Treaties, Depression, and Rise of Hitler: Key Events and Impacts in 20th Century Germany

What treaty created conditions of anger and humiliation that Hitler exploited?

The Treaty of Versailles (1919)

What article in the Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to accept war guilt?

Article 231

What were the economic impacts of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany?

Harsh reparations payments strained the economy and capped the army

How did Germans perceive the Treaty of Versailles?

As a 'Diktat' (dictated peace) and blamed the Weimar government for signing it.

What was Hitler's promise regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

To tear it up and restore Germany's power.

How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to Hitler becoming Chancellor?

It created long-term bitterness and weakened the Weimar Republic, making radical alternatives like the Nazis more appealing.

What event triggered the Great Depression in Germany?

The Wall Street Crash of 1929.

What was the unemployment rate in Germany by 1932 due to the Great Depression?

6 million unemployed, about one-third of the workforce.

How did the Great Depression affect public trust in the Weimar government?

The government appeared weak and unable to respond effectively, leading to a loss of public trust.

What was the Nazi Party's appeal during the Great Depression?

They promised jobs and stability.

What was the immediate consequence of Hitler becoming Chancellor in January 1933?

Early persecution and discrimination against Jews began almost immediately.

What were the Nuremberg Laws of 1935?

Laws that stripped Jews of citizenship and rights.

What significant event occurred on the Night of Broken Glass (Kristallnacht) in 1938?

Large-scale violence against Jews, including burning synagogues and mass arrests.

What was the Holocaust?

The systematic murder of six million Jews and millions of others during WWII.

What were the long-term impacts of the Holocaust?

Global refugee crises, post-war trials, the founding of Israel, and generational trauma.

What was the Reichstag Fire (1933) and its significance?

It allowed mass arrests of opponents and was used to justify the destruction of democratic institutions.

What powers did the Enabling Act of 1933 grant Hitler?

Dictatorial powers to govern without parliamentary consent.

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

A purge that eliminated Hitler's rivals within the Nazi Party.

What characterized Hitler’s totalarian state?

Only the Nazi Party was allowed, with a police state, propaganda, and censorship.

What was the most important consequence of Hitler's rise to power?

The Holocaust, representing the largest-scale human destruction in modern history.

What was the second most important consequence of Hitler's rise to power?

The end of democracy in Germany, which enabled Hitler's full control.

How did the Treaty of Versailles and the Great Depression compare in importance?

The Great Depression was a direct trigger for Hitler's rise, while the Treaty created long-term resentment.

When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

June 28, 1919

When was Hitler appointed as Chancellor?

January 30, 1933