- From 1888, the Kaiser was Wilhelm II who had ambitious plans to build up the German army
4
Q
The German people
A
- Very large divide, highly industrialised cities compared to rural farms in the mountains
- North was more protestant and south was more catholic
- Everyone had good jobs creating strong economic power
- Very healthy and had good welfare
- Young
5
Q
Background to Kaiser Wilhelm II
A
- Bron in 1859 and had a cold relationship with his parents
- Would not let his mother leave his palace as he expected her to steal his father’s will
- Born with a withered arm but still put through vigorous military training
- Obssessed with physical excersie
- Took the throne from his father in 1888, when he died after a short reign
6
Q
Personal Qualities of Wilhelm
A
- Intelligent
- Wanted to make all the decisions without knowing the information beforehand
- Charming and liked to put on a grand display
- Quite rude
7
Q
How the Kaiser ran Germany
A
- Felt that his grandfather gave too much power to the ministers
- German constitution gave him great power and he intended to use it
- Wilhelm argued with his first chancellor, Bismarck, and forced him to resign
- He would then appoint ministers who would do him what he wanted
