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.