AQA GCSE (9–1) History: Germany, 1890–1945 Revision Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from the AQA GCSE (9–1) History course, specifically focused on Germany from 1890 to 1945.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

The hereditary monarch of Germany, who had significant power and influence in governing Germany during its imperial phase.

Reichstag

The parliament of Germany, elected by universal male suffrage, which had the power to pass or reject laws.

Militarism

The belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war and the emphasis on military power in national policy.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government established in Germany after World War I, lasting from 1919 to 1933.

Nazi Party

The National Socialist German Workers' Party led by Adolf Hitler, which rose to power in the 1930s advocating extreme nationalism and anti-communism.

Propaganda

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

Hyperinflation

An extremely high and typically accelerating inflation rate, which in Germany's case preceded the economic crisis of 1923.

Dawes Plan

A 1924 agreement that aimed to ease the reparations payments of Germany after World War I by securing loans from the United States.

Enabling Act (1933)

A law passed by the Reichstag that allowed Hitler to enact laws without the involvement of the Reichstag, effectively establishing a legal dictatorship.

Final Solution

The Nazi plan for the extermination of the Jews, which was a major aspect of its racial policy and led to the Holocaust.

Kapp Putsch

A failed coup in 1920 by right-wing paramilitary Freikorps, attempting to overthrow the Weimar government.

Stresemann Era

The period from 1924 to 1929 when Germany stabilized economically and politically under the leadership of Gustav Stresemann.

Weltpolitik

Germany's foreign policy aimed at becoming a global power through imperial expansion and a strong navy.

Night of the Long Knives

A purge carried out by the Nazis in June 1934 to eliminate potential rivals and consolidate Hitler's power.

Aryan

A term used by the Nazis to describe what they considered the 'master race,' typically associated with Northern European descent.

Social Democratic Party (SPD)

A major political party in Germany that represented the interests of the working class and was a key opponent of the Nazi regime.

Anti-Semitism

Prejudice against or hatred of Jews, which was a central theme in Nazi ideology and policies.

The Munich Putsch

A failed coup attempt by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in 1923, which was a turning point that led to Hitler's imprisonment and later rise to power.

Propaganda Minister

A high-ranking official responsible for disseminating and controlling information and propaganda, notably held by Joseph Goebbels in Nazi Germany.

Third Reich

The Nazi regime in Germany from 1933 to 1945, which was characterized by totalitarian rule and aggressive expansionism.

Bundesrat

The federal council in the German Empire, consisting of representatives from the states of Germany.

Rentenmark

The temporary currency introduced in 1923 to stabilize the German economy after hyperinflation.

Loyalty Oath

An oath which all military personnel were required to take, pledging their loyalty to Adolf Hitler rather than the German state.