A-Level History-Germany

What event marked the military collapse of Germany in autumn 1918?

The failure of the Spring Offensive and the acknowledgment by General Ludendorff that the war was lost.

What was the impact of the Allied blockade on Germany during WWI?

It caused food shortages and mass civilian starvation, resulting in approximately 750,000 deaths from malnutrition.

What political change did Ludendorff demand in October 1918?

He demanded a constitutional monarchy to secure better peace terms and shift blame away from the military.

What were the October Reforms of 1918?

Prince Max of Baden was appointed Chancellor, and the Reichstag was given more power, creating an illusion of democratization.

What triggered the Kiel Mutiny on October 29, 1918?

Sailors refused orders to embark on a 'death mission' against the British Navy, fearing they would die for a lost cause.

What was the significance of the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II?

It marked the end of the monarchy and led to the formation of a provisional government under Friedrich Ebert.

What was the Ebert-Groener Pact?

An agreement where General Wilhelm Groener promised military support for Ebert's government in exchange for suppressing left-wing uprisings.

What was the outcome of the Spartacist Uprising in January 1919?

The uprising was crushed by the Freikorps, leading to the murder of Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht and deepening divisions on the left.

What were the key features of the Weimar Constitution established in August 1919?

Universal suffrage, proportional representation, and Article 48 allowing the President to rule by decree in emergencies.

What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany?

It imposed war guilt, reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions, leading to national humiliation and economic strain.

What was the Kapp Putsch and its significance?

A right-wing coup attempt in March 1920 that collapsed after a workers' strike, demonstrating Weimar's reliance on leftist support.

What caused the hyperinflation crisis in Germany in 1923?

The government printed excessive money to pay striking workers during the Ruhr Crisis, leading to the mark's value plummeting.

What were the consequences of hyperinflation for the German population?

Middle-class savings were wiped out, and workers' wages became worthless, leading to widespread poverty and loss of trust in democracy.

What was the Munich Putsch and its outcome?

A failed coup led by Hitler in November 1923 that resulted in his arrest and the temporary ban of the Nazi Party.

How did Gustav Stresemann address the economic crisis in late 1923?

He ended passive resistance in the Ruhr, introduced the Rentenmark, and established the Reichsbank to stabilize the currency.

What was the significance of Stresemann's leadership from 1924 to 1929?

It is often viewed as Weimar's most successful phase, marked by relative stability and recovery from the economic crisis.

What was the psychological impact of hyperinflation on the German populace?

It led to a total loss of trust in the Weimar government's competence, fostering support for extremist movements.

What were the long-term effects of the Treaty of Versailles on Weimar Germany?

It contributed to right-wing nationalism, economic difficulties, and the myth of the 'November Criminals' that undermined the Republic's legitimacy.

What was the role of the Freikorps during the Weimar Republic?

They were right-wing paramilitary groups used to suppress leftist uprisings, highlighting Ebert's dependence on conservative forces.

What was the significance of Article 48 in the Weimar Constitution?

It allowed the President to rule by decree in emergencies, which later facilitated the rise of authoritarianism under Hitler.

How did the Weimar Republic's proportional representation system affect governance?

It led to fragmented parliaments and instability, making it difficult to form majority governments.

What was the impact of the Ruhr Crisis on German industry?

It caused industrial output to collapse and led to hyperinflation due to the government's need to print money to pay striking workers.

What was the immediate response of the Weimar government to the Kapp Putsch?

The government called for a nationwide workers' strike, which ultimately led to the collapse of the coup.

What was the role of the Reichsbank established in 1924?

It was created to manage a stable currency and restore confidence in the German economy after hyperinflation.

What period is referred to as the 'Golden Years' of the Weimar Republic?

The Stresemann Era (1924-1929)

What was the Dawes Plan (1924)?

A plan negotiated with U.S. banker Charles Dawes to restructure Germany's reparations, lowering initial payments and providing loans to stimulate recovery.

What was the effect of the Dawes Plan on Germany's economy?

Germany received around 25 billion marks in foreign loans, leading to industrial output rising to pre-war levels by 1928.

What was a major problem with Germany's economic recovery during the Stresemann Era?

The recovery was heavily dependent on U.S. credit, which collapsed in 1929.

What industries saw rapid growth during the Stresemann Era?

Heavy industry, chemicals, and exports, with new industrial giants like IG Farben emerging.

What social issues arose from economic modernization during the Stresemann Era?

Economic modernization deepened social divisions, with farmers and small business owners struggling due to falling agricultural prices.

What characterized the political stability of the Weimar Republic during the Stresemann Era?

Moderate coalition governments dominated, with extremist parties losing support and reliance on Article 48 continuing.

What were the Locarno Treaties (1925)?

Agreements where Germany, France, Belgium, Britain, and Italy guaranteed post-Versailles western borders, with Germany accepting the loss of Alsace-Lorraine.

What was the significance of Germany's admission to the League of Nations in 1926?

It symbolized Germany's international rehabilitation and restored its status as a major power.

What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928)?

An agreement signed by 65 nations, including Germany, renouncing war as a policy.

What was the Young Plan (1929)?

It replaced the Dawes Plan, reducing reparations to £1.85 billion and extending payment deadlines to 1988.

What cultural movements flourished in Weimar Germany?

Modernism in architecture (Bauhaus), Dada and Expressionist art, and a vibrant cabaret culture.

What was the impact of the Wall Street Crash on Germany?

It led to the recall of American loans, causing banks to collapse, unemployment to rise dramatically, and industrial output to fall.

What nickname was given to Chancellor Heinrich Brüning due to his policies?

The 'hunger chancellor' due to his austerity measures that worsened the depression.

What was the outcome of the March 1933 elections in Germany?

Nazis won 43.9% of the votes, allowing them to dominate the Reichstag despite not having a majority.

What was the significance of the Enabling Act passed on March 23, 1933?

It allowed Hitler to legislate without Reichstag approval, effectively ending democracy in Germany.

How did the Reichstag Fire influence the consolidation of Nazi power?

It allowed Hitler to frame communists as a national threat, leading to the suspension of civil liberties and mass arrests.

What was the role of the SA (Sturmabteilung) during the rise of the Nazi Party?

The SA used intimidation and violence to suppress opposition and support Nazi electoral success.

What was the political situation in Germany after Brüning's fall in May 1932?

Chancellors von Papen and von Schleicher ruled with Hindenburg's backing, leading to an unstable and unelected government.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on political radicalization in Germany?

It intensified political radicalization, leading to increased support for extremist parties like the Nazis and Communists.

What was the significance of the Nazi Party's broad message during their rise?

Their message appealed to various groups, promising 'Work and Bread' for the unemployed and 'Restore Pride' for nationalists.

What was the effect of the Nazis' use of propaganda during their rise to power?

It helped to enhance Hitler's charisma and mobilize public support through rallies, radio, and posters.

What was the significance of the political center being shallow during the Stresemann Era?

It indicated that coalitions were fragile, making the government vulnerable to extremist challenges.

What did the term 'legal revolution' refer to in the context of Nazi consolidation of power?

The process by which the Nazis used legal means, such as the Enabling Act, to dismantle democracy and establish a dictatorship.

What was the purpose of the 'Gleichschaltung' in Nazi Germany?

To eliminate opposition and centralize authority under Nazi control.

What happened to trade unions in Nazi Germany?

They were banned on 2 May 1933 and replaced by the German Labour Front (DAF).

What law established Germany as a one-party state?

The Law Against the Formation of New Parties, enacted on 14 July 1933.

What was the significance of the Night of the Long Knives?

It eliminated SA leaders and secured Hitler's control over the military and the Nazi Party.

What occurred during the Night of the Long Knives?

Hitler ordered the SS to kill approximately 200 SA leaders and conservative rivals.

What was the outcome of Hindenburg's death on 2 August 1934?

Hitler merged the offices of President and Chancellor, declaring himself Führer.

What characterized the structure of the Nazi regime?

It was a polycratic state with overlapping institutions competing for Hitler's favor.

How did the SS and Gestapo control society?

They expanded state security, ran concentration camps, and relied on citizen denunciations.

What was the role of the Special People's Courts established in 1934?

They handled political crimes and ensured judges swore loyalty to Hitler.

What was the purpose of the Ministry of Propaganda under Joseph Goebbels?

To control all forms of media and promote Nazi ideology.

What was the aim of the Nazi economic policies from 1933 to 1939?

To reduce unemployment, rebuild the economy for war, and achieve autarky.

What was the significance of the Nuremberg Laws enacted in 1935?

They deprived Jews of citizenship and institutionalized racial discrimination.

What event marked the shift from legal discrimination to state-organized violence against Jews?

Kristallnacht, which occurred on 9-10 November 1938.

What was the T4 Euthanasia Programme?

A Nazi initiative that led to the murder of approximately 70,000 mentally ill individuals.

What was the purpose of the Nazi-Soviet Pact signed in August 1939?

To secure USSR neutrality before the invasion of Poland.

What was the 'Final Solution'?

The Nazi plan for the systematic extermination of Jews and other targeted groups.

What were the military turning points that led to the collapse of the Third Reich?

The Battle of Stalingrad in February 1943 and D-Day in June 1944.

What was the outcome of Hitler's suicide on 30 April 1945?

It marked the end of his leadership and contributed to Germany's surrender on 8 May 1945.

How did Nazi policies impact women and family life?

Women were encouraged to focus on motherhood, with policies promoting large Aryan families.

What was the role of the Hitler Youth and League of German Girls?

To indoctrinate children with Nazi ideology and prepare them for future roles in society.

What was the impact of Nazi propaganda on culture?

It censored art and literature, promoted nationalism, and glorified racial purity.

What was the significance of the Munich Agreement in September 1938?

It allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland, demonstrating the policy of appeasement.

What was the economic outcome of the Four-Year Plan under Göring?

It aimed to prepare the economy for war, increasing production but failing to achieve full autarky.

What were the consequences of the brutal occupation policies in Poland and the USSR?

Millions of civilians were executed or enslaved as part of the Generalplan Ost.

What factors contributed to the Kaiser losing power in 1918?

Exhausted soldiers, severe food shortages, collapsing morale, and the hopeless military situation led to the Kaiser losing support and ultimately abdicating on November 9, 1918.

What triggered the Spartacist Uprising in January 1919?

The uprising was inspired by the Bolshevik Revolution and driven by workers facing starvation and unemployment, who blamed the moderate SPD for cooperating with elites.

Who led the Spartacist Uprising?

Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg led the Spartacists in seizing key buildings in Berlin.

What was the outcome of the Spartacist Uprising?

The uprising was crushed by the SPD-led government using the Freikorps, leading to the execution of its leaders and a permanent weakening of the left.

What were the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles signed in June 1919?

Germany faced territorial losses, military restrictions (army limited to 100,000), reparations of £6.6 billion, and a war guilt clause making it solely responsible for the war.

How did the public react to the Treaty of Versailles?

Right-wing groups called it a 'Diktat' and blamed the SPD, while left-wing factions saw it as an opportunity to overturn the government, leading to widespread humiliation and anger among ordinary Germans.

What was the Weimar Constitution and when was it established?

Established in August 1919, it aimed to stabilize Germany and prevent the restoration of the monarchy, featuring proportional representation and Article 48 allowing the president to rule by decree.

What were the consequences of the Weimar Constitution?

While it allowed for democracy, it also created weaknesses, such as fragmentation of politics and the potential for bypassing the Reichstag.

What triggered the Kapp Putsch in March 1920?

The Putsch was a right-wing backlash against the SPD, driven by Freikorps anger over demobilization after the Treaty of Versailles.

What was the outcome of the Kapp Putsch?

The Putsch initially succeeded in seizing Berlin, but collapsed due to a workers' strike that paralyzed the city, demonstrating the fragility of the Weimar government.

What economic crises did Weimar Germany face between 1921 and 1923?

Weimar faced hyperinflation and economic crisis due to reparations, the Ruhr Crisis, and the government's decision to print money to pay striking workers.

What was the Rentenmark and why was it introduced?

Introduced in November 1923, the Rentenmark was a new currency backed by industrial and agricultural assets to stop hyperinflation and restore confidence.

What was the Dawes Plan and its significance?

The Dawes Plan of 1924 restructured reparations payments and introduced US loans, leading to industrial recovery but also making Germany dependent on the US economy.

What were the Locarno Treaties and their impact?

The Locarno Treaties (1925) involved Germany agreeing to its western borders, which improved relations with Allies and led to Germany's admission to the League of Nations in 1926.

What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928?

The Kellogg-Briand Pact was an agreement in which Germany renounced war as a policy, strengthening its peaceful image abroad and encouraging investment.

What was the impact of the Wall Street Crash on Weimar Germany?

The crash in October 1929 led to rapid unemployment, business failures, and increased public anger, significantly impacting the political landscape.

How did the rise of extremist parties affect Weimar democracy?

The Nazi Party and the KPD gained significant support during the economic crisis, leading to the marginalization of Weimar democracy and fragmentation of the Reichstag.

What was the significance of Article 48 in the Weimar Constitution?

Article 48 allowed the president to rule by decree in emergencies, which led to increased reliance on emergency powers and undermined democratic processes.

What were the consequences of the economic crisis for the Weimar government?

The economic crisis led to the collapse of the Grand Coalition, increased reliance on emergency powers, and a loss of faith in democracy among the populace.

What was the political climate in Germany after the Spartacist Uprising?

The political climate became polarized, with the left weakened and the reliance on the Freikorps legitimizing the use of militarized force in politics.

What were the key challenges faced by the Weimar Republic?

The Weimar Republic faced challenges including economic instability, political extremism, and a lack of strong democratic traditions.

How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany's international standing?

The Treaty created structural vulnerabilities and fueled resentment, undermining public faith in the Weimar government and contributing to the rise of extremist parties.

What was the public's reaction to the Weimar Constitution?

Conservatives hated the Weimar Constitution, while workers and liberals initially supported it, reflecting the divided sentiments in post-war Germany.

What role did Gustav Stresemann play in stabilizing Germany?

Stresemann, as Chancellor and later Foreign Minister, implemented policies that stabilized the economy and reduced political extremism during the 'Golden Years' (1924-1929).

What was the consequence of the Weimar democracy becoming marginalized?

The Reichstag became fragmented.

What significant event occurred during the 1930 elections in Germany?

Nazis won 107 seats and the KPD won 77 seats.

What led to the fragility of the coalition government in Germany during the early 1930s?

Economic crisis, fear of communism, and desire for strong leadership.

What was the role of Article 48 during Hindenburg's presidency?

Chancellors relied on it to bypass the Reichstag.