Copy of Germany 1920-1939
Page 1: Background of WWII in Germany (1920-1939)
Overview of Germany's socio-political context leading to WWII.
Page 2: Treaty of Versailles (1919)
Negotiated Terms:
Negotiated by victorious countries of WWI.
Germany faced the option to accept terms or be invaded.
Impact on Germany:
Destructive rather than constructive agreements.
Led to crippling effects on Germany's economy and morale.
Page 3: Consequences of the Treaty
Economic Devastation:
Every industry in Germany was devastated.
Resulted in widespread poverty and starvation.
Hyperinflation:
Money became nearly worthless.
Example:
1922: 163 marks for a loaf of bread
1923: 2 million marks for the same loaf.
Visual depiction: Children building pyramids with cash due to hyperinflation.
Page 4: Weimar Republic
Formation:
Replaced monarchy, marking the establishment of Germany's first democracy.
Challenges:
Immediate surrender after WWI.
Entered a severe depression, leading to dissatisfaction and the rise of extreme alternatives.
Page 5: Fascism & Nazism
Definition of Fascism:
A far-right authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by:
Dictatorial power.
Suppression of opposition.
Strict societal and economic control.
National Socialist Party (Nazi Party):
Emerged as a new fascist party in Germany.
Page 6: Key Elements of Nazi Ideology
Core Beliefs:
Aryan Race:
Considered the master race destined to lead.
Blame:
Jews and Communists were scapegoated for Germany's problems.
Lebensraum:
Aimed to increase living space for the Aryans.
Page 7: Rise of Adolf Hitler
Key Events:
1921: Hitler becomes the leader of the Nazi Party.
1923: Hitler's failed coup attempt leads to his imprisonment.
While in jail, he writes Mein Kampf (My Struggle) detailing his ideology.
Page 8: Hitler's Ascendance to Power
Elections of 1933:
Nazi Party wins over 90% of votes by promising economic recovery and national pride.
Hitler declares himself Fuhrer (leader) for life.
Rapid transition from monarchy to democracy to fascist dictatorship within 15 years.
Marks the beginning of the Third Reich in German history.
Page 9: Features of Nazi Germany - Opposition
Oppressive Tactics:
Violence used to intimidate or eliminate opposition.
Culture of fear and suspicion established.
Economic Strategies:
Halted treaty payment obligations.
Heavy investments in manufacturing and infrastructure, leading to reduced unemployment and stabilized inflation.
Example: Ceremonial groundbreaking for the autobahn (highway).
Page 10: Features of Nazi Germany - Propaganda
Control of Information:
All media and information controlled to convey the Nazi message.
Example: Radio stations taken over; distribution of affordable radios to spread propaganda.
Joseph Goebbels appointed as Minister of Propaganda.
Page 11: Features of Nazi Germany - Cultural Cleansing
Purification Campaign:
Aimed at eliminating Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, the mentally ill, disabled individuals, and political rivals.
Led to the Holocaust: Six million Jewish deaths and eleven million overall.
The genocide referred to as the Final Solution lasted until the end of WWII.
Resources available at The United States Holocaust Museum for further study.
Page 12: Rise of Strongman Dictators
Connection to WWII:
Emergence of extreme politics like fascism and communism in the 1930s globally.
Dictators using force and propaganda to push nationalistic agendas.
Reference: CBC Series "Love, Hate, and Propaganda" Episode 1 on strongman dictators.
Page 13: German Expansion - The Army
Military Rebuild Initiatives (1935):
Universal conscription implemented under Hitler.
Formation of a new army starting with 100,000 soldiers.
Rebuilding of the navy and air force.
Discussion on the advantages of a new military.
Page 14: German Expansion - The Rhineland
Militarization (1936):
German troops sent to the Rhineland, bordering France.
Britain and France's official protest documented.
Lessons learned by Hitler from the remilitarization success.
Page 15: German Expansion - Anschluss (1938)
Unification with Austria:
Decision for Austrian unification with Germany; official vote favored this.
Lack of opposition from the League of Nations noted.
Pop Culture Reference: Depicted in The Sound of Music.
Page 16: German Expansion - Czechoslovakia (1938)
Demand for Sudetenland:
Ethnically German province sought by Hitler to join Germany.
Note: Czechoslovakia's military could likely withstand Germany's assault in 1938, but...
Page 17: Munich Agreement (1938)
Outcome:
The League of Nations acquiesced to Germany's demands, dividing Czechoslovakia into three parts.
Hitler's promise of no further expansions questioned.
Motivations behind Britain and France's compliance researched.
Page 18: Issues Facing the League of Nations
Structural Weaknesses:
Required unanimous votes instead of a simple majority.
Absence of U.S. participation due to the Senate rejection of joining.
Member countries like Germany, Japan, and Italy withdrew from the League.
Page 19: Appeasement
Definition:
Diplomatic policy of conceding to Hitler's demands in hopes of future satisfaction.
Motivating Factors:
Realization of Treaty of Versailles' unfairness.
Denial of Hitler's expansionist goals.
Willingness to overlook anti-Semitic actions, reflecting insufficient global focus on human rights at the time.
Strong desire to avoid conflicts due to memories of WWI trauma.
Page 20: Result of Appeasement
Beginning of WWII (1939):
War initiated when Germany invaded Poland; Hitler's true intentions became clear.
Quote by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain: "I believe it is peace in our time!" alongside Winston Churchill who succeeded him in 1940.
Page 21: Political Cartoons as Primary Sources
Analysis Task:
Examine three political cartoons reflecting on current events of the era.
Analyze messages and the historical context using details from the lesson.