Lecture 08 Authoritarian Counterrevolution - Hitler and the Nazis Flashcards
1
Q
What book did Hannah Arendt publish in 1951 that examines totalitarian systems?
A
The Origins of Totalitarianism.
2
Q
According to Hannah Arendt, what ideological characteristic is common in totalitarian regimes?
A
Utopian ideology.
2
Q
How do totalitarian regimes control information, according to Arendt?
A
They use extensive censorship and propaganda.
3
Q
What type of political leadership does Arendt argue is typical of totalitarian regimes?
A
A political system dominated by a single leader with a “cult of personality.”
4
Q
What methods do totalitarian regimes employ to maintain control, as identified by Arendt?
A
Systematic use of force and terror.
5
Q
What aspect of the economy do totalitarian regimes control, according to Arendt’s analysis?
A
Totalitarian regimes exert state control and coordination of the economy.
6
Q
How is totalitarianism fundamentally characterized in relation to revolution?
A
Totalitarianism is counterrevolutionary, acting as a reaction against revolution rather than a revolution itself.
7
Q
What effect does centralized power have in a totalitarian regime?
A
Centralized power creates a demand for conformity among the population.
8
Q
What tactic do totalitarian regimes often use to maintain control?
A
They use scapegoats—whether real or imagined—to gain and hold power.
9
Q
How pervasive is politics in a totalitarian system?
A
In a totalitarian system, politics are omnipresent, affecting all aspects of life.
10
Q
How does Theda Skocpol define social revolution?
A
As the “rapid basic transformation of a society’s state and class structures,” accompanied and partly carried through by class-based revolts from below.
11
Q
According to Skocpol, what is necessary for a social revolution to occur?
A
Intense socio-political conflicts in which class struggles play a key role.
12
Q
What type of change does Skocpol argue is needed in a true social revolution?
A
A deliberate and sustainable change in state and class structures.
13
Q
Which revolutions does Skocpol consider the most important?
A
Those that completely change the fabric of society.
14
Q
Where can the origins of the Nazi state be found?
A
In the legacy of World War I.
15
Q
What happened to social and political divisions in Germany during World War I?
A
They were suppressed between 1914 and 1918.
16
Q
Who led the “Silent Dictatorship” in Germany after 1916, and what was its impact?
A
Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff led the “Silent Dictatorship,” taking power from Kaiser Wilhelm II and the Reichstag to make all major political and strategic decisions.
17
Q
What was the purpose of the “Kaiser’s Battles” (March-June 1918)?
A
They were an offensive launched by Hindenburg and Ludendorff in a final attempt to win the war.
18
Q
What was the state of the German army by September 1918?
A
The German army was defeated and broken, although Hindenburg and Ludendorff tried to conceal this reality.
19
Q
What action did Hindenburg and Ludendorff advise Kaiser Wilhelm II to take as defeat became apparent?
A
They advised him to appoint a civilian government to take responsibility for negotiating with the Allies.
20
Q
What major political change occurred in Germany as World War I ended?
A
Germany became a republic.
21
Q
Who assumed control over Germany’s war effort in 1916?
A
Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff.
22
Q
What significant challenges did Hindenburg and Ludendorff face when they took control?
A
They faced political, economic, and military challenges, including Germany’s 6 million troops being outnumbered by 10 million Allied troops.
23
Q
What was one key focus for Hindenburg and Ludendorff during their control of Germany’s war effort?
A
Managing German resources effectively.
24
How did Hindenburg and Ludendorff’s influence extend beyond the military?
They bypassed civilian leadership, engaging in statecraft and ruling as de facto dictators.
25
What was the nature of Hindenburg and Ludendorff’s rule during World War I?
They ruled as de facto dictators, making decisions typically reserved for Germany’s civilian leadership.
26
Why did Germany launch the 1918 Spring Offensive?
It was an act of desperation to try and win the war outright before large numbers of U.S. troops arrived in Europe.
27
What were the Kaiser’s Battles, also known as the 1918 Spring Offensive or Ludendorff Offensive?
A series of German attacks along the Western Front starting on March 21, 1918, and continuing until mid-July.
28
How did U.S. troop deployment change from January 1918 to the end of World War I?
In January 1918, there were 175,000 U.S. soldiers in France; by the time Germany surrendered, about 2 million U.S. soldiers were in Europe, with another 2 million on the way.
29
What major offensive did 1.2 million American soldiers participate in toward the end of World War I?
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, from September 26 to November 11, 1918.
30
What was the outcome of the Kaiser’s Battles for Germany?
The offensive failed as the United States increased troop deployments to counter the German attacks.
31
What was the first responsibility of the newly-declared Weimar Republic?
To negotiate a peace treaty with the Allies
32
What internal issue did the Weimar Republic have to address after its establishment?
Dealing with incipient rebellions and fears of a communist uprising.
33
What was a key aspect of the Weimar Constitution?
It was very liberal.
34
How many separate cabinets did Germany have between 1919 and 1923, reflecting its political instability?
Nine separate cabinets.
35
What economic crisis did Weimar Germany face?
Runaway inflation.
36
What contributed to the intense political atmosphere in Weimar Germany?
Politics were like a "blood sport," with frequent coups and assassination plots.
37
What event in 1923 intensified Germany's economic troubles?
The French and Belgian occupation of the Ruhr.
38
How did conservatives in Germany view the Weimar government?
They loathed it.
39
What myth protected the German army's reputation after World War I?
The "stab-in-the-back" myth.
40
What types of challenges did the Weimar regime face in the early 1920s?
The regime faced challenges from both the left and the right, with fears of a communist revolution and uprisings.
41
What significant uprising occurred in Germany in the spring of 1920?
A worker’s uprising took place in the Ruhr.
42
What event in January 1923 led to economic dislocation in Germany?
The occupation of the Ruhr by French and Belgian troops, which resulted in an undeclared war in the Rhineland.
43
How did extremist parties respond to the crisis in Germany in 1923?
Extremist parties tried to exploit the crisis with communist risings in Saxony and Thuringia, and Bavaria defied the central government.
44
What was the Beer Hall Putsch?
A failed coup attempt by Hitler and the Nazis on November 8-9, 1923, aiming to start a national revolution and march on Berlin.
45
How many Nazis and policemen died during the Beer Hall Putsch?
Fourteen Nazis and four policemen were killed.
46
What happened to Hitler during the Beer Hall Putsch?
He hurt his arm, fled the scene, was later arrested, and put on trial.
47
Which political event did Hitler try to emulate with the Beer Hall Putsch?
Benito Mussolini’s March on Rome in Italy the previous year.
48
What was a significant factor in the collapse of Heinrich Brüning’s government?
His policies of raising taxes and cutting government programs failed to gain significant support.
49
What political development marked a turning point in Nazi support?
The breakthrough in the September 1930 election, which saw a steady increase in Nazi support.
50
Why did President Paul von Hindenburg seek alternatives to Brüning’s government in 1932?
The failure of Brüning’s economic and political policies led Hindenburg to turn to Franz von Papen and then General Kurt von Schleicher to form governments.
51
What was Hindenburg’s view of Weimar democracy?
As a former army officer, Hindenburg was not supportive of Weimar democracy and sought a more authoritarian system.
52
Who did General Kurt von Schleicher want in a coalition government, and what was the obstacle?
Schleicher wanted a coalition with the Nazi Party (NSDAP) but without Hitler; however, Hitler ultimately prevailed.
53
How did von Papen influence Hindenburg regarding Hitler's appointment?
Von Papen convinced Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as chancellor on January 30, 1933.
54
What were the initial government positions held by Hitler, von Papen, and Hermann Göring?
Hitler was appointed chancellor, von Papen was vice chancellor, and Göring was a minister without portfolio.
55
Why did von Papen and Hindenburg believe Hitler could be controlled?
They thought that giving Hitler power and responsibility would allow them to control him.
56
Who were the three politicians most directly involved in Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor?
Former diplomat Franz von Papen, President Paul von Hindenburg, and General Kurt von Schleicher.
57
What was the relationship like among von Papen, von Hindenburg, and von Schleicher?
There was little trust between these three conservative figures.
58
When did Franz von Papen and Kurt von Schleicher each serve as Chancellor of Germany?
Von Papen served from June 1 to December 3, 1932, and von Schleicher from December 3, 1932, to January 30, 1933.
59
Why did both von Papen and von Schleicher believe an alliance with Adolf Hitler’s NSDAP could benefit them?
They believed it would help them win broad, widespread public support, as Hitler’s NSDAP was the largest party in the Reichstag by the summer of 1932.
60
How did von Papen convince Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as Chancellor?
Von Papen argued that Hitler could be controlled, would become more responsible in power, and could help conservatives fend off challenges from the left.
61
What role did von Papen assume in Hitler’s government?
Von Papen became the vice chancellor.
62
Who were the three politicians most directly involved in Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor?
Former diplomat Franz von Papen, President Paul von Hindenburg, and General Kurt von Schleicher.
63
What was the relationship like among von Papen, von Hindenburg, and von Schleicher?
There was little trust between these three conservative figures.
64
When did Franz von Papen and Kurt von Schleicher each serve as Chancellor of Germany?
Von Papen served from June 1 to December 3, 1932, and von Schleicher from December 3, 1932, to January 30, 1933.
65
Why did both von Papen and von Schleicher believe an alliance with Adolf Hitler’s NSDAP could benefit them?
They believed it would help them win broad, widespread public support, as Hitler’s NSDAP was the largest party in the Reichstag by the summer of 1932.
66
What event on February 27, 1933, provided an opportunity for Hitler to expand his powers?
The Reichstag Fire.
66
What role did von Papen assume in Hitler’s government?
Von Papen became the vice chancellor.
67
How did von Papen convince Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as Chancellor?
Von Papen argued that Hitler could be controlled, would become more responsible in power, and could help conservatives fend off challenges from the left.
68
What is the "Brown revolution" initiated by Hitler after he attains power?
The "Brown revolution" refers to the Nazification of the German state and society.
69
What did the Reichstag Fire Decree, enacted on February 28, 1933, do?
It suspended most civil liberties and granted Hitler special powers.
70
What was the Enabling Act, passed on March 24, 1933, and what powers did it give Hitler?
The Enabling Act allowed Hitler to govern by decree for four years.
70
How did the Nazis perform in the March 5, 1933, election, and what did it mean for their political power?
The Nazis won 43.9% of the vote, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to amend the constitution.
71
What political change occurred by July 14, 1933, regarding political parties in Germany?
The NSDAP became Germany’s only legal political party.
72
What is the term "gleichshaltung" and how did it change German society?
Gleichshaltung, meaning "coordination," was the process of aligning all clubs and organizations under Nazi control, creating a unified mass culture.
73
What were the Nuremberg Laws, enacted on September 15, 1935?
The Nuremberg Laws were racist laws that institutionalized the discrimination against Jews, including defining who was considered Jewish and stripping them of citizenship and rights.
74
What event is depicted in the image of firemen in the burned-out rubble of the Reichstag on February 27, 1933?
The Reichstag Fire, which occurred on February 27, 1933, and was used by Hitler as a pretext to expand his powers.
75
What are the Nuremberg Laws?
The Nuremberg Laws, enacted on September 15, 1935, were discriminatory laws that institutionalized racism against Jews, defining who was considered Jewish and stripping them of their citizenship and rights.
76
What are the main lines of historical debate regarding the "Final Solution"?
The main lines of historical debate are between Intentionalists, who believe the "Final Solution" was implicit in National Socialist doctrine from the start, and Functionalists, who argue that it was part of an evolving and incoherent policy.
77
What do Intentionalists believe about the "Final Solution"?
Intentionalists believe that the "Final Solution" was implicit in National Socialist doctrine from Mein Kampf onward and that the genocide was always a planned objective.
78
What do Functionalists argue about the "Final Solution"?
Functionalists argue that the "Final Solution" was part of an evolving and incoherent policy, and it was not initially a premeditated goal.
79
What significant event in 1942 marked a turning point in the Nazi policy of genocide?
The Wannsee Conference in 1942 marked the moment when the Nazi state irrevocably turned to the policy of genocide, formalizing the "Final Solution."
80
What is the general consensus on the debate between Intentionalists and Functionalists?
The general consensus is that elements of both the Intentionalist and Functionalist perspectives are incorporated into the understanding of the "Final Solution."
81
What did Hermann Göring say about the nature of World War II?
Hermann Göring stated, "This is not the Second World War, this is the great racial war."
82
What event marked the start of a race war in the East during World War II?
The invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941 marked the beginning of the race war in the East.
82
When did violent ethnic reorganization begin under Nazi rule?
Violent ethnic reorganization began shortly after the Nazis defeated Poland in the fall of 1939.
83
What was the Commissar Order?
The Commissar Order was an order issued by Nazi Germany that mandated the execution of Soviet political commissars as part of the invasion of the Soviet Union.
84
What role did the Einsatzgruppen play during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union?
The Einsatzgruppen were responsible for carrying out executions in the East, often in full public view, targeting Jews, communists, and others deemed undesirable by the Nazis.
85
Why did the Nazis eventually decide to carry out mass killings in seclusion rather than in public view?
The Nazis decided to carry out killings in seclusion due to several reasons:
-The executions were taking too long and a more efficient method was needed.
-Objections from certain officers regarding the brutality of the work.
-The brutal nature of the work itself.
-A desire to avoid giving the Allies a propaganda victory.
86
What was the crucial month in the timeline toward the "Final Solution"?
December 1941 was a crucial month, as it marked the decision to expand the extermination of Jews.
87
What decision was made in December 1941 regarding the Jews?
In December 1941, the decision was made to expand the extermination to include all Jews of Europe.
88
When and where was the Wannsee Conference held?
The Wannsee Conference was held on January 20, 1942.
89
How many death camps were built between December 1941 and June 1942?
Six death camps were built between December 1941 and June 1942.
90
What does one historian refer to the construction of death camps and mass killings as?
One historian refers to this process as the "bureaucratization of mass murder."
91
What logistical challenge did the Nazis face in operating the death camps?
The Nazis faced the challenge of creating and maintaining a logistical network to operate the death camps and carry out mass extermination efficiently.
92
What was required for the Final Solution to be implemented?
The complicity of hundreds of thousands of people was required for the Final Solution to be implemented.
93
How is Hitler's success at transforming Germany described in relation to the Final Solution?
Hitler's success at transforming Germany is cited as an example of how thorough his transformation of the country was, making the Final Solution possible.
94
What factors contributed to why so many people collaborated in the Final Solution?
The reasons for collaboration include fear, peer pressure, cowardice, desire to conform, and racism.
95
What question is raised about the knowledge of the Allies regarding the Holocaust?
The question is "What did the Allies know and when did they know it?"
95
How is the Holocaust seen in terms of Western civilization?
The Holocaust is seen as an indictment of Western civilization, where all the laws, institutions, governments, scientific knowledge, and political freedom were either helpless or complicit in carrying out the Final Solution.
96
What international legal framework was established in response to genocide after World War II?
The United Nations Convention on the Prevention of Genocide was established in 1948.
