Weimar Ten Markers

Question 1

Name 5 failures of the Weimar Republic from 1923 - 1929

Answer 1

1. Many people disliked the new culture and saw it as un-German. They missed the days of the Kaiser.
2. Loans were temporary and could be recalled at any time.
3. Those who hated the Treaty of Versailles despised the government for now accepting it.
4. Extremist groups never went away. Instead they were growing and waiting for the right time to strike.
5. People with savings lost out. Many never forgave the government for this.

Question 2

Name 5 ways in which the Munich Putsch was a disaster for the Nazis.

Answer 2

1. Hitler was shot and 16 Nazis were killed. Hitler was arrested.
2. Hitler was imprisoned for 9 months. His uprising had failed.
3. The authorities in Bavaria had betrayed Hitler; he was not as popular as he thought.
4. The Nazis had to accept they were still a very small party who lacked broad appeal.
5. The Nazis now had to consider a new approach

Question 3

Name 5 ways in which the Munich Putsch was a success for the Nazis.

Answer 3

1. Hitler received a lot of sympathy from the judge. He was sentenced to 5 years but only served 9 months.
2. He was given a fully furnished luxury cell. He was allowed visitors and used his time wisely to write ‘Mein Kampf’
3. Hitler himself said he learnt a lot from the uprising and realised that he would need to get voted into power.
4. The trial gave Hitler huge publicity; now everyone knew who he was.
5. After he was released Hitler set about rebuilding the party. He may have been down but he wasn’t out.

Question 4

Give 5 examples of how Hitler successfully developed the Nazi party between 1924 and 1932

Answer 4

1. He set up youth organisations to attract young people to the party.
2. He increased the numbers in the SA and set up the SS to be loyal to him only.
3. He made the Nazi party a national party with offices across Germany.
4. He put Dr Goebbels in charge of propaganda, making posters and leaflets to spread the Nazi message.
5. The Wall Street Crash in 1929 gave Hitler the perfect opportunity to capitalise on this success and appeal to the unemployed, starving masses.

Question 5

Give 3 examples of how Hitler was unsuccessful in developing the Nazi party between 1924 and 1932

Answer 5

1. The Nazis share of the votes was low. The Communists actually gained more power than the Nazis.
2. Up to 1929 most people were enjoying life because they had jobs and money. Stresemann had helped to stabilise Germany. People were not interested in extreme politics.
3. Without the Wall Street Crash it could be argued Hitler lacked the broad appeal needed to win over a large share of the voters. He simply got lucky.

Question 6

Give 3 reasons why the Depression helped Hitler to become Chancellor

Answer 6

1. The Wall Street Crash caused chaos in Germany - businesses went bankrupt, workers were laid off. The Nazis appealed to those most vulnerable.
2. The Nazi message now made sense to people. Hitler seemed like the one who could save them.
3. In July 1932 as a result of effective campaigning the Nazis received 230 votes. They were the largest single party in the Reichstag.

Question 7

Explain how the actions of Von Papen and Hindenburg helped Hitler become Chancellor.

Answer 7

After becoming the largest single party (230 seats in July election) Hitler demanded to be made Chancellor. He was turned down and the job offered to Von Papen instead. Von Papen was unpopular and so another election was held; again the Nazis came out on top. After another failed Chancellor (Von Schleicher) Hindenburg and Von Papen met secretly and devised a plan. They offered the post of Chancellor to Hitler thinking they could control him; they were wrong.

Question 8

Explain how the threat of Communism helped Hitler to become Chancellor

Answer 8

After the Wall Street Crash extreme parties including the Communists began to attract more support. The Nazis used violence against them. Many middle class people feared the Communists, as did businesses and industrialists. They poured money into Nazi campaigning. These people, and farmers too, voted for the Nazis simply to keep the Communists out.

Question 9

Explain how Hitler’s qualities helped him to become Chancellor in 1933.

Answer 9

He was a powerful speaker who was years ahead of his time. His profile was raised hugely after the Munich Putsch. He also, unsuccessfully, ran for President but lost to Hindenburg. He used film, radio and speeches to share his message. He appeared to be a strong, decisive leader who could save Germany.

Question 10

Explain how propaganda helped Hitler to become Chancellor in 1932

Answer 10

Nazi campaigns were modern and effective. They used generalised slogans like ‘work and bread’ to appeal to the masses. Their policies were vague and so hard to criticise. Their posters were everywhere and showed Hitler as Germany’s saviour. The SA and SS appeared disciplined and organised in a time of chaos. Many were won over by them.

Question 11

Name 5 successes of the Weimar Republic from 1923 - 1929

Answer 11

1. Freedom of expression. People were free to criticise the government. Culture flourished - new cinemas, theatres and dance halls opened.
2. Loans from the USA were negotiated. Dawes Plan in 1924 and Young Plan 1929.
3. Stresemann improved Germany’s reputation. Locarno Pact 1925 agreed. 1926 joined the League of Nations.
4. There were no more major political rebellions during this period.
5. Stresemann introduced a new currency, the Rentenmark, to tackle the hyperinflation problem.