IB HISTORY HL/SL NAZI/WEIMAR GERMANY review FINALS

Mefo Bills (GERMANY)

Financial trick used by Nazi Germany in the 1930s to secretly fund their rearmament without causing alarm or breaking international agreements. Instead of paying directly for weapons and military supplies, they created a fake company called "MEFO"

When companies made military equipment, they got paid in these Mefo Bills, which were like IOUs or promises to pay money later.

goring 4 year plan

1936.

aimed to increase rearmament and autarky so germany would be self sufficient in food and industry.

aims:

increase agricultural production

increase production of raw materials

develop ersatz products (substitute products)

results = production rose but failed to meet targets

when war broke out: still relied on foreign supplies for 1/3 of raw materials and not ready for total war

The national socialist teacher's league

Its goal was to make the National Socialist worldview and foundation of all education and especially of schooling, by replacing teachers with nazi teachers to enforce nazi ideology

The national political training institutes

These were elite schools in Nazi Germany designed to train the future leadership of the Nazi Party. They focused not only on academic education but also on physical and military training, with the goal of creating a new generation of loyal, ideologically devoted Nazi leaders. The students were often selected for their supposed "racial purity" and physical fitness, preparing them for roles in the Nazi government or military.

The honour Cross of German motherhood

The medal awarded to German women to reward them for having more children.

The propaganda ministry

Led by Joseph Goebbels, this ministry controlled German newspapers, radio and film, and through the Reich Chamber of Culture its control extended to German music, theatre, writing, art, architecture, literature and sport.

The cult of personality

arises when an individual uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods to create an idealized, heroic, and at times worshipful image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.

Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth)

Organizations set up under Hitler to train an educate German young people in Nazi beliefs

The KdF

The Nazi "Strength through Joy" movement, promoting holidays and stuff to make people happy to work

Operation Valkyrie

German Attempt to assassinate Hitler in july 1944, Stauffenberg wanted power over Germany.

Gleichschaltung (coordination)

Labor units are made a part of the "National Labour Front," and non-Nazi political parties were outlawed. The state government was replaced by Nazi regions, and everything was Nazified. Young people were enrolled in the Hitler Youth and Organization of German Girls.

Great Depression

The economic crisis that began in 1929, causing mass unemployment (6 million by 1932), hyperinflation (1923), and loss of middle-class savings.

Article 48

A provision that gave emergency powers to the president of the Weimar Republic, allowing for authoritarian rule.

Reichstag Fire Decree

A decree that suspended civil liberties in Germany and allowed for the arrest of political opponents.

Enabling Act of March 1933

A law that allowed Hitler to pass laws without Reichstag approval, effectively establishing a dictatorship.

Night of the Long Knives

A purge in 1934 that eliminated SA leaders and rivals, consolidating Hitler's control over the Nazi Party and securing support from the army.

Law Against the Formation of Parties

A law passed in July 1933 that made the Nazi Party the only legal party in Germany.

Failure of other political parties

Fragmentation and in-fighting among Weimar parties enabled the Nazis to emerge as a dominant force.

Hitler becoming Führer in 1934

With Hindenburg's death, Hitler merged the presidency with the chancellorship, gaining total control.

Hitler's control of the political system

Through the Enabling Act, banning other parties, controlling the press, and purging civil service, Hitler established a one-party totalitarian regime.

Nazi economic policy addressing unemployment

Massive public works, conscription, and programs like the RAD (Reich Labour Service) reduced unemployment dramatically.

Four Year Plan (1936)

Led by Hermann Göring, it aimed at achieving autarky and preparing Germany for war by increasing military production and reducing imports.

Four-Year Plan

Initiated in 1936 under Göring, it aimed to prepare Germany for war by achieving economic self-sufficiency.

Effect of Nazi economic policy on German workers

Workers faced loss of rights but gained jobs; the DAF replaced trade unions, controlling labor tightly.

Nazi policies toward women

Initially encouraged to focus on Kinder, Küche, Kirche (Children, Kitchen, Church), and to leave the workforce and focus on motherhood; policies incentivized large Aryan families. But during wartime, women were increasingly mobilized into the workforce.

Marginalization of Jewish people before WWII

Nuremberg Laws (1935) stripped Jews of citizenship and banned marriage with Aryans; Kristallnacht (1938) marked a violent escalation of persecution.

International reactions to Nazi consolidation and expansion

Initially appeasement (e.g., Munich Agreement), but increasing alarm after Poland's invasion. Led to outbreak of WWII in 1939.

Result of the Nazi policy of Lebensraum

Led to invasions of Eastern Europe, World War II, and mass atrocities including genocide.

Hitler's foreign policy leading to WWII

Aggressive moves like rearming, the Anschluss, and invading Poland directly provoked the war.

Issues aiding Nazi rise to power

Economic crisis. Use of propaganda (e.g. Radio going up 12x, and (1932) Hitler's charter planes). Fear of communism. Treaty of Versailles resentment. Weak Weimar leadership and promising strong leadership.

What economic conditions in Weimar Germany facilitated the rise of the Nazis?

The Great Depression (1929) caused mass unemployment (6 million by 1932), hyperinflation (1923), and loss of middle-class savings. These crises led many to lose faith in democracy and seek extremist solutions, including Nazism.

How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the Nazis' rise?

It imposed harsh reparations and territorial losses, fueling national humiliation and resentment. The Nazis capitalized on this by promising to restore German pride and revise the treaty.

What political weaknesses existed in the Weimar Republic that facilitated the Nazi rise to power?

Proportional representation led to coalition governments and political instability. Article 48 gave emergency powers to the president, allowing authoritarian rule.

How did Hitler exploit the Reichstag Fire politically?

It was used to justify the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties and allowing the arrest of communists to suppress opposition

What law allowed Hitler to consolidate political power in 1933?

The Enabling Act of March 1933 allowed Hitler to pass laws without Reichstag approval, effectively establishing a dictatorship.

What was the significance of the Night of the Long Knives (1934)?

It eliminated SA leaders and rivals like Ernst Röhm, consolidating Hitler's control over the Nazi Party and state and secured support from the army.

How did the Nazis use legal means to establish a one-party state?

The Law Against the Formation of Parties (July 1933) made the Nazi Party the only legal party in Germany.

What weaknesses of the Weimar Republic contributed to the Nazi Party's rise to power?

The Weimar Republic suffered from political instability, a flawed constitution (e.g. proportional representation, Article 48), and association with the Treaty of Versailles, making it unpopular.

What role did Hitler's oratory and propaganda play in gaining political power?

Hitler's powerful speeches and Nazi propaganda glorified nationalism and anti-communism, gaining mass support.

How did the Great Depression affect the Nazi rise?

Economic despair led many to seek radical alternatives; the Nazis offered scapegoats (e.g. Jews, communists) and promised recovery.

What was the impact of the failure of other political parties in resisting the Nazis?

Fragmentation and in-fighting among Weimar parties enabled the Nazis to emerge as a dominant force.

What was the Enabling Act of 1933 and why was it significant?

It gave Hitler dictatorial powers by allowing him to pass laws without Reichstag consent, marking the end of democracy.

What was the significance of Hitler becoming Führer in 1934?

With Hindenburg's death, Hitler merged the presidency with the chancellorship, gaining total control.

How did Hitler control the political system after becoming Chancellor?

Through the Enabling Act, banning other parties, controlling the press, and purging civil service, Hitler established a one-party totalitarian regime.

How did Hitler consolidate power in Germany?

Reichstag Fire, Enabling Act (1933), Night of the Long Knives, Gleichschaltung, and propaganda controlled by Goebbels.

How did Nazi economic policy address unemployment?

Massive public works (e.g., autobahns), conscription, and programs like the RAD (Reich Labour Service) reduced unemployment dramatically.

What was the role of the Four Year Plan (1936) in Nazi economic policy?

Led by Hermann Göring, it aimed at achieving autarky and preparing Germany for war by increasing military production and reducing imports.

What were the main economic aims of Nazi Germany?

Achieving autarky, reducing unemployment, and preparing the economy for war through the Four-Year Plan (1936), led by Göring.

How did rearmament impact the German economy?

It stimulated industry and employment but led to shortages in consumer goods and increasing state control over the economy.

What was the impact of Nazi economic policy on trade unions and workers?

Trade unions were abolished; workers were organized under the DAF (German Labour Front), losing rights and facing stricter controls.

What was the "Strength Through Joy" (KdF) program?

A Nazi initiative that provided workers with leisure activities to promote loyalty and distract from poor working conditions.

How did unemployment help the Nazi Party gain support?

Unemployment peaked at 6 million in 1932; the Nazis promised jobs and economic stability, which appealed to desperate voters.

Why was Nazi economic rhetoric attractive to middle-class Germans?

Fear of communism and economic ruin made Nazi promises of capitalism with stability attractive.

How did Nazi funding from industrialists help their rise?

Financial backing from business leaders allowed for more propaganda and political organization.

How did the Nazis tackle unemployment after 1933?

Through public works (e.g. autobahns), rearmament, and conscription, unemployment significantly decreased.

What were the results of Nazi economic policies by 1939?

Unemployment fell drastically (officially to near zero), but many jobs were due to militarization and public works. Real wages didn't rise significantly, and workers lost rights.

What was the Four-Year Plan and who was responsible for it?

Initiated in 1936 under Göring, it aimed to prepare Germany for war by achieving economic self-sufficiency.

How did Nazi economic policy affect German workers?

Workers faced loss of rights but gained jobs; the DAF replaced trade unions, controlling labor tightly.

How did Nazi ideology shape education and youth organizations?

Schools emphasized Nazi ideology; boys joined the Hitler Youth and girls joined the League of German Girls, focusing on militarism and motherhood, respectively.

What were Nazi policies toward women and how did they change?

Initially encouraged to focus on Kinder, Küche, Kirche (Children, Kitchen, Church), and to leave the workforce and focus on motherhood; policies incentivized large Aryan families. But during wartime, women were increasingly mobilized into the workforce.

What was the Nazi racial hierarchy and who were targeted?

Aryans were seen as superior. Jews, Roma, Slavs, and others were persecuted through laws, violence, and eventually extermination.

How were Jewish people marginalized before WWII?

Nuremberg Laws (1935) stripped Jews of citizenship and banned marriage with Aryans; Kristallnacht (1938) marked a violent escalation of persecution.

What was the impact of Nazi social policy on minorities and dissenters?

Homosexuals, disabled people, and political opponents were persecuted or sent to concentration camps.

What role did anti-Semitism play in Nazi ideology during their rise?

Jews were used as scapegoats for Germany's problems, making Nazi messaging resonate with anti-Semitic sentiments.

How did the Nazis appeal to German youth during their rise?

Promises of belonging and purpose through the Hitler Youth drew younger generations into the Nazi fold.

What was the role of the SS and Gestapo in consolidating Nazi power?

These organizations suppressed opposition, enforced conformity, and spread fear, maintaining Nazi control.

What changes were made in the education system under the Nazis?

Curriculum emphasized Nazi ideology, racial purity, physical fitness, and obedience to Hitler.

What were the international reactions to Nazi consolidation and expansion?

Initially appeasement (e.g., Munich Agreement), but increasing alarm after Poland's invasion. Led to outbreak of WWII in 1939.

What were the main foreign policy aims of Nazi Germany?

Revision of the Treaty of Versailles, unification of all Germans, Lebensraum (living space) in the East.

What was the result of the Nazi policy of Lebensraum?

Led to invasions of Eastern Europe, World War II, and mass atrocities including genocide.

What were the social consequences of Nazi rule by 1939?

Strong state control over society, indoctrination of youth, marginalization of women in public life, persecution of minorities.

How did Nazi consolidation affect the German legal system?

The judiciary became aligned with Nazi ideology, laws were used to suppress opposition and enforce racial policy.

What was the overall political result of Nazi consolidation by 1939?

Totalitarian state established with no legal opposition; all aspects of life controlled by the Nazi regime.

How did Hitler's foreign policy lead to WWII?

Aggressive moves like rearming, the Anschluss, and invading Poland directly provoked the war.

What political result did the Nazi regime have on German governance?

A totalitarian dictatorship was established, with no free press, opposition, or independent judiciary.

What was the goal of autarky in Nazi Germany?

To reduce dependence on foreign imports and prepare for war by self-sufficiency in key resources.

How did Nazi war economy perform by 1939?

Although Germany rearmed significantly, autarky was not fully achieved, and shortages remained.

What were the social effects of Nazi racial policy?

Jews and minorities faced persecution, exclusion from society, and ultimately genocide in the Holocaust.

What was the outcome of Nazi youth policies?

While many were indoctrinated, some youth (e.g. Edelweiss Pirates, Swing Youth) resisted Nazi norms.

How did WWII change the role of women in Nazi Germany?

War needs forced the Nazis to re-employ women, contradicting earlier policies of domesticity.

What problems did Germany face in 1918 and how were they solved?

Facts: Military defeat in WWI, Naval mutinies (Kiel) sparked revolution, Economic collapse, starvation due to British blockade, Kaiser abdicated; Germany in political chaos. Germany was in turmoil - socially, economically, and politically. The monarchy was replaced by a republic under Ebert, who made a deal with the army (Ebert-Groener Pact) and the Freikorps to suppress left-wing revolts, stabilizing the government temporarily.

What political challenges did the Weimar Republic face 1918-1923?

Facts: Spartacist Uprising (1919). Kapp Putsch (1920). Political assassinations (e.g., Rathenau). Right and left-wing threats. Weak coalition governments. The republic faced constant threats from both extremes. Democracy was fragile, and its reliance on authoritarian groups (Freikorps, army) contradicted its democratic ideals.

What was the significance of the new constitution?

Facts: Created a democratic republic and balanced powers between central and state gov. Proportional representation. Established a system with a President, Chancellor and Reichstag President had emergency powers (Article 48). Universal suffrage for men and women. While progressive, the system was unstable. Proportional representation led to weak coalitions, and Article 48 gave the president authoritarian powers - which would later be exploited by Hitler.

What were the impacts of the German revolutions of 1918 on the Weimar Republic?

Facts: Workers' and soldiers' councils formed. Kaiser abdicated. Ebert became Chancellor. Fear of communism led to elite cooperation with moderate socialists. The revolution forced a transition to democracy, but fear of communism made the government reliant on old conservative forces, weakening true reform.

What was the significance and results of the Spartacist Uprising?

Crushed by Freikorps. Leaders executed and killing around 700 people. It showed the left-wing threat to the Weimar Republic and how the government would suppress socialism to maintain control, alienating the working class.

What were the social, economic, and political effects of the Treaty of Versailles?

Facts: "War guilt" (Article 231). Reparations: 132 billion gold marks. Military limited to 100,000. Lost 13% of land and colonies.The treaty humiliated Germany, creating resentment that fueled extremist movements like the Nazis and extremist groups Rising shown in the June 1920 elections, where they had to firm a centre/right government. Made government more unstable. Economically, it burdened the republic, leading to hyperinflation and social unrest.

What were the effects of the Ruhr invasion on the Weimar government?

Facts: France and Belgium occupied Ruhr (1923) over reparations. German workers went on strike and met with violence (150000 forced out and 132 killed). Government printed money—hyperinflation followed. It destroyed trust in the Weimar government. People's savings vanished, and economic chaos deepened social and political instability.

What was the Munich Putsch?

Facts: Failed coup by Hitler and Ludendorff in 1923. Inspired by Mussolini's March on Rome. Crushed by police. The Nazi party was banned. Though a failure, it gave Hitler national publicity and time in prison to write Mein Kampf—he shifted to a legal strategy for power.

How did the Munich Putsch aid Hitler's aim and perspective of achieving power?

Facts: Hitler imprisoned for 9 months out of 5 years. Realized violent revolution wouldn't work. The putsch taught Hitler to pursue power through legal means—by manipulating democratic systems from within.

What kinds of economic trouble did Weimar Germany face during the 1920s-1930s?

Facts: Hyperinflation (1923). Money worth 20% less. Unemployment. Great Depression (1929): US loans recalled. National debt rose from 5000 to 144000 million marks. Reparations rose to 132 billion marks. Economic reliance on foreign investment. Economic instability eroded faith in democracy and increased support for extremists like the Nazis and Communists.

What were the demands and responses of the reparations in between countries?

Facts: Germany's economy couldn't sustain payments. Dawes Plan (1924): U.S. loans helped pay. Young Plan (1929): Reduced payments. Temporary relief was provided, but the system was fragile. The crash of 1929 collapsed the reparations plan and deepened Germany's crisis.

Why is the period 1923-1929 known as the 'Golden Era' of the Weimar Republic?

Facts: Economic recovery under Stresemann (e.g. Young plan with USA) Cultural renaissance. Political stability (e.g. Grand coalition remaining in office for 2 years, but fragile) It was a time of hope and modernity, but underlying issues (economic dependency, extremist resentment) persisted.

What were the social effects of the Golden Era on the Weimar Republic?

Facts: Liberal cultural movements. Women's rights expanded. Jazz, film, cabaret flourished. Urban life thrived, but conservatives and rural populations viewed the cultural changes as immoral and un-German, deepening societal divides.

How did Stresemann's chancellorship better German economics?

Facts: Introduced Rentenmark. Ended hyperinflation. Secured Dawes Plan loans (800 million marks). Foreign relations improved (Locarno Pact). Stresemann stabilized the economy (inflation rathe almost 0) and gained international trust, though success depended on foreign loans, which was risky.

What was the perception of social groups on Stresemann's policies?

Facts: Middle class and elites appreciated stability. Working class benefited from employment. Nationalists distrusted his diplomacy. While admired by moderates, right-wing Germans saw Stresemann as too soft and reliant on the West.

How did Weimar Germany fall into a Great Depression? Facts: 1929 Wall Street Crash. U.S. loans withdrawn. Unemployment soared (6 million by 1932). The republic collapsed economically. Extremist parties gained as people lost faith in democracy.

What was the significance of Hindenburg's chancellors and how did they aid in Hitler's rise to power?

Facts: Brüning, Papen, and Schleicher failed to control crisis. Rule increasingly by decree (Article 48). Hitler appointed Deputy Chancellor in 1933. Democracy was undermined by authoritarianism. Conservative elites thought they could control Hitler—this backfired.

What were the social views on Nazism in the 1930s

Facts: Many saw Nazis as restoring order. (1932) 230 seats and 37% of vote, later fell to 33% Promised jobs, nationalism, stability. While some feared them, many—especially the middle class—welcomed them as a solution to chaos.

What issues did the Nazis take advantage of that aided their rise to power?

Facts: Economic crisis. Use of propaganda (e.g. Radio going up 12x, and (1932) Hitler's charter planes) Fear of communism. Treaty of Versailles resentment. Weak Weimar leadership and promising strong leadership. The Nazis exploited widespread fears and frustrations, offering simple solutions and strong leadership.

What factors helped Hitler consolidate his power in the 1930s?

Facts: Reichstag Fire - calling it a communist revolution, banning KPD and mass arrests due to 'Decree for protection of people and state". Enabling Act (1933) - giving him emergency powers for four years. Banning of all other parties. Night of the Long Knives - More than 400 political enemies murdered, Army's oath of loyalty to Hitler. He eliminated opposition legally and violently, turning Germany into a one-party dictatorship by 1934.