The Impact of War and Defeat (1939–1949) Flashcards
(15 cards)
What does “Total War” mean in Nazi Germany?
All resources and efforts focused on the war effort—civilian life and economy adapted entirely to serve military needs.
How did Allied bombing affect Germany?
Devastated cities (e.g., Dresden), killed thousands, disrupted production, but morale remained surprisingly resilient.
What was the Final Solution? Why did it happen?
Nazi plan to exterminate Jews (mass murder in death camps); driven by racial ideology and wartime radicalisation.
Who was to blame for the Final Solution?
Primarily Hitler and top Nazi leaders (e.g., Himmler), but supported by bureaucracy and some public complicity.
What was German morale like during the war?
Declined over time, especially after 1942 due to bombings, rationing, and defeats.
How did rationing affect German morale?
Caused frustration and hardship, especially from 1942 onward when shortages became severe.
What opposition existed to the Nazis during the war?
Youth (Edelweiss Pirates, White Rose), churches, and army (July Plot); most resistance was limited and often crushed.
How effective was Nazi opposition during the war?
Brave but mostly ineffective; Gestapo repression made organized resistance difficult.
Why did the Cold War begin?
Tensions between the USA and USSR over ideology, control of Eastern Europe, and post-war settlements.
What happened at the Potsdam Conference (1945)?
Allies agreed on Germany’s demilitarisation, denazification, and division—but increased East-West tensions.
How and why was Germany divided after WWII?
Split into 4 zones (US, UK, USSR, France); division reflected Cold War alliances and created East/West split.
What was the impact of Germany’s division?
Set the stage for the creation of two separate states (FRG and GDR); deepened Cold War tensions.
What was Bizonia and why was it created?
US and UK merged their zones in 1947 for economic unity; USSR saw it as a threat.
What was the Berlin Blockade (1948–49)?
USSR blocked Allied access to West Berlin; ended by the successful Berlin Airlift.
What was the effect of the Berlin Blockade on Germany?
Increased East-West divide, led to formal division of Germany (FRG and GDR) in 1949.
