Germany (1870-1918)

Unification of Germany

Unification of Germany

The process of bringing together the 39 states of Germany under one country, led by Prussia and Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

The German Emperor who succeeded in 1888, focused on industrialization, militarism, and building a strong navy to rival Britain.

Weltpolitik

The foreign policy followed by Kaiser Wilhelm II, aiming for Germany to have a prominent place among world powers.

Social Democratic Party [SPD]

A political party in Germany that gained popularity among workers, advocating for socialism and equal distribution of power and wealth.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government established in Germany after WWI, known for its proportional representation system and weaknesses like Article 48 and state government conflicts.

Spartacist Revolution

An uprising in January 1919 by the German communist party (Spartacists) against the Weimar government, led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht.

Kapp Putsch

An attempted takeover of Germany in 1920 led by Wolfgang Kapp, which was thwarted by workers in Berlin going on strike.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty Germany had to sign after World War I, including terms like War Guilt clause, Reparations, Armed Forces restrictions, and Territory losses.

Hyperinflation

A period in Germany, particularly in November 1923, when the value of money dropped drastically, leading to soaring prices and economic instability.

Munich Putsch

An unsuccessful attempt by Hitler and the Nazis in November 1923 to seize power in Munich, resulting in Hitler's arrest and trial.

Stresemann Years

Refers to the period of 1924-1929 when Gustav Stresemann's economic measures helped stabilize Germany's economy and improve living standards.

Wall Street Crash

The economic collapse in the USA in 1929, leading to the Great Depression and affecting Germany's economy due to withdrawn loans.

Nazi Propaganda

The strategic use of clear, simple messages by the Nazis, led by Josef Goebbels, through newspapers, radio, and mass rallies to influence public opinion.

SA (Sturmabteilung)

The paramilitary organization of the Nazi Party, known for its violent tactics and role in intimidating opponents to gain support for the Nazis.

Hitler's Promises

Hitler's pledges to address Germany's issues, including abolishing the Treaty of Versailles, solving problems, and providing jobs, which appealed to many voters.

Hitler's Chancellorship

The political maneuvering that led to Hitler becoming Chancellor in January 1933, through alliances and agreements with other politicians.

Decree for the Protection of the People and State

Allowed Nazis to imprison political opponents, mainly Communists, and ban Communist and Socialist newspapers to hinder their campaigning efforts.

Enabling Law

Passed in 1933, it granted Hitler the power to make laws without Reichstag consultation for 4 years, enabling him to establish a dictatorship through tactics like voter intimidation and coalition formation.

Night of the Long Knives

Refers to the event in 1934 where Hitler had SA leader Röhm and 400 SA leaders killed, eliminating internal threats and consolidating power.

Death of President Hindenburg

After Hindenburg's death in 1934, Hitler combined the roles of Chancellor and President, becoming the Führer, solidifying his control over Germany legally through the Enabling Law.

Reich Church

The Protestant Church reorganized into the National Reich Church under Nazi influence, replacing Christian symbols with Nazi symbols.

Ministry of Churches

Established in 1935 to control churches in Nazi Germany, leading to the abolishment of church schools and promotion of Hitler Youth.

Pastor's Emergency League

Founded by Pastor Martin Niemoller in 1933 as a Protestant opposition to the Nazis.

"With Burning Anxiety"

Pope's statement in 1937 criticizing Nazi abuse of human rights, resulting in the arrest of 400 Catholic Priests.

Blitzkrieg

A military strategy used by the Nazis in early war years, leading to rapid victories and increased supplies for Germany.

Rationing

Introduced in 1939 in Nazi Germany to control supplies, improving the diet of some Germans during the war.

Albert Speer

Became Reich Minister for Armaments and Production in 1943, increasing war production in Germany.

Volkssturm

People's Home Guard set up in 1944 to defend German cities, composed of Hitler Youth and unfit men.

Ghettos

Sections of cities where Jews were confined during the war, facing terrible conditions and starvation.

Einsatzgruppen

Special murder squads organized by the Nazis to kill Jews, leading to the murder of millions by 1943.