GCSE History - Germany

What problems did the Weimar Republic face in the 1920s?

• Weak coalition governments

• Hyperinflation (1923)

• Hatred of Treaty of Versailles

What were Stresemann's successes?

• Dawes Plan

• Young Plan

• Locarno Pact

• League of Nations entry

• Economic stabilisation

Why did the Nazis become popular during the Great Depression?

• Unemployment

• Hitler’s promises

• Propaganda

• Weak Weimar government

• Fear of communism

How did Hitler become Chancellor in 1933?

• Backroom deals

• Papen & Hindenburg thought they could control him

What was the Reichstag Fire?

Parliament burnt down (1933), used to blame communists and arrest thousands.

What was the Enabling Act?

Gave Hitler power to make laws without the Reichstag.

What was the Night of the Long Knives?

1934 purge of SA leaders to secure army support.

What happened when Hindenburg died?

Hitler became Führer.

What were Nazi policies towards women?

• Return to the home (Kinder, Küche, Kirche)

• Loans for marriage

• Encouraged childbirth (Lebensborn)

• Discouraged work, smoking, makeup

How were young people controlled?

• Hitler Youth

• League of German Girls

• Nazi control of education

How did Nazis affect workers?

• Strength Through Joy (KdF)

• German Labour Front (DAF) replaced trade unions

• Autobahn projects → reduced unemployment

What were the Nuremberg Laws?

Banned marriage between Jews and Germans, removed citizenship.

What was Kristallnacht?

1938 anti-Jewish violence — shops, synagogues destroyed.

What impact did WW2 have on German civilians?

• Bombing raids

• Shortages

• Rationing

• Total war (from 1943)

How was Germany divided after the war?

• West: democratic (FRG)

• East: communist (GDR)

Why did the Berlin Blockade happen?

Stalin tried to force Allies out of Berlin (1948).

What was the Berlin Airlift?

Western supplies flown in for 11 months.