Full Weimar and Nazi Germany flashcards

Weimar Republic

The democratic government established in Germany after the First World War, formally declared on 9 November 1918.

First World War

A global conflict from 1914 to 1918 that left Germany defeated and economically burdened.

Friedrich Ebert

Leader of the Social Democratic Party who became the first German president after the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

The last German Emperor whose abdication on 9 November 1918 led to the declaration of the German Republic.

Council of People's Representatives

A temporary governing body formed by Friedrich Ebert after the abdication of the Kaiser.

Philipp Scheidemann

A member of the Social Democratic Party who declared the new Republic to the crowds on 9 November 1918.

Reichstag

The more powerful house of the German Parliament, directly elected by the people at least once every four years.

Reichsrat

The second house of the German Parliament, representing the regions of Germany, elected every four years.

Proportional representation

An electoral system that ensures small parties have a fair share of seats in the Reichstag.

Article 48

A provision in the Weimar Constitution that allowed the president to pass laws without the consent of the Reichstag in times of crisis.

Strengths of the Weimar Constitution

Included proportional representation, the ability for women to vote, and regular elections for the presidency.

Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution

Included unstable coalition governments, lack of strong government during crises, and unpopularity among the people.

Impact of the First World War on Germany

Resulted in two million troops dead, over four million wounded, and government debts increasing from 50 billion marks to 150 billion marks.

The armistice

The peace agreement signed on 11 November 1918 between Germany and the Allies, marking the end of the First World War.

Economic problems post-WWI

Included increased government debts and food shortages leading to over 750,000 deaths.

Political problems post-WWI

Included revolts and unrest due to the devastating effects of the war.

Election for president

Held every seven years in the Weimar Republic.

Voting age

Reduced from 25 to 21 in the Weimar Republic.

Women in the Weimar Republic

Gained the right to vote, promoting equal rights and obligations.

Challenges from left and right

Political instability in the Weimar Republic due to extremist groups from both sides.

Stresemann's success

Refers to the economic and political recovery in Germany during the period of 1923-29 under Chancellor Gustav Stresemann.

Nazi youth organisations

Groups established by the Nazi Party to indoctrinate young people with Nazi ideology.

Nazi education

The system implemented by the Nazis to promote their ideology and values in schools.

Policies to reduce unemployment

Measures taken by the Nazi regime to address the high unemployment rates in Germany.

Racial beliefs and policies

Nazi ideologies that promoted Aryan superiority and led to discriminatory laws against Jews and other minorities.

Jewish persecution

The systematic oppression and violence against Jews in Nazi Germany, which escalated throughout the regime.

Treaty of Versailles

1919 agreement imposing penalties on Germany.

November Criminals

Leaders blamed for signing the Treaty of Versailles.

Reparations

Compensation payments Germany owed to Allies, £6600 million.

Article 231

Clause assigning war guilt to Germany.

Hyperinflation

Rapid increase in prices, rendering currency worthless.

Rentenmark

New currency introduced in 1923 to stabilize economy.

Freikorps

Ex-soldiers used to suppress left-wing revolts.

Spartacist Revolt

1919 left-wing uprising against Weimar government.

Kapp Putsch

1920 right-wing coup attempt against Weimar government.

Political assassinations

376 politicians killed from 1919 to 1923.

Economic crisis of 1923

Severe inflation and economic instability in Germany.

Dawes Plan

1924 plan to restructure Germany's reparations payments.

Young Plan

1930 plan further reducing German reparations.

Loss of territory

Germany lost 13% of European territory post-war.

Military restrictions

Army limited to 100,000; no air force allowed.

Stab-in-the-back theory

Belief army was betrayed by politicians.

Plebiscite

Vote to determine territorial changes post-war.

Rhineland

Demilitarized zone bordering France as per treaty.

Economic recovery (1923-29)

Stabilization efforts led by Chancellor Gustav Stresemann.

International loans

Financial assistance from foreign nations post-war.

Public confidence

Restored by the introduction of the Rentenmark.

Negative effects of hyperinflation

Middle class suffered; savings became worthless.

Positive effects of hyperinflation

Farmers benefited; debts became easier to repay.

Rentenbank

Bank established to issue Rentenmark in 1923.

Reichsmark

Currency replacing Rentenmark in 1924.

Instalments

Reduced reparations payments set at £50 million annually.

American Loans

Financial support from US banks to German industry.

Economic Improvement

Industrial output doubled by 1928, surpassing pre-war levels.

Reparations Payments

Scheduled payments extended until 1988 under Young Plan.

Political Opposition

Extreme parties opposed reparations and economic recovery.

Stresemann's Achievements

Strengthened Germany's economy and foreign relations.

Locarno Pact

1925 agreement improving Germany's relations with France.

Demilitarisation

Agreement on permanent demilitarisation of the Rhineland.

League of Nations

International body Germany joined in 1926 to discuss peace.

Kellogg-Briand Pact

1928 agreement to avoid war for foreign policy.

Living Standards

Improved due to government funding and policies post-1924.

Unemployment Insurance

3% of wages deducted for unemployment benefits.

Housing Shortage

Despite improvements, housing remained insufficient in 1929.

Women's Rights

Women gained equal rights and voting in 1918.

New Women

Younger women sought independence and leisure over marriage.

Bauhaus School

Art and design school promoting modernist architecture.

Expressionism

Art movement focusing on raw emotion and societal issues.

Marlene Dietrich

Famous actress known for her roles in 1920s cinema.

Otto Dix

Influential artist known for Expressionist works depicting war.

George Grosz

Artist highlighting social issues through Expressionism.

Paul Klee

Artist associated with Bauhaus and Expressionist movement.

Cave Flowers

Notable work by Paul Klee showcasing his artistic style.

Working Conditions

Improved during the Weimar Republic, despite hyperinflation.

Part-time Work

Increased opportunities for women in various professions.

Traditional Values

Challenged by new cultural movements in Weimar Germany.

Adolf Hitler

Austrian-born leader of the Nazi Party.

German Workers' Party (DAP)

Political party founded in 1919, precursor to NSDAP.

National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP)

Nazi Party, renamed from DAP in 1920.

Sturmabteilung (SA)

Paramilitary force of the Nazi Party, known as 'Brownshirts'.

Mein Kampf

Hitler's autobiography outlining his political ideology.

Munich Putsch

Failed coup attempt by Hitler in November 1923.

25-point programme

Nazi political manifesto outlining key policies.

Lebensraum

Concept of expanding Germany for living space.

Wall Street Crash

1929 financial crisis causing global economic depression.

Paul von Hindenburg

President of the Weimar Republic during Hitler's rise.

Heinrich Brüning

Chancellor of Germany before Hitler's appointment.

Franz von Papen

Politician who played a role in Hitler's rise.

Kurt von Schleicher

Army general involved in political maneuvers of 1932.

Bamberg Conference

1926 meeting to unify Nazi Party factions.

SA tactics

Intimidation methods used to gain political support.

Nazi propaganda

Media strategies to promote Nazi ideology and Hitler.

Economic crisis

Financial turmoil post-1929 aiding Nazi popularity.

Political instability

Weaknesses in Weimar government leading to extremist support.

Job creation

Nazi promise to provide employment for all citizens.

Anti-Semitism

Hostility towards Jews, central to Nazi ideology.

Youth appeal

Nazis attracted young people with exciting promises.

Middle-class support

Nazis promised protection from communism and economic recovery.

Röhm

Leader of the SA, key supporter of Hitler.

Drexler

Co-founder of the DAP and early collaborator with Hitler.