The Emergence of the Authoritarian State in Germany, 1919-1934

Flashcards covering the key concepts from the lecture on the emergence of the authoritarian state in Germany between 1919 and 1934.

What characterized authoritarian states as described in the lecture notes?

Authoritarian states are those where the ruling regime is not accountable to the people, and where political pluralism and civil rights are restricted or abolished.

What form did the authoritarian state in Germany take, according to the notes?

Germany was characterized as a totalitarian state where one ideology-driven party sought control over all aspects of citizen life.

How did World War I contribute to the rise of authoritarian regimes in the early 20th century?

The war acted as a catalyst for change, leading to disillusionment and enabling the emergence of authoritarian regimes in countries like Germany, Italy, and Russia.

What was the significance of the Weimar Republic's constitution established in 1919?

It was designed to create a democratic system, but it faced significant challenges that contributed to its failure.

What role did economic distress play in post-WWI Germany's political climate?

Economic distress polarized and brutalized political life, making it conducive to the rise of extremist movements.

What does AJP Taylor suggest about the Great Depression's impact on National Socialism in Germany?

Taylor believed that the Great Depression fueled the rise of National Socialism by creating conditions that allowed it to thrive.

What was the 'Gleichschaltung' process?

It was the establishment of the Führer state, where repressive measures were used to consolidate Nazi control.

What were the consequences of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?

The treaty imposed punitive conditions including territorial losses, reparations payments, and military restrictions that fostered national resentment.

What was the impact of the hyperinflation crisis of 1923 in Germany?

It undermined confidence in the Weimar Republic and contributed to the rise of extremist parties by creating widespread economic distress.

What was the significance of the Dawes Plan of 1924?

It helped stabilize the German economy by restructuring reparations payments and securing American loans that led to economic recovery during the Golden Era.

How did Hindenburg's election as president in 1925 change the political landscape?

His election marked a shift in favor of presidential power, which contributed to the decline of accountable democratic governance.

What does the term 'Stab-in-the-back' refer to in the context of post-WWI Germany?

It refers to the myth propagated by military leaders claiming that Germany's defeat was due to internal betrayal rather than military failure.

Who were the Spartacists and what was their role in the early Weimar Republic?

They were radical socialists who attempted to establish a Bolshevik-style state in Germany through an uprising in 1919.

What factors contributed to the rise of National Socialism in Germany?

Factors included a discredited parliamentary system, economic crises, fear of communism, and the collaboration of existing political establishments.

What does the term 'Volksgemeinschaft' mean in the context of National Socialism?

It refers to the concept of a 'people's community' united by blood and ethnicity, rejecting egalitarianism.

What was the primary method through which the Nazis aimed to consolidate power once in office?

The Nazis sought to manipulate the existing conservative political structures and use propaganda to legitimize their authoritarian governance.