Germany (weimar and nazi)

Weimar - post ww1 conditions

• Military defeat; Revolution of 1918.

• Abdication of Kaiser; Weimar Republic formed.

Treaty of versailles

• Harsh terms: War guilt, reparations, loss of territory.

• Caused national resentment and economic strain.

Weimar constitution

• Proportional representation led to weak coalitions.

• Article 48 gave president emergency powers – later exploited by Hitler.

Political and economic crises

• Uprisings: Spartacists, Kapp Putsch.

• Hyperinflation (1923) due to Ruhr occupation.

Recovery after 1923

• Stabilised economy (Rentenmark), Dawes Plan.

• Cultural growth: Art, film, science flourished.

Early Nazi party

• Ideology: Nationalism, anti-Semitism, anti-communism.

• Munich Putsch (1923) failed; Hitler jailed, wrote Mein Kampf.

Limited Success Before 1930

• Strong economy reduced extremist support.

• Nazis lacked widespread appeal during Weimar stability.

Rise after 1930

• Great Depression caused mass unemployment and discontent.

• Nazis offered solutions and blamed scapegoats (Jews, communists).

• Hitler’s charisma and propaganda crucial.

Becoming chancellor 1033

• Political deals with conservatives.

• Von Papen and Hindenburg underestimated Hitler.

Consolidation of power

• Reichstag Fire (1933) blamed on communists.

• Enabling Act (1933) gave Hitler dictatorial powers.

• Night of the Long Knives (1934) eliminated SA leaders.

• Death of Hindenburg (1934) – Hitler became Führer.