Nazi Germany

Question 1

What was the impact of WW1 on Germany?

Answer 1

2 million killed, debt from war, 750,000 died from starvation

The aftermath of WW1 led to significant social and economic turmoil in Germany.

Question 2

Who was Kaiser Wilhelm II?

Answer 2

Emperor of Germany who abdicated on 9th November 1918

His abdication marked the end of the German Empire and the establishment of the Weimar Republic.

Question 3

Who was Friedrich Ebert?

Answer 3

First president of the Weimar Republic, leader of the SPD

Ebert’s leadership was crucial during the early years of the Weimar Republic.

Question 4

What significant role did Gustav Stresemann play?

Answer 4

Foreign minister who won a Nobel Peace Prize for improving European relations

His tenure is often referred to as the ‘Stresemann Years’ (1924-1929).

Question 5

What does the acronym GOLDEN PIE stand for?

Answer 5

P – political stability, I – improved international relations, E – economic recovery

This framework summarizes the goals achieved during Stresemann’s time.

Question 6

When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

Answer 6

28th June 1919

This treaty imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

Question 7

Who were the Big Three at the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 7

France, UK, USA (Clemenceau, George Lloyd, Wilson)

These leaders played pivotal roles in shaping the terms of the treaty.

Question 8

List the 5 terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

Answer 8

• Land: Germany lost 13% of their land
• League of Nations: winners took control
• Army: limited to 100,000 men, 6 warships
• Money: 6600 million in reparations
• Blame: War Guilt Clause

These terms created significant resentment in Germany.

Question 9

What is Proportional Representation?

Answer 9

Seats gained depended on votes; 40% votes = 40% seats

This electoral system aimed to ensure a fair representation of parties.

Question 10

What is Article 48?

Answer 10

Allowed the president to pass laws without the Reichstag in an emergency

This article was seen as a weakness in the Weimar Constitution.

Question 11

What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

Answer 11

• Article 48 lacked clear definitions of ‘emergency’
• Freedom of speech led to criticism of democracy

These weaknesses contributed to the instability of the Weimar Republic.

Question 12

What were the strengths of the Weimar Constitution?

Answer 12

• Universal suffrage (including women)
• Freedom of speech for everyone

These aspects were progressive for their time.

Question 13

What happened during the Occupation of the Ruhr?

Answer 13

France and Belgium occupied Germany’s industrial area due to unpaid reparations; Germany supported a workers’ strike

This event significantly impacted the German economy.

Question 14

What caused Hyperinflation in 1923?

Answer 14

Government printed more money, making basic needs harder to obtain

This economic crisis resulted in widespread hardship and blamed the Weimar government.

Question 15

What was the Dawes Plan?

Answer 15

A 1924 agreement that made Germany’s reparations payments more realistic

This plan helped stabilize the German economy temporarily.

Question 16

What was the Locarno Pact?

Answer 16

A 1925 agreement where France and Belgium agreed to respect their joint borders

This pact aimed to improve relations between Germany and its neighbors.

Question 17

What is the Kellogg-Briand Pact?

Answer 17

A 1928 agreement promising not to use violence in international disputes

This pact was an effort to promote peace following WW1.

Question 18

What was the Young Plan?

Answer 18

A 1929 decision to reduce Germany’s reparations by a quarter and extend payment period to 59 years

This plan aimed to ease the financial burden on Germany.

Question 19

What was the Spartacist Uprising?

Answer 19

A rebellion led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemberg against Ebert’s government

The uprising was suppressed with the help of the army.

Question 20

What was the Kapp Putsch?

Answer 20

A failed coup in March 1920 led by Wolfgang Kapp to overthrow the government

Workers showed little support, leading to its defeat.

Question 21

Who was Adolf Hitler?

Answer 21

Born in Austria, rejected from art school, became a soldier in WW1

Hitler’s experiences during and after the war shaped his political ideology.

Question 22

What is the ‘Stab in the Back’ theory?

Answer 22

The belief that Jewish and Communist groups caused Germany’s defeat in WW1

This theory fueled anti-Semitic sentiments and conspiracy theories.

Question 23

What were the ‘November Criminals’?

Answer 23

The government officials who signed the armistice in 1918

They were blamed for Germany’s defeat and subsequent hardships.

Question 24

What was the German Workers’ Party?

Answer 24

A right-wing party Hitler joined in 1919, later renamed the Nazi Party

Hitler became a prominent figure in the party, leading to his rise in politics.

Question 25

What was the Munich Putsch?

Answer 25

A failed coup attempt by Hitler in 1923 to overthrow the Weimar government ## Footnote The putsch highlighted the political instability of the era.

Question 26

What was the Reichstag Fire?

Answer 26

The burning of the Reichstag building on 27 Feb 1933, blamed on a communist ## Footnote This event was used by Hitler to consolidate power and eliminate communist opposition.

Question 27

What was the significance of the Knight of the Long Knives?

Answer 27

A purge on 30 June 1934 where Hitler eliminated SA leadership ## Footnote This event solidified Hitler's control over the Nazi Party and Germany.

Question 28

Who was Joseph Goebbels?

Answer 28

Head of Nazi propaganda, responsible for manipulating public opinion ## Footnote His strategies were pivotal in promoting Nazi ideology.

Question 29

What was Heinrich Himmler's role?

Answer 29

In charge of the terror system, enforcing conformity and suppression ## Footnote Himmler was a key figure in the implementation of Nazi policies.

Question 30

What were the Edelweiss Pirates?

Answer 30

Youth group opposing Nazi ideology through non-conformity and rebellion ## Footnote They engaged in activities that mocked the Hitler Youth and resisted Nazi control.

Question 31

What did the Swing Groups promote?

Answer 31

Adoption of American culture, including music and fashion ## Footnote Their activities represented a form of cultural resistance against the Nazis.

Question 32

What was the role of the Hitler Youth?

Answer 32

An organization with 8 million members promoting Nazi ideology among youth ## Footnote It aimed to indoctrinate young Germans with Nazi values.

Question 33

What was the Reich Church?

Answer 33

A Nazi-controlled church that sought to align Christianity with Nazi ideology ## Footnote It faced opposition from groups like the Pastor's Emergency League.

Question 34

What was the Pastor's Emergency League (PEL)?

Answer 34

A group of Protestant pastors resisting the Reich Church ## Footnote They aimed to preserve traditional Christian values and oppose Nazi influence.

Question 35

What was the reaction of Catholics to the Nazis?

Answer 35

Opposed the Nazis despite the Concordat agreement, with around 400 imprisoned ## Footnote This illustrates the tension between religious institutions and Nazi policies.

Question 36

How did Trade Unions oppose the Nazis?

Answer 36

Through slow work and sabotage ## Footnote Unions were suppressed, but some members still resisted Nazi control.

Question 37

What was the response of political opposition to the Nazis?

Answer 37

Some SPD members continued to produce illegal newspapers ## Footnote This indicates ongoing resistance against Nazi rule.

Question 38

What was the military's stance towards Hitler?

Answer 38

Some officers, like Ludwig Beck, attempted to overthrow him ## Footnote This highlights internal dissent within the military regarding Hitler's policies.