History Flashcards
(33 cards)
When did World War I end and what did Germany do?
WWI ended on 11/11/1918 at 11am. Germany declared an armistice (surrender).
Why did Germany surrender in 1918?
Germany could no longer fight, morale was low, and the king had abdicated.
What was Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles?
The War Guilt Clause – Germany had to take all the blame for the war.
When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?
28 June 1919
What were the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany had to accept blame, pay £6,600 million in reparations, reduce its army, lose land, and keep troops out of the Rhineland.
Who were the ‘Big Four’ behind the Treaty of Versailles?
Clemenceau (France), Wilson (USA), Lloyd George (UK), Orlando (Italy)
What did Clemenceau (France) want from the Treaty of Versailles?
Security, reparations, revenge, and to weaken Germany.
How did Germans view the Treaty of Versailles?
As a “Diktat” – forced on them without negotiation.
Why did Germans oppose the War Guilt Clause?
They believed Britain and France were also responsible for starting the war.
Why were Germans angry about territorial losses?
They believed the losses were too severe and unfair.
What did Germans fear about the reparations?
That the payments would cripple the German economy.
What were the causes of the German currency crisis?
Reparations, economic strain, printing money, loss of confidence, rising prices.
What happened to German money by 1923?
It became worthless due to hyperinflation.
What was the Munich Beer Hall Putsch?
A failed Nazi attempt to overthrow the government in Munich, November 1923.
What happened to Hitler after the Putsch?
He was arrested, but the trial increased his popularity.
What was the Dawes Plan (1924–1929)?
A U.S. plan to lend money to Germany to help with economic recovery.
Why did the U.S. help Germany with the Dawes and Young Plans?
The Treaty was too harsh; they wanted Germany to recover for trade.
Who was Gustav Stresemann?
The new German leader who helped stabilize the economy with U.S. loans.
How did the Great Depression affect Germany?
The U.S. recalled loans, making Germany poor and desperate again.
What caused the Great Depression in 1929?
The U.S. stock market crash on 29 October 1929.
How did the Great Depression help Hitler rise to power?
People turned to extreme parties like the Nazis due to poverty and anger.
What was Hitler’s plan after prison?
Abandon violence, create a 25-point program, focus on propaganda.
How did Nazi Party membership change from 1923 to 1929?
It grew from 3,000 to 150,000 members.
When did Hitler become Chancellor of Germany?
January 1933
