Weimar Republic, Nazi Rise & Policies: 20th Century Germany

What was the impact of WW1 on Germany?

Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated, Germany became a republic, and the Weimar Republic was established.

What was the Armistice (1918)?

Germany agreed to stop fighting in WW1 due to military failure and economic collapse.

What was the “stab-in-the-back” myth?

The belief that Germany didn’t lose the war militarily but was betrayed by politicians.

Who were the November Criminals?

Politicians who signed the Armistice and Treaty of Versailles and were blamed for defeat.

What are two strengths of the Weimar Constitution?

All adults could vote including women; it was democratic and representative.

What are two weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

Proportional representation caused weak coalition governments; Article 48 gave the President too much power.

What were three terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany lost land, had to pay £6.6 billion in reparations, and its army was limited to 100,000 men.

What was Article 231?

The War Guilt Clause which blamed Germany for WW1.

Why did Germans hate the Treaty of Versailles?

It caused economic hardship, humiliation, and loss of land and power.

What were three early rebellions against the Weimar Republic?

Spartacist Uprising, Kapp Putsch, and Munich Putsch.

Who were the Spartacists?

A communist group who wanted a revolution like Russia.

Why did the Spartacist Uprising fail?

The government used the Freikorps to crush it and kill the leaders.

What were the Freikorps?

Right-wing ex-soldiers used to crush uprisings.

Why did right-wing groups oppose Weimar?

They wanted a monarchy and opposed democracy.

What was hyperinflation?

When money loses value due to excessive printing.

When did hyperinflation happen?

1923.

Why did hyperinflation happen?

The government printed money to pay workers during passive resistance in the Ruhr.

What was passive resistance?

Workers refused to work in the Ruhr during French occupation.

What was the French occupation of the Ruhr?

France invaded Germany’s industrial area in 1923 due to missed reparations.

Who benefited from hyperinflation?

People with debts.

Who suffered from hyperinflation?

The middle class, savers, and pensioners.

Who was Stresemann?

A German politician who helped stabilise the economy and improve foreign relations.

How did Stresemann stop hyperinflation?

By introducing the Rentenmark backed by land and industry.

How did America help Germany?

The Dawes Plan gave loans and the Young Plan reduced reparations.

What was a weakness of the Dawes Plan?

Germany became dependent on US loans.

Why was the Young Plan unpopular?

It still required reparations payments.

What were three improvements in foreign policy?

Locarno Pact, League of Nations entry, Kellogg-Briand Pact.

What was the Locarno Pact?

Germany agreed to respect borders with France and Belgium.

Why was joining the League of Nations important?

It showed Germany was accepted internationally.

How did workers’ lives improve?

Wages rose and unemployment insurance was introduced.

What was Strength Through Joy (KdF)?

A programme providing leisure activities for workers.

What was Beauty of Labour?

A scheme to improve working conditions.

How did women’s lives change under Weimar?

Women gained the vote and more job opportunities.

Why did some Germans dislike Weimar culture?

It was seen as too modern and immoral.

Why did Hitler join the Nazi Party?

He was angry about WW1 defeat and agreed with nationalist ideas.

What did the 25 Point Programme include?

Nationalism, anti-Semitism, and rejection of the Treaty.

Who were the SA?

Stormtroopers who used violence to intimidate opponents.

How did Hitler gain control of the Nazi Party?

He became leader in 1921 and centralised power.

Why did the Munich Putsch fail?

Lack of support and poor planning.

Why was the trial important?

It gave Hitler publicity.

What did Hitler learn from the Munich Putsch?

He needed to gain power legally.

Why did Nazis have limited support 1924–28?

Economic recovery reduced extremist appeal.

How did Hitler reorganise the party?

Created structure, local branches, and loyal leadership.

What was the Bamberg Conference?

A meeting to unify Nazi ideology under Hitler.

Why did support for Nazis grow after 1929?

The Great Depression caused unemployment and fear.

What was the Wall Street Crash?

A US stock market collapse in 1929.

How did it affect Germany?

Loans were withdrawn, causing unemployment.

Why did the middle class support Nazis?

They feared communism and economic instability.

Why did businessmen support Nazis?

They opposed communism and trade unions.

Why did farmers support Nazis?

They faced falling prices and debt.

How did propaganda help Nazis?

It spread simple messages blaming problems on scapegoats.

How did fear of communism help Nazis?

People saw Nazis as protection.

Why did Hindenburg dislike Hitler?

He saw him as extreme and untrustworthy.

Why was Bruning unpopular?

He cut spending and worsened unemployment.

Why did von Papen fail?

He lacked support in the Reichstag.

How did von Papen help Hitler?

He convinced Hindenburg to appoint him.

Why did elites support Hitler?

They thought they could control him.

When did Hitler become Chancellor?

January 1933.

What did the Reichstag Fire Decree do?

Suspended civil liberties and allowed arrest of opponents.

What did the Enabling Act allow?

Hitler could make laws without the Reichstag.

How did Nazis eliminate opposition?

Banned parties and trade unions.

What was Gleichschaltung?

The process of bringing all areas of society under Nazi control.

What were features of the police state?

Gestapo, SS, SD, and concentration camps.

What was the role of the Gestapo?

Secret police who arrested opponents.

What were concentration camps initially for?

Political prisoners.

Why were people afraid to oppose Nazis?

Risk of arrest or death.

How did Nazis control the legal system?

Judges were loyal and juries were removed.

How did Nazis control the Church?

Concordat and Reich Church.

How did propaganda control people?

Through rallies, radio, films, posters, and newspapers.

Why was radio effective?

It reached millions of people.

How did political groups oppose Nazis?

KPD strikes and SPD resistance.

How did the Church oppose Nazis?

Confessional Church resisted control.

Who was Dietrich Bonhoeffer?

A pastor who opposed Nazi policies.

How did youth oppose Nazis?

Edelweiss Pirates and Swing Youth.

Why did opposition fail?

Fear, lack of unity, and strong Nazi control.

What role did Nazis believe women should have?

Children, cooking, and church.

What policies targeted women?

Marriage loans, Mother’s Cross, Lebensborn.

Why did policy towards women change?

Economic needs required women workers.

What did Nazis want young people to be like?

Loyal, fit, and obedient.

How did Nazis control youth?

Hitler Youth and education.

How did Nazis reduce unemployment?

Public works, rearmament, and manipulating statistics.

How did Nazis control workers?

German Labour Front replaced trade unions.

How did Nazis treat Slavs?

They were considered inferior.

How did Nazis treat Roma?

They were persecuted and sent to camps.

How did Nazis treat homosexuals?

They were imprisoned and sent to camps.

How did Nazis treat disabled people?

Sterilisation and euthanasia (T4 programme).

What were the Nuremberg Laws (1935)?

Laws removing Jewish citizenship and banning marriage with Germans.

What happened during Kristallnacht (1938)?

Jewish businesses, homes, and synagogues were attacked.

What was the impact of Kristallnacht?

Jews were arrested, killed, and further excluded.

How did persecution of Jews escalate?

From discrimination to violence to segregation