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Edexcel International GCSE History: Germany Development of Dictatorship, 1918-45

Overview

• Textbook by Victoria Payne, published by Pearson.

• Series Editor: Nigel Kelly.

• Focus on Germany’s political evolution from the end of WWI to WWII.

Book Structure

• Chapters:

  • The Establishment of the Weimar Republic and Its Early Problems

  • The Recovery of Germany, 1924-29

  • The Rise of Hitler and the Nazis to January 1933

  • Nazi Germany, 1933-39

  • Germany and the Occupied Territories During the Second World War

Key Features of the Book

• Mix of learning activities, sources, and exam-style questions to aid understanding.

• Includes recaps, exam guidance, and activities to reinforce learning.

Important Events and Concepts

The Weimar Republic

• Established in 1919 following Germany’s defeat in WWI.

• Faced significant challenges including hyperinflation (1923) and political instability.

• Strengths: Democratic elections, guaranteed civil rights in the Weimar Constitution.

• Weaknesses: Political division, reliance on coalition governments, and the 'stab-in-the-back' myth.

Hitler's Rise to Power

• Joined the German Workers' Party in 1919; transformed it into the Nazi Party.

• Key Events:

  • 1923 Munich Putsch failed but increased Hitler’s visibility.

  • Reorganization of the party after imprisonment allowed for strategic growth.

  • Took advantage of the Great Depression to gain mass support.

The Enabling Act (1933)

• Passed after the Reichstag Fire; allowed Hitler to legislate without Reichstag consent.

• Marked the demise of the Weimar Republic and the consolidation of Nazi power.

Methods of Control

• Police State Framework:

  • SS (Schutzstaffel) and Gestapo (secret police) used to eliminate opposition.

  • Censorship and propaganda led by Joseph Goebbels shaped public perception.

• Public life heavily regulated; arts, education, and media aligned with Nazi ideology.

Impact of the Second World War

• Allied bombing raids targeted German cities; resulted in severe civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure.

• The 'Final Solution' resulted in the systemic extermination of Jews and other groups.

Key Terms and Figures

• Rentenmark: Currency introduced to stabilize German economy post-hyperinflation.

• Stresemann: Key figure in restoring stability in the Weimar Republic; contributed to economic recovery.

• SA (Sturmabteilung): Nazi paramilitary organization instrumental in political violence and intimidation.

Social Changes Under Nazi Rule

• Emphasis on traditional gender roles; women encouraged to be homemakers.

• Education indoctrinated youth with Nazi beliefs; emphasized Aryan supremacy and military readiness.

Summary

• The Nazis leveraged social discontent to rise to power, employing violence, mass propaganda, and legal manipulations. Hitler's totalitarian regime led to brutal oppression, notably against the Jewish population, particularly during the Holocaust.