Ka1 Flashcards
1
Q
Who were the central powers?
A
Germany
Austria Hungary
Turkey
Later Bulgaria
2
Q
Who were the Allies?
A
France
Britain
Russia
Later the USA
3
Q
What was the Ludendorff/Spring Offence?
A
A massive attack Germany launched on the Western Front in early 1919 to defeat the allies before USA troops arrived-initially successful but pushed back.
4
Q
What was the German reaction to the loss of WW1?
A
Great shock-despite food shortages from the British naval blockade the German press told them they were close to success- so they expected victory.
Found it difficult to understand how they lost: German troops were victorious in the east against Russia, German soil had not been invaded and there were still German troops in Belgium and France.
5
Q
What was the British naval blockade?
A
During the last 2 years of the war, the British navy blockaded German ports, led to food shortages.
Winter of 1916-17 supply of potatoes ran out, just left with turnips.
Food shortage meant civilians were vulnerable to disease. Some 750,000 Germans died from a combination of hunger and disease.
6
Q
What were the political consequences of the WW1 loss?
A
Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated on 9th Nov 1918
Power passed to a council of Peoples’ Representatives- a temporary gov under Friedrich Ebert, they quickly signed the Armistice + known as ‘November Criminals’
Signs of chaos; German sailors mutinied + there was unrest among workers in cities. Gov feared full scale revolution due to chaos and civil war it created, avoided this with support of army.
January 1919 elections: SPG, Catholic centre party + German Democratic party formed coalition and drew up new democratic constitution.
7
Q
Who was Friedrich Ebert?
A
Leader of the SPD (Social Democratic Party)
Became President of the Weimar Republic in 1920
8
Q
What was the stab-in-the back myth?
A
The weakness and defeatism on the home front let the army down.
9
Q
What were the social consequences of WW1 loss?
A
Divide between the rich and poor increased as gap in living standards increased. Restrictions placed on workers’ earnings during war made this worse as factory owners made vast profits while the income of their workers declined due to inflation.
Women called up to work in factories to maintain production levels; helped maintain income levels but others argued it damaged traditional family values + society.
10
Q
What were other social consequences of WW1 loss?
A
Divisions between urban and rural areas emerged; those living in cities accused those in the countryside of hoarding food + other essentials.
Deaths of soldiers; at the end of the war there were some 600,000 widows, and 2 million fatherless children
British naval blockade was tightened to pressure Germany to fulfil armistice terms-shortages grew worse. Some 750,000 Germans died from a combination of hunger and disease.
11
Q
What were the economic consequences of WW1 loss?
A
War pensions put a strain on gov; pension payments consumed 1/3 of the budget.
National income fell to about 1/3 of what it had been in 1913.
Industrial production fell, it was only 2/3 of pre-war levels.
Severe; Germany virtually bankrupt. Further weakened by TOV terms, reparations, lost large areas of rich industrial land.
The face value of war bonds had been eroded by inflation-meant many Germans lost most or all of their wealth.
12
Q
What were the impacts of the Treaty of Versailles?
A
-Reparations
-Military losses
-Land lost
Some Germans now lived in occupied areas, destruction of armed forces and loss of empire damaged national pride. Blamed Weimar as they signed it-opposition.
Despite losses Germany was still the strongest power in central Europe due to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and defeat of Russia.
13
Q
What was the impact of land lost?
A
Lost land from virtually every border area:
North: Schleswig was returned to Denmark
East: Upper Silesia (contained coal and steelworks) given to Poland as well as Posen + West Prussia
South: Forbidden to unite with Austria.
West: Alsace Lorraine returned to France.
Saar (rich industrial land) placed under the control of the League of Nations.
14
Q
What were the impacts of military losses in the TOV?
A
Army reduced to 100,000 men, navy reduced to 15,000
Tanks, aircraft, submarines + poison gas forbidden
Number of ships limited
Rhineland was demilitarised + occupied by Allied troops for 15 years.
Destroyed German pride + made it difficult for Germany to defend itself.
15
Q
What were the impacts of reparations in the TOV?
A
Had to pay £6.6 billion.
Forced to accept Article 231 the War Guilt Clause-meant they had to take responsibility for starting the War. Resented this.
Germans disapproved of the Gov as they signed it, so they lost support.
16
Q
Reasons why the TOV was fair?
A
- Can be argued that Germany would have treated the Allies more harshly if they had won, eg Germany made Russia sign a treaty after withdrawing form WW1 which took away 1/4 of their farmland and population.
- Most devasting war in the world-only right that the losing countries should pay for damages.
17
Q
Reasons why the TOV was unfair?
A
Germany lost 13% of land
Treaty was too harsh, people thought it would lead to another war, Lloyd George predicted another war in the next 25 years
Treaty was a diktat-had to accept any terms + not allowed representatives
Reparations crippled Germany, estimated to take until 1980s to pay back
18
Q
What were the aims of the left-wing?
A
Hoped that a Soviet Style government would be established
Wanted industry to be nationalised
Wanted a revolution in Germany similar to the one
When this didn’t happen they revolted.
19
Q
What was the Spartacist Uprising 1918/19
A
Led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, members attempted to seize power in Berlin but were brutally oppressed by the military and the Freikorps.
20
Q
Reasons why the Spartacist Uprising was a threat?
A
In Berlin the capital city-if successful it could have removed new politicians from power.
It is a physical demonstration that they oppose democracy-want communism. Germany need to appear democratic to allies, can’t afford another war + League of Nations.
Weimar gov only just set up, not prepared, can’t afford to face criticism + look weak, stab in the back myth.
21
Q
Why was the Spartacist uprising not a threat?
A
Not organised well, had too few workers + their armed forces were inadequate, not a match against the Freikorps.
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22
Q
Why was the Spartacist uprising not a threat?
A
Not organised well, had too few workers + their armed forces were inadequate, not a match against the Freikorps.
The revolt did not spread through out Germany-not enough support.
Not successful, didn’t achieve aims supressed easily by army and Freikorps, Luxemburg and Liebknecht executed.
23
Q
What was the 1920 Ruhr Uprising?
A
In 1920, Communists and others on the left formed a ‘red army’ of nearly 80,000 men. Planned to seize control of Ruhr district but were brutally crushed by the Freikorps and the army.
Many on left viewed army as undemocratic.
24
Q
What were the impacts of the left wing revolts?
A
Short term-supressed by Freikorps + army
Long term- increased polarisation and encouraged many on the right to believe a Soviet Style revolution was planned-could lead to revolts from them.
25
Why did Weimar view the left as a more significant threat?
Due to their fears of communism and a revolution as they didn't want to experience the chaos and civil war it created in Russia.
Also they didn't share views on anything so didn't have anything to offer them to try to win them over.
Threat demonstrated through the 'Ebert-Groener Pact'
26
What was the Ebert-Groener Pact?
An agreement between President Ebert and Wilhelm Groener that ensured the safety of the Weimar Republic in its early days.
The army along with the Freikorps were allowed to crack down on the left wing groups, in return they retained independence.
27
What were the aims of the right-wing?
Thought Weimar was too left and weak, wanted to return to return to a stronger, more traditional form of government.
Resented Germany's weak position after the war, felt army had been 'stabbed-in-the-back' by new gov.
28
What was the Kapp Putsch 1920?
1920, the gov attempted to disband the Freikorps, resulted in Wolfgang Kapp attempting to seize power, he and his supporters marched into Berlin and declared themselves in power. Army had sympathies with Kapp + refused to crush rising, gov forced to flee. Appeared as a threat but trade unions called for a general strike-this paralysed public services + defeated the rising.
29
Why was the Kapp Putsch a threat?
Highlighted the government's lack of authority when the army refused to fire on Freikorps under Kapp, shows the gov had little power + lacked control, only able to solve revolts with military support.
Only able to stop it because the republic was popular among the WC, still reliant on others.
30
What were the impacts of the Kapp Putsch?
Established a right wing gov in Bavaria-here extremist organisations were allowed to flourish.
June 1920 elections resulted in further loss of support for democratic parties and gains for the right wing
Extreme right grew as disputes with Allies over peace terms + reparations created further resentment.
Encouraged further hostility from many workers.
31
What were the impacts of the Ruhr Uprising?
It was the biggest left-wing uprising
Over 1000 workers, 250 police and soldiers were killed
Key buildings eg railway stations and post offices were seized.
32
What was the Munich Putsch 1923?
Putsch led by Hitler and the Nazis.
During the extreme economic crisis of 1923, Hitler attempted to seize power first in Munich then Berlin.
Initially successful as Hitler was able to seize the state governor, however the police acted + put it down.
33
What were the impacts of the Munich Putsch?
16 Nazis were killed
Hitler was arrested but given minimum sentence + released early on probation , this was clear indication of the judiciary's sympathy for such movements + their lukewarm support for the republic.
Hitler's trial generated publicity for his party-support for Nazis, gave him platform to come to power.
34
How many political assassinations were there from right wing?
Between 1919-22 there were 376 political murders mostly by right wing eg Walther Rathenau.
35
Why were the right wing a bigger threat?
Had military support
The left was divided
They had power, demonstrated in Kapp Putsch
They had insiders that wanted to bring down democracy
Bigger threat in long term, left bigger threat in short term
Right wing assassinations show how radical they were.
36
What was the Ruhr?
The industrial heartland of Germany-it contained key materials crucial for paying off reparations in the TOV
37
What is hyperinflation?
Germany experienced this in 1923, price rises went completely out of control.
Value of money went up and prices went down
38
What caused hyperinflation?
Cost of war and reparations
| Striking workers in the Ruhr- needed to print more money to pay them, mark lost value.
39
Why did the Ruhr end up being invaded in Jan 1923?
Germany fell behind in reparation payments. Ebert tried to negotiate more time but French needed the money to pay off war debts to USA. French decided to occupy the Ruhr and take what they felt was rightfully theirs.
40
How did the Gov respond to the occupation of the Ruhr?
With a policy of passive resistance-general strike. Gov had to print more money to pay workers, led to hyperinflation, money became worthless.
41
What were the impacts of hyperinflation?
By October 1923, 4.2 trillion marks were needed to buy 1 US dollar
Price of a loaf of bread went from 250 marks in Jan 1923 to 200 trillion in Nov
Loss of support for Weimar, many people blamed the Republic as they had agreed to the reparations by signing the TOV.
42
Who benefited from hyperinflation?
Those who needed to pay off loans, inflation had made them almost worthless.
Black markets and gambling flourished, people turned to bartering
43
Who didn't benefit from hyperinflation?
Those on fixed incomes or reliant on savings e.g. pensioners, civil servants and members of MC
Weimar lost support
44
How was the issue solved?
Stresemann took decisive action, he:
ended passive resistance
co-operated with the allies
brought in a new currency and destroyed the old, worthless mark
45
Why were the left wing not a threat?
They weren't a united front making it difficult for a truly left-wing society to form as they disagreed on how it would function.
46
What did the Weimar constitution do?
Stated how the new Germany would function, it was a democratic republic.
47
In what ways were the Weimar constitution democratic?
People voted for the president and the Reichstag
President appointed the Chancellor but if the Reichstag lost faith in him then a new one was chosen
48
What measures were democratic?
The people voted for the President and the Reichstag
President in power for 7 years before re-election=stability.
49
What was proportional representation?
The percentage of a party's vote will give them the same percentage of seats in the Reichstag (Lower House)
50
Why did the system the Weimar Constitution used make it weak?
Used system of proportional representation to elect members to Reichstag, allowed small parties to gain representation + meant governments were made up of a coalition of parties. These were unstable and led to frequent changes in gov, undermining confidence in the new democracy, left many longing for more authoritarian alternative.
51
What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?
Proportional representation meant it was difficult to establish a strong government, evident as there were 20 different cabinets between Feb 1919 and Jan 1933
System allowed small parties such as NSDAP to gain a foothold
Presidential power undermined the system-through Article 48 President could rule by emergency decree
Not really democratic-forced upon them
Opposition-blamed for TOV, wanted dictatorship
52
What were the strengths of the Weimar Constitution?
Although there were numerous new cabinets formed, the people in them were often the same even if their role changed, while others served in the same rule eg Gustav Stresemann 1923-29 foreign minister
From 1918-23 the Republic faced almost constant attacks from both the extreme left and right but still survived
53
What did historian Richard J.Evans say about the Weimar Constitution? (STRENGTH)
"Weimar Germany's Constitution was no worse than the constitution of most other countries in the 1920s"
Although critics have argued that Article 48 weakened the Republic, all constitutions have provisions for similar powers when there are states of emergency
54
When were Weimar's golden years?
1924-1929
55
How were politics stable/positive during the golden years?
Democratic parties did well; by 1928 they had 136 more seats than radical parties
Extremist parties lost votes eg NSDAP unable to win more than 3% of the vote in 1928
No putsches, assassinations or attempted revolutions after 1923, suggests Republic were beginning to settle, centre parties gaining in elections supports this as in 1928, 76% of people voted for pro-Weimar governments
Evidence of cooperation: eg Social Democrats headed a coalition gov after 1928 election for the first time since 1920, appears that MC parties were losing their suspicion of socialism + willing to work together
Evidence of cooperation at state level; In Prussia there was a stable coalition involving SPD, Centre and DDP parties
56
How were politics unstable/negative during the golden years?
Coalitions were unstable, difficult to cooperate led to continued governmental instability, eg:
Stresemann led the first coalition in 1923 to include left and right-wing parties-different views-won't agree-instability
Country governed by SPD and DVP, they disagreed over social + economic policies making it difficult for them to cooperate
Major parties faced challenges: Centre Party adopted more right-wing policies making cooperation with DDP and SPD more difficult
With foreign affairs the DNVP disliked Stresemann's policy of rapprochement with France + Britain =resentment
Ebert died in 1925, left divided as KPD refused to support SPD, election in 1925 Hindenburg as President-not committed to democracy
KPD still managed to win 10% of vote in 1928
In 1930, voters moved to the Nazis
57
Why was Hindenburg being elected as President in 1925 negative?
It was the greatest sign of the weakness of the fledging democracy as his support for the Republic was lukewarm.
His aim was to exclude the SPD from gov and bring in the right-wing DNVP.
His election suggests there was still considerable support for an old style authoritarian regime + the army and old elites still had great influence.
58
How was the economy stable during the golden years?
Stresemann called off passive resistance in the Ruhr 1923 + introduced new currency the Rentenmark restoring public confidence.
Inflation cured in 1924 bringing greater stability
Foreign investment (eg Dawes Plan + Young Plan) helped stimulate industry so Germany was one of the world's leading manufacturers by 1930
Industrial production recovered, by 1929 production was back to 1913 levels
Welfare state was extended, WC made gains + wages increased, suggests that the economy was recovering + the Republic was becoming more stable
Meant living standards rose, public had nothing to complain about=golden
59
How was the economy unstable during the golden years?
Initially successful but this is limited.
In 1926 production declined + Germany's balance of trade was in red
Stabilisation of the economy led to increase in the cost of exports, forced industrialists to look for ways to cut costs-often resulted in workers being made redundant led to unemployment.
Unemployment reached 2 million in January 1928
Unemployment was never below 1.3 million
Foreign investments made Germany very dependent on foreign loans particularly from USA-serious problems if these were withdrawn.
Agricultural wages only one-half the national average by 1929-ensured there were still extremes of wealth + poverty evident at the start of the period.
60
What other reasons were there for why the economy was unstable during the golden years?
Economic recovery didn't affect everyone, Mittelstand + farmers never fully recovered. Dissatisfaction shown in their votes for extremist parties in 1928
Production growth lagged behind that of other countries. The rate of industrial growth was low but worse in agriculture
The extension of the welfare state alienated powerful groups in the elite + abused expectations that could not be met
Reparations still cause great nationalist resentment despite being reorganised
American loans short term solution, great depression catalyst to Germany's problems
61
What was the Dawes Plan?
1924
| Raised some 800 million marks in loans
62
What was the Young Plan?
1929
Reduced reparations and extended the period over which they were paid.
Reduced them by nearly 2/3
63
How did foreign relations make Germany stable during the golden years?
Very successful-made most progress
Aimed to put the TOV behind them + restore Germany's prestige
Worked with France to remove French troops from the Ruhr, freeing up Germany's production
Worked with USA to receive economic support, which increased their relations with the West
Worked with the West to improve Germany's reputation (e.g. joining League of Nations 1926), some were pleased Germany was now being internationally accepted
Improved relations with the USSR by signing the Treaty of Berlin in 1926
64
How were foreign relations negative?
Aiming to put TOV behind them would have annoyed those who still resented the impact of the Treaty
Some people saw working with France to remove French troops from Ruhr as giving into French demands for reparations
Over reliant on USA's economy for support
Some saw working with the West as Weimar continuing to betray the country
Many rejected the idea of a full alliance due to fear of communism
65
What were the positives of culture in the golden years?
Experimentation in culture was a sign of strength and culture e.g. Charlie Chaplin, Charleston, theatre
Architecture flourished with the development of the Bauhaus group
Berlin challenged Paris as the cultural capital of Europe as pre-war censorship was removed
Positives after war + stability, not complaining
66
What were the negatives of culture in the golden years?
Many critics
Liberal attitudes that were portrayed shocked many
Films such as 'All quiet on the western front' angered nationalists as it depicted war time military + officers in a bad light
Many conservatives criticised the new styles, thought it was harmful to traditional German values
These liberal attitudes to art were blamed on the new gov
67
Who was Gustav Stresemann?
Originally right-wing
Formed the DVP
Came to support Weimar Republic after murders of Erzberger and Rathenau
68
What were Stresemann's aims?
Restore Germany's power and prosperity
| Revise the TOV
69
What did Stresemann do?
Pursued a pragmatic policy of cooperation with the West, Germany no longer seen as an outcast by the rest of Europe
He realised other countries couldn't afford to let the German economy completely collapse so made great use of the close interdependence of economic and foreign policy.
70
What events/actions was Stresemann involved in as Chancellor?
Agreed the Dawes Plan in 1924
Agreed the Locarno Treaties in 1925
1926 joined the League of Nations + received Nobel Peace Prize
1927 Allied Disarmament Commission withdrew from Germany + first Allied troops withdrawn from garrisons in the Rhineland some years a head of schedule=trust
Agreed the Kellogg-Briand Pact 1928
Agreed the Young Plan 1929
71
Reasons that Stresemann was successful?
Policies, trust from other countries, rebuilt position in Europe. Foreign relations
Became a major international figure
Instrumental in ending Ruhr Occupation + stabilising currency.
72
What are positive historian views on Stresemann?
Eberhard Kolb argued he was "astonishingly successful"
Jonathan Wright described him as "Weimar's greatest statesman"
73
What are negative historian views on Stresemann?
Martin Walsdorff argued that he failed to achieve his main aim of revising the TOV or the Polish border and any change he did achieve was slow and led to right-wing becoming more critical
74
Reasons why Stresemann was unsuccessful?
His policy of revision was a problem, by 1929 it reached a dead end-limited. A more dynamic approach was required.
Most historians accept he failed to significantly strengthen the Weimar regime as the concessions he gained were not sufficiently dramatic so his policy failed to rally Germans to the regime
Many Germans (especially right-wing) saw his policy regarding the TOV as capitulation, they didn't feel that Germany's pride had been restored.
Nationalists very critical of his policy of negotiating with Allies + former enemies eg Young Plan
Germans not won over by conciliatory approach, meant Republic lacked the support it needed to face the greater challenges of the 1930s
75
What did the Nazi Party + DNVP force Stresemann to do?
Forced him to hold a referendum on issue of reparations + accused him of high treason.
Gov won but clear indication that nationalists disapproved of the government's policy of negotiating concessions
76
What was the Rentenmark (Stresemann policy) ?
New currency 1923
| The supply of the notes was limited and it was backed by agricultural land
77
What were the positives about the Rentenmark?
The money had real value and people trusted it
It stopped hyperinflation and prices began to go down
People from abroad could trust it, therefore they would invest in Germany
It improved German business and employment rate went up
Meant that French left the Ruhr
78
What were the negatives about the Rentenmark?
The people affected by hyperinflation were never compensated
MC angry as they lost the most
The exchange rate was poor- 1,000,000,000 of the old money could be exchanged for 1 of the new Rentenmark
79
What was the Dawes Plan?
1924
Way to make sure reparations could be paid
Reparations reduced to £50 million per year
US banks agreed to give Germany a $800 million loan
80
What were the positives of the Dawes Plan?
Allowed Germany to pay the reparations + made sure there was no repeat of the Occupation of the Ruhr
WC and MC benefitted as the industrial output between 1923-28 doubled
Employment, trade + income from taxation increased
81
What were the negatives of the Dawes Plan?
Extreme political parties were furious that Germany had again agreed to pay reparations
The economy depended fully on loans, if something went wrong then Germany were in serious trouble
82
What was the Young Plan?
1929
Reduced reparations from £6.6 to £2.2 billion
Germany given extra 59 years to pay
83
What were the positives of the Young Plan?
Lower reparations meant the gov could lower taxes = happier people
Lower taxes meant gov could spend more on the industry + economic growth
French agreed to leave Rhineland in 1930
85% of Germans agreed with plan
84
What were the negatives of the Young Plan?
Annual payments were still £50 million per year, now being paid until 1988
85
What was the Locarno Plan?
1925
Treaty between Germany, Britain, France, Italy + Belgium
Germany accepted its new border with France + France promised peace
Discussions that Germany could join League of Nations
86
What were the positives of the Locarno Plan?
Made war less likely again
Stresemann given Nobel Peace Prize in 1926
Germany were being treated more equally
87
What were the negatives of the Locarno Plan?
Some parties disagreed + hated that the Versailles agreements were put in place
Extreme parties hated that Weimar was working with the enemy
88
What did Germany joining the League of Nations in 1926 mean?
Germany joined the international body in which powerful countries talked about solving the worlds' problems without going to war
89
What were the positives of Germany joining the League of Nations?
Boosted confidence of Germans in the Weimar
Germany got the equal power to 'veto (disagree)' with other countries about certain topics
90
What were the negatives of Germany joining the League of Nations?
Extreme parties believed that working with the enemy meant that things like the TOV were ok.
Resentment
91
What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact?
1928
| Agreement between 61 countries that war would not be used to achieve aims
92
What were the positives of the Kellogg Briand Pact?
Meant Germany could rebuild without the fear of war
Germany were now included by the superpowers
Weimar Republic was now respectable
Shows that moderate parties could be trusted to run Germany
93
What were the negatives of the Kellogg Briand Pact?
This still kept the TOV in place, so Germany were still weak
94
Evidence that living standards rose during the golden years?
Wages for unionised workers rose
Working hours reduced to 8 hour day, meant standard of living increased . Provision of welfare benefits + pensions further enhanced this
Wages for those working in industry rose
95
Reasons that living + working conditions didn't improve during the golden years?
Welfare state was costly, employers argued that it was so costly that increased the tax burden on businesses making them less profitable
Cost of welfare was greater than reparations
Agricultural wages only one half the national average by 1929, ensured that there were still extremes of wealth and poverty
96
Why was the Weimar Republic unstable by 1929?
Political + economic recovery built on unstable foundations, conditions so bad would have collapsed with out Depression (catalyst?)
German economy would've faced economic crisis by 1929 with out Depression; high cost of social welfare system, declining exports, lack of internal investment, reparation payments + unemployment only being solved by foreign loans a short term solution
Political system was weak, not working together, failed to gain public support, politicians failed to establish democratic values strong enough to resist future crisis. Democracy was dead.
With the death of Stresemann in 1929 came the end of stability in foreign affairs.
97
What factors contributed to Hitler's rise of power/ being appointed as Chancellor?
The failures of the Weimar government
The impact of the Great Depression on Germany
The appeal of Hitler + the Nazi party
The role of the political elite (backstairs intrigue)
The role of Propaganda
Fear of communism
98
How did the Great Depression lead to Hitler becoming Chancellor?
Great Depression had severe impact on Germany
Germany was in a very weak situation, Weimar appeared weak as they were unable to deal with the crisis
People were struggling
Strong slogans e.g. 'Arbeit and Brot' (Work+Bread) appealed to workers
Nazi's were able to play on people's fears about depression + appeared to offer simple solutions
Votes increased, by July 1932 the NSDAP were the largest single party in Reichstag with 230 seats
99
What were the impacts of the Great Depression on Germany?
6 million unemployed by 1932-workers unable to support families
Benefit payments increased, gov unable to meet demands of benefit system created political crisis, weakened the Republic
1931, 5 major banks collapsed
50,000 businesses had gone bankrupt 1930-32
By 1932, 18,000 farmers had gone bankrupt
Nazi + Communist votes increased, both became largest parties during Depression-highlights people lost faith in Weimar + democracy + looking for immediate change
100
What were the Nazis' vote before and after the Wall Street Crash?
In 1924, they won 32 seats
In 1928, this dropped to 12
By July 1932, the NSDAP were the largest single party in the Reichstag with 230 seats
101
How did the weaknesses of the Weimar gov 1928-30 contribute to Hitler becoming Chancellor?
Division over the unemployment insurance created crisis in the Great Coalition as the different parties had different approaches to solve it
Attempts at compromise failed, led to the resignation of the cabinet which created instability + weakened democracy
March 1930, Hindenburg appointed Heinrich Brüning as Chancellor, his reliance on rule by emergency decree marked the end of parliamentary democracy
1930, Nazi party won 107 seats, Reichstag divided + difficult for Brüning to govern = WEAK
Weimar unable to cope with crisis + looked weak, many saw that democracy had failed, and turned to extremist parties that offered simple solutions
102
What different approaches did the Great Coalition have to the issue of the unemployment insurance system?
SPD didn't want cuts
DVP wanted cuts
Industrialists wanted the system abolished
Failed to co operate, left people looking for an authoritarian alternative
103
Who was Heinrich Brüning?
Right wing Conservative
Appointed as Chancellor in March 1930
"Hunger Chancellor"
Failed to win support for increasing taxes + cutting welfare spending, so ruled by Article 48-weakened democracy
104
Why was Brüning dismissed?
Dismissed from office in May 1932
Hindenburg + his conservative friends disliked the ban he imposed on the SA, but said it was due to his failure to deal with depression
Removed without reference to Reichstag, further sign of declining democracy
Only survived so long because he had President's support + could rule by emergency decree
105
What happened in the 1932 election?
| Links with Weimar's weaknesses factor
Only 43% of the electorate voted for democratic parties
NSDAP = big winners
Number of seats increased from 107 to 230
Gained 37.3% of the popular vote
106
How did the rise and appeal of Hitler contribute to him becoming Chancellor?
After being released from prison he took time to rebuild the Nazi party
The Depression provided the party with it's electoral breakthrough, they took advantage of this opportunity by increasing their support through a number of factors, particularly Hitler's appeal
Presented him as strong leader + type of person who was needed in a crisis- this attracted people to vote for Nazi party
Contrast to Weimar who were weak
107
What other factors were behind the success of the Nazis?
```
Hitler
Support of industrialists
Organisation
Promises to voters
The weakness of the Opposition
```
108
How did the support of Industrialists contribute to the Nazis' success?
Many industrialists were frightened of communism + the threat it posed to their business
As a result many gave their support to the Nazis
Their support included financial banking-allowed Nazis to finance their election campaigns
109
How did organisation contribute to the Nazis' success?
The Nazi party had been reorganised during 1920s
| Local party leaders were well trained to ensure that they gave a clear + consistent message
110
How did promises to voters contribute to the Nazis' success?
The party adopted a flexible approach to policies, so it appeared that they were able to offer something to every group in society.
eg those unemployed were offered jobs, farmers promised higher prices, shopkeepers promised protection from large department stores
111
How did the weakness of the opposition contribute to the Nazis' success?
Even though other political parties were weak, they underestimated the Nazis.
Many parties thought the Nazi promises were so unrealistic that voters wouldn't trust them and therefore disregarded the threat that they posed
112
What did Hitler do to rebuild the Nazi party?
Wrote Mein Kampf-set out his beliefs on a whole range of issues
Established a network of party-affiliated organisations eg Hitler Youth
Appointed Josef Goebbels in charge of Propaganda
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How did Hitler contribute to the success of the Nazis?
Portrayed as a strong leader + the type of person who was needed in a crisis
Propaganda + rallies portrayed him as the superman who could solve Germany's problems
He appeared charismatic + made great use of his oratory skills at mass rallies
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What was the 25 point programme?
Issued in 1920
| A mixture of nationalist and socialist ideas designed to appeal to as many people as possible
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Some examples of the points in the 25 point programme?
Unity of all German-speaking people
Abolition of the TOV
Citizens are entitled to a job and a decent standard of living. If this cannot be achieved, foreigners should be expelled
The first duty of a citizen is to work
Strong central government with unrestricted authority
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How did the role of Propaganda contribute to Hitler becoming Chancellor?
Goebbels appointed to run it, he trained groups in the art + adopted new techniques to spread Nazi message
Charted a plane to fly Hitler all over Germany in 1932 so he could speak at 3-4 rallies per day
Rallies, parades, posters used to present Hitler as saviour and 'last hope'-attracts people
Promised to make Germany great again + attacked communism
Not all of those who voted for him agreed with his ideas, but feared alternative. Took advantage of this
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How did they attack communism?
| LINKS WITH PROPAGANDA FACTOR
This involved creating disturbances at communist rallies so the SA could go in + crush it
They, unlike the gov, could be seen to be dealing with Communist threat
Allowed Hitler to point to the party's long record of tackling communism
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What happened in the November 1932 election?
NOV 1932
Nazi party: popular vote and number of seats they won declined
Unemployment continued to rise but Nazi support fell, so unemployment alone does not explain why they came to power
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What is backstairs intruige?
The name given to the series of events that helped Hitler into power
In public, the Nazis had been successful in elections but Hindenburg didn't want Hitler as Chancellor
In discussions behind closed doors, politicians + businessmen managed to convince Hindenburg otherwise
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How did the role of the political elite (backstairs intrigue) contribute to Hitler becoming Chancellor?
Nazi support declined but still had a large popular following, elites realised they needed Hitler as much as he needed their support if he was to come to power
KPD gained seats 1932 election-elites freaked out
Schleicher appointed chancellor-attempted to persuade some Nazis so join but Hitler wouldn't allow it
Schleicher then tried to win support of SPD with promise of economic reforms -this worried Industrialists + began backstairs intrigue
Papen had been removed from power + began talks with Hitler, made agreement that he would be Chancellor + Papen Vice Chancellor
Schleicher failed to gain majority, Hindenburg lost confidence in him, despised Hitler but now willing to bring him into gov
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Why did Schleicher try to persuade some Nazis to join his gov?
Hoped they would be able to win his regime more support
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Why was Hindenburg now willing to bring Hitler into gov?
He believed the Nazi party was in decline after their Nov election results so would be easy to control + could be jettisoned once they had served their purpose
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More on role of political elites
Chancellors Von Papen and Von Schleicher both failed to gain majority, highlighting instability of Weimar gov + appeal of Hitler as alternative
DEC 1932 Schleicher tried to get support from SPD, lost industrialists support, they now looked to a von Papen-Hitler coalition
Von Papen + Hindenburg underestimated Hitler, appointed him as Chancellor because they thought they could control him
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Why was backstairs intrigue key in Hitler's appointment?
Had they not made the choice to appoint Hitler, the NSDAP would not have been able to fulfil the promises made through propaganda + support appeared to be decreasing for them by the end of 1932
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When did Hitler become Chancellor of Germany?
30th January 1933
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How did the fear of communism of contribute to Hitler becoming Chancellor?
The depression showed that capitalism wasn't working
KPD saw a surge in their vote
Many people had seen the consequences of the revolution in the USSR + scared of its potential
Nazis + other parties continued to produce anti-communist material, kept the KPD's share of vote lower than the Nazis
Elites were paranoid about the increase in communism
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Why were the elites paranoid about the increase in Communism?
Because they would lose everything in the redistribution of wealth
Did this influence backstairs intruige?
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Why did Papen resign?
He suggested abolishing the Weimar Constitution
Kurt von Schleicher persuaded Hindenburg that if that happened there would be a civil war
Hindenburg lost confidence in von Papen --> resigned
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Why was Hitler's position weak + could be controlled when he became Chancellor?
There were only 2 other Nazis in the Cabinet, so 8 non-Nazis
The gov still didn't command a majority in the Reichstag so would be unable to bring in radical legalisation
Hindenburg had the power to sack Hitler
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What were the steps of Hitler being appointed as Chancellor?
Secret meetings between Hitler + Papen had been taking place for some time
Hitler once again refused to accept being Vice Chancellor
Finally the 2 agreed that Hitler would lead a Nazi-Nationalist Coalition with Papen as Vice Chancellor
Won support of elites
Still needed consent of Hindenburg who eventually agreed
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How did Papen win the support of the elites for his arrangement?
Because he argued that it was the best way to defeat the threat from the left + with him as Vice Chancellor he would be able to control Hitler
