Nazi Germany and the Rise of Hitler

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, and the political ideologies of totalitarianism, fascism, and communism.

Totalitarianism

A political system in which the state holds total authority over society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.

Communism

An ideological system that seeks to create a classless, stateless society where the means of production are owned collectively.

Fascism

A far-right authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology characterized by dictatorial power and forcible suppression of opposition.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government established in Germany after World War I, which faced numerous challenges leading to its collapse.

Mein Kampf

Autobiography written by Adolf Hitler outlining his ideology and political plans for Germany.

Reparations

Payments imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles to compensate the Allied powers for the damages caused during World War I.

The Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 peace treaty that ended World War I and imposed heavy penalties on Germany.

Antisemitism

Prejudice against, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews.

Nazi Party

The National Socialist German Workers' Party, a far-right political group led by Adolf Hitler that rose to power in Germany.

Enabling Act

A 1933 law that allowed Hitler to enact laws without the involvement of the Reichstag, effectively dismantling the democratic system of the Weimar Republic.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930s, significantly impacting Germany's economy and politics.

Collective farming

A system in which private farms are eliminated and peasants work on land owned by the state.

Hitler's speeches

Public addresses by Adolf Hitler that were characterized by nationalistic, antisemitic, and authoritarian rhetoric aimed at rallying the German populace.

Totalitarian state

A political system where the state seeks to control every aspect of public and private life with no opposition.

Propaganda

Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

Militarism

The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively.

Coup d'état

A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.

Dictatorship

A form of government in which a single person or a small group wields absolute power.

Ethnic groups

A category of people who identify with each other based on shared cultural, social, or historical experiences.

Racial superiority

The belief that one race is inherently superior to others.

Eugenics

A set of beliefs and practices aimed at improving the genetic quality of a human population, often associated with racist ideologies.

Propaganda machine

The coordinated efforts of a state to disseminate information to influence public opinion.