Studied by 0 people
What was the state of German-speaking nations before 1871?
Fragmented into small, weak states.
Nationalists sought to unify all Germans into a strong state.
Who united the German-speaking states, and when?
Chancellor Otto von Bismarck of Prussia in 1871.
Created the German Empire, dominated by Prussia.
Who became the Kaiser of Germany, and how was the government structured?
King Wilhelm I of Prussia became Kaiser.
Theoretically shared power with the Reichstag (parliament) and Bundesrat (senate), but the Kaiser ruled as a near-dictator.
What was the Social Democratic Party’s (SPD) main agenda in the Reichstag?
Democratic reforms for genuine governance.
Better rights and working conditions for workers.
Improved education and healthcare.
What factors contributed to social discontent in Germany during WWI?
Food and fuel shortages: Cold winter of 1916-17 worsened conditions.
Civilian deaths: Starvation and hypothermia deaths rose from 121,000 in 1916 to 293,000 in 1918.
Infant mortality: Increased by over 50% during the war years.
Inflation: Prices doubled (1914-18), but wages only rose by 50–75%.
Casualties: 2 million Germans killed, 6 million wounded.
Spanish flu: Global epidemic killed 20–40 million people, affecting Germany.
The “sharks of the war industry” profited immensely from war production, while the middle class and workers faced declining incomes and worsening conditions.
Why did General Ludendorff push for a constitutional monarchy in 1918?
To make peace terms more favorable with the Allies.
To prevent political revolution.
To shift blame for defeat from the military to new democratic leadership.
What events led to the Kaiser’s abdication?
Mutiny spread from sailors in Wilhelmshaven to ports like Kiel, Hamburg, and Bremen.
Workers’ and soldiers’ councils emerged in cities like Berlin, Cologne, and Stuttgart.
Strikes and protests in Berlin forced Prince Max to announce the Kaiser’s abdication.
When did the Kaiser abdicate?
9 November 1918
What was the Ebert-Groener Agreement?
On 10 November 1918, General Groener promised the army’s support to the new government.
Ebert agreed to oppose revolutionary socialism and preserve army authority.
When was the armistice signed, and how did Germans react?
11 November 1918.
Some rejoiced, but many felt betrayed due to propaganda promising victory.
The new government was blamed for the defeat.
What was the Stinnes-Legien Agreement?
Signed on 15 November 1918 between trade unions and industrial employers.
Unions agreed not to interfere with private ownership in return for:
Workers' committees.
Eight-hour workday.
Full legal recognition.
When was the Weimar Constitution written, and what did it aim to achieve?
Drafted in August 1919 in Weimar.
Aimed to provide the fairest and most democratic government for Germany.
How did proportional representation work in the Weimar Republic?
Seats in the Reichstag were allocated based on the percentage of votes won.
Encouraged small parties, leading to unstable coalitions.
What powers did the Reichsrat and Reichstag hold?
Reichstag: Main legislative body; created and voted on laws.
Reichsrat: Represented 17 state governments; could delay but not overrule Reichstag decisions.
What powers did the President have under the Weimar Constitution?
Commanded the army.
Appointed and dismissed the Chancellor.
Could dismiss the Reichstag and call elections.
Could invoke Article 48, allowing rule by decree during emergencies.
What was Article 48, and why was it significant?
Allowed the President to suspend basic rights during emergencies.
"The President may take the measures necessary for restoration… with the aid of the armed forces."
This power was often abused, undermining democracy.
What traditional institutions retained conservative, anti-democratic values?
Civil service, judiciary, army, and universities.
What was the public response to the first Weimar election in January 1919?
83% turnout, showing faith in democracy.
76.1% voted for pro-democratic parties, forming the Weimar Coalition (SPD, DDP, ZP).
Why was the Weimar government prone to instability?
Proportional representation encouraged small parties.
Coalitions often disagreed on major issues, especially during crises.
What percentage of its land did Germany lose under the Treaty of Versailles, and which territories were taken?
Germany lost 13% of its land, including Alsace-Lorraine (to France), parts of Prussia, the Saar Basin, and all overseas colonies.
How did territorial losses from the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany socially and economically?
Many ethnic Germans found themselves in new countries, fostering feelings of betrayal and resentment. The loss of industrial regions worsened economic hardship.
What was the Anschluss, and why was it forbidden?
The Anschluss was the potential unification of Germany and Austria. It was forbidden to prevent the creation of a larger, stronger German-speaking state
This angered Germans who saw Austria as culturally linked to Germany.
What were the military restrictions placed on Germany under the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany's military was limited to 100,000 men, with no conscription, tanks, air force, or submarines, and the Rhineland was demilitarized.
How much did Germany initially have to pay in reparations under the Treaty of Versailles, and what were the economic consequences?
Reparations were set at 132 billion gold marks, causing hyperinflation, mass unemployment, and widespread poverty.
What was the "war guilt clause" (Article 231), and how did it affect Germany?
Article 231 placed full blame for the war on Germany, stating, "Germany accepts the responsibility… for causing all the loss and damage." This clause humiliated Germans and fueled extreme nationalism.
Who led the Spartacist Uprising, and what was its goal?
Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht led the Spartacist Uprising in 1919 to establish a Communist government in Germany.
How did the Freikorps respond to the Spartacist Uprising?
On 10 January 1919, the Freikorps crushed the uprising, killing around 100 Spartacists and murdering Luxemburg and Liebknecht.
What was the "stab in the back" myth？
The myth suggested Germany was betrayed by Jews, socialists, and democrats, weakening the nation. Nationalists longed for a return to strong government under the Kaiser.
What was the Kapp Putsch, and how was it resolved?
The Kapp Putsch in March 1920, led by Dr. Wolfgang Kapp, aimed to overthrow the Weimar government and return Germany to a strong rule under the Kaiser. A general strike in Berlin disrupted public services, forcing Kapp to flee.
What economic problems did Germany face in the early 1920s, before hyperinflation?
Poverty, shortages of goods, low factory production, and reparations payments drained Germany's economy, leaving the government struggling to raise money.
What figure did the London Schedule of Payments (1921) assign to Germany’s reparations?
132 billion gold marks
What caused the occupation of the Ruhr in 1923, and how did Germany respond?
France invaded the Ruhr after Germany defaulted on coal deliveries. Germany responded with passive resistance, including strikes and protests.
How did the occupation of the Ruhr worsen Germany's economic crisis?
The German government printed money to pay striking workers, leading to hyperinflation. By April 1923, the government was spending seven times more than it earned.
How extreme was hyperinflation in Germany in 1924?
prices were 100 trillion times higher than in 1914.
Which groups were most affected by hyperinflation in Germany?
War widows, veterans reliant on fixed pensions, and the middle class, who saw their savings become worthless.
What was the impact of hyperinflation on daily life for Germans?
Prices changed daily, with businesses raising prices multiple times a day. People resorted to bartering or using foreign currency.
How did Britain and France differ in their approach to German reparations during the crisis?
Britain sought a four-year moratorium (a temporary prohibition) to stabilize Germany's economy, while France demanded immediate payment and supported occupation.
What were the key actions Hitler took to shape and dominate the Nazi Party in 1920-1921?
Renamed the Party to the Nazi (NSDAP) Party.
Prepared the 25-Point Programme outlining the Party’s beliefs.
Designed the swastika emblem.
Replaced Anton Drexler as Party leader in July 1921.
What were some of the main fears addressed by the Nazi Party’s 25-Point Programme?
Economic Instability: Concerns about hyperinflation and unemployment.
National Identity: Loss of pride after WWI and the Treaty of Versailles.
Social Disorder: Fear of political instability and communism.
Which groups were specifically attracted to the Nazi Party's demands in the 25-Point Programme, and why?
Nationalists: Wanted the unification of all Germans and the reclamation of lost territory.
Socialists: Attracted by calls for the nationalization of businesses and profit-sharing.
War Victims: Resonated with the annulment of peace treaties and restoration of national pride.
Supporters of Autocracy: Desired a strong central government over democracy.
Antisemitic Groups: Agreed with the targeting of Jewish interests.
What key groups were unattracted or concerned by the Nazi Party's platform?
Communists: Opposed the Nazis’ rejection of socialism.
Moderate Democrats: Alarmed by the authoritarian approach.
Jews and Minority Groups: Targeted by antisemitic policies.
How did Hitler's speeches contribute to the Nazi Party's growth?
Delivered fiery speeches in packed beer halls.
Blamed Germany’s problems on:
The Allies, the Treaty of Versailles, and the 'November Criminals.'
Communists and Jews.
His speeches gave Germans scapegoats for their hardships.
How much did the Nazi Party grow under Hitler’s leadership between 1919 and late 1923?
From 55 members in 1919 to 55,000 members by late 1923.
Hitler became one of Bavaria's best-known politicians.
What was the Sturmabteilung (SA), and how did it function?
A paramilitary group also known as the Storm Division.
Initially formed to protect Nazi leaders, it evolved into Hitler's private army:
2 million members by January 1933; 4 million by April 1934.
Staged parades to show Party strength and unity.
Intimidated or beat up critics of the Nazis.
What key demographic was attracted to the SA?
Young men (80% under 30): Former soldiers, unemployed individuals, and some who sought purpose or were drawn by promises of camaraderie and free beer.
What were the main reasons behind the Munich Putsch's failure? (also include date)
Date: 8-9th November, 1923
Politicians and police refused to cooperate.
The army remained neutral.
Clashes with police led to 4 police and 16 Nazis killed.
Hitler and other leaders were arrested and charged with treason.
What impact did Hitler's trial after the Munich Putsch have on his public profile?
The trial lasted 24 days and was front-page news.
Hitler gained huge publicity, spreading his fame.
Despite being convicted of treason, judges were sympathetic and sentenced him to five years, of which he served only 9 months.
What key realizations did Hitler have while in prison?
Power must be gained democratically, not by force.
He developed his ideas, later outlined in Mein Kampf, focusing on:
German superiority and the ‘Aryan’ race.
Exclusion of Jews and ‘undesirables’ from society.
The need for a strong leader and Germany’s expansion (Lebensraum).
What does "Lebensraum" mean, and how did Hitler propose achieving it?
Lebensraum means ‘living space.’
Hitler believed Germany should:
Rebuild the army and reclaim lost territories.
Conquer 'inferior' nations like Poland and Russia for resources and settlement.
What racial ideology did Hitler promote in "Mein Kampf"?
Aryans were superior and the most creative race in history.
Jews, Gypsies, and Slavs were considered sub-human (Untermenschen).
Belief in Social Darwinism: Survival of superior races.
Communism was seen as part of a Jewish conspiracy to weaken stronger races.
How did the Nazi Party perform in elections during the Weimar 'Golden Age'?
In the 1928 Reichstag elections, the Nazi Party won only 12 seats, remaining a fringe group.
How did Stresemann handle the crises of 1923?
Used Article 48 to declare a state of emergency for quick, undemocratic actions.
Ended the passive resistance campaign in the Ruhr in September 1923.
Workers returned to work, leading to the resumption of industrial production.
Cut government spending by sacking over 700,000 public employees.
How did Stresemann address hyperinflation in 1923?
Stopped the excessive printing of money.
Introduced the Rentenmark in December 1923 under financial expert Hjalmar Schacht.
Old Marks were exchanged and burned, stabilizing prices and wages.
What was Stresemann's approach to the Treaty of Versailles?
Believed it was unfair and caused Germany’s problems.
Negotiated better terms through the Dawes Plan (1924) and the Young Plan (1929).
How did the Dawes Plan of 1924 help Germany?
Rescheduled reparations based on Germany’s capacity to pay.
Brought American loans to rebuild the economy.
Germany produced 33% more by 1929 than before WWI.
What were the key points of the Young Plan (1929)?
Extended reparations payments to 1988 but reduced the total to 112 billion Gold Marks.
Divided payments into one-third unconditional and two-thirds postponable with interest.
How did Stresemann's policies impact German society?
Led to the Golden Age of Weimar Germany
Unemployment dropped to 4% in 1924.
Wages increased by 25% between 1925 and 1928.
Artists embraced modern ideas like the Bauhaus movement.
Why did some groups resent Stresemann’s policies?
Middle class: Lost savings in hyperinflation, opposed modern cultural changes.
Nationalists (e.g., Nazis): Opposed reparations and felt the Young Plan sold Germany to the Allies.
Quote from critics: “Selling their children into slavery to the Allies.”
How did the Great Depression impact Germany?
German banks collapsed, destroying middle-class savings.
Unemployment peaked at 6 million in 1932 (~25% of workers).
Businesses failed; workers accepted lower wages.
Living standards fell as people struggled to afford food, rent, and heating.
How did the Coalition government fail during the Depression?
Parties clashed over deficits in the national insurance scheme:
SPD wanted higher contributions and maintained welfare.
DVP wanted reduced benefits.
The deadlock led to Chancellor Müller’s resignation in 1930.
How did Brüning's policies worsen the crisis?
Proposed tax hikes and welfare cuts, leading to public backlash.
Budget rejected by the Reichstag in July 1930.
Convinced Hindenburg to rule by decree under Article 48.
How did the Nazis exploit the Great Depression?
They blamed the policies of the coalition governments for bringing about the suffering of Germans.
They portrayed themselves as Germany’s last hope – a force that would unite Germany during a time of crisis and take real steps to fix the economy and country.
Used public meetings and rallies to attract support. In their election campaigns, they concentrated on issues the Germans felt close to:
Attacked the failures of the parties which had governed the Weimar Republic since 1918
Blamed Germany’s problems on scapegoats, like the Jews, disabled, communists
Promised to end unemployment and stabilise the economy
Promised to unite the German people and restore moral order
Promised to overturn the humiliating Treaty of Versailles and to restore Germany to its former greatness
How did Nazi propaganda operate to convince people to support them?
Rallies with massed ranks, music, and light shows projected strength and unity.
Millions of pamphlets and colourful posters, each targeted the interests and concerns of specific groups
Nazi-owned newspapers. These attacked the Nazi’s opponents and explained how the Nazis would strengthen Germany
Nazi politicians gave speeches in public places such as beer halls and city squares travelled by cars to deliver many speeches daily.
Speakers were paid according to the number of speeches they made - a powerful incentive to address as many meetings as possible.
Nazi rallies were impressive and carefully stage-managed
Often involved thousands of uniformed Nazis parading in massed ranks.
Music, light shows and rousing speeches ensured the rallies were entertaining and drew large crowds.
Nazi rallies gave the impression of order and discipline.
Many Germans felt reassured by this image of strength and unity during the uncertainty of the Great Depression.
Hitler’s techniques:
Portrayed himself as a strong, selfless and energetic leader
Late arrivals to build tension.
Hand gestures and climactic speaking styles.
How did Nazi violence influence their rise?
The SA disrupted opponents’ meetings and attacked critics.
Example: 17 July 1932, 19 dead and 200 injured in Hamburg brawl.
Nazis promised protection, blaming violence on communists
What were the Nazi election results in 1932?
July 1932: Won 230 seats (largest party in Reichstag).
Hitler refused Hindenburg’s offer of Vice-Chancellor.
November 1932: Seats dropped to 196, but still the largest party.
How and when was Hitler appointed Chancellor?
Hindenburg disliked Hitler, calling him a “house painter.”
Von Papen convinced Hindenburg that Hitler could be controlled:
Quote: “Within two months we shall have pushed Hitler so far into the corner that he’ll squeak.”
30 January 1933: Hitler became Chancellor.
Note 
Flashcard (224)