Nazism and the Rise of Hitler – Lecture Review

These flashcards cover key political, economic, social, and ideological developments surrounding the rise of Nazism, the Weimar Republic’s challenges, Hitler’s consolidation of power, Nazi racial policies, WWII expansion, and the Holocaust.

What political ideology is Nazism also known as?

National Socialism.

During which years did Nazism dominate German politics?

From the early 1920s until Germany’s defeat in 1945.

Which war’s defeat led to the abdication of the German emperor and the formation of the Weimar Republic?

The First World War (1914-1918).

Where was the democratic constitution of post-WWI Germany drafted?

At the National Assembly in Weimar.

What voting right did the Weimar Constitution grant that was new for Germany?

Equal and universal suffrage for all adults, including women.

Why was the Weimar Republic unpopular with many Germans?

It was blamed for accepting the humiliating Treaty of Versailles and Germany’s war defeat.

Name the 1919 peace agreement that ended WWI for Germany.

The Treaty of Versailles.

List two major economic losses imposed on Germany by the Versailles Treaty.

Loss of 13 % territory and 75 % of its iron ore (also accept loss of colonies, coal, population, etc.).

What clause in the Treaty of Versailles held Germany solely responsible for WWI?

The War Guilt Clause.

How much compensation was Germany forced to pay under the Versailles Treaty?

£6 billion.

What nickname did conservative nationalists give to supporters of the Weimar Republic?

‘November criminals.’

Which left-wing group led an uprising modeled on the Russian Revolution in 1919 Germany?

The Spartacist League.

What was the hyperinflation crisis of 1923 triggered by?

Germany’s passive resistance in the Ruhr and reckless printing of money after refusing to pay reparations.

Which U.S.-devised plan restructured German reparations in 1924?

The Dawes Plan.

What global event beginning in 1929 devastated the German economy?

The Great Economic Depression (after the Wall Street Crash).

By 1932, what proportion of Germany’s 1929 industrial output remained?

About 40 %.

Which article of the Weimar Constitution allowed the President to rule by emergency decree?

Article 48.

Into which party did Adolf Hitler transform the German Workers’ Party?

The National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP or Nazi Party).

What percentage trend shows Nazi electoral growth between 1928 and 1932?

From a small vote share in 1928 to becoming the largest Reichstag party by 1932.

Name two promises Hitler made that won mass support.

To overturn the Versailles Treaty and restore German national dignity (also accept build a strong nation, provide jobs, etc.).

Which 1933 decree suspended civil rights after a mysterious Reichstag fire?

The Fire Decree (28 February 1933).

What 1933 law gave Hitler dictatorial powers by sidelining parliament?

The Enabling Act (March 1933).

Identify the Nazi secret state police.

The Gestapo.

Who headed Nazi economic recovery through state-funded work programs?

Hjalmar Schacht.

What slogan accompanied the 1938 Anschluss of Austria?

‘One people, One empire, One leader.’

Which pact of 1940 formally allied Germany with Italy and Japan?

The Tripartite Pact.

What major 1941 military blunder exposed Germany’s fronts to defeat?

Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union.

Which 1942-43 battle marked a crushing German defeat by the Red Army?

The Battle of Stalingrad.

According to Nazi racial theory, which group stood at the top of the hierarchy?

Nordic German Aryans.

Define Lebensraum.

The concept of acquiring ‘living space’ to expand German territory and resources.

Which country served as the main ‘laboratory’ for Nazi Lebensraum policies?

Poland.

Name two groups the Nazis labelled as ‘racial inferiors.’

Jews, Gypsies (Roma), Blacks (any two).

What 1935 laws deprived German Jews of citizenship?

The Nuremberg Laws.

What symbol were Jews forced to wear from 1941?

A yellow Star of David.

List the three phases of Nazi persecution of Jews.

Exclusion (1933-39), Ghettoisation (1940-44), Annihilation (1941 onward).

What were Nazi killing centres in occupied Poland commonly called?

Death factories or extermination camps (gas chambers acceptable).

What was the compulsory boys’ youth organisation in Nazi Germany?

Hitler Youth.

Which youth group did Nazi Germany require 10-year-olds to join?

Jungvolk (for children under 14).

How did the Nazis reward women for having many ‘Aryan’ children?

By awarding Honour Crosses (bronze, silver, gold for 4, 6, 8+ children).

Name one propaganda film that stereotyped Jews.

‘The Eternal Jew.’

Why did many ordinary Germans accept Nazi policies, according to propaganda impact?

They believed Nazism would restore prosperity and national pride.

What term is used for the mass murder of Jews by the Nazis?

The Holocaust.

Which writer chronicled Jewish fears in ‘The Third Reich of Dreams’?

Charlotte Beradt.

Why did knowledge of the Holocaust remain limited during the war?

Nazi leadership destroyed evidence and suppressed information.