Weimar/Nazi Germany 1918-1939 Content Flashcards
(131 cards)
1
Q
What date range does the Edexcel: Weimar and Nazi Germany cover?
A
November 1918 (End of WWI) to 1st September 1939 (Beginning of WWII)
2
Q
How many German soldiers died and were wounded in WWI?
A
2 million soldiers dead, 4 million wounded.
3
Q
What caused the death of 750,000 German citizens?
A
British navy blockade; Germans die of food shortages.
4
Q
When did the Kaiser abdicate the throne?
A
9th November 1918. Kaiser Wilhem II was forced to abdicate his throne after having lost the support of the military and fled Germany for Holland on the 10th.
5
Q
When was the Weimar Republic officially declared?
A
9th November 1918. Phillip Scheidemann (SPD) declared the Republic on a balcony of the Reichstag building in Berlin. He became Foreign Minister.
It wasn’t through a election or plan but it was declared quickly and emotionally, in a desperate attempt to create order and prevent civil war.
The SPD became the leading temporary government. Friedrich Ebert was de facto leader.
They were also responsible for negotiating the armistice to end WWI. The right-wingers nicknamed the ‘November Criminals’.
6
Q
What led to the end of WWI, 11 November, 1918
A
The signing of the Armstice ending WWI. The German politicans who signed the armistice - and later the Treaty of Versailles - were nicknamed the November criminals.
Hitler used the German peoples hate for the ‘November criminals’ and promoted the ‘stab in the back’ myth claiming the signing of the Armistice betrayed the German people and that Germany had only lost the war because of the Jews and the Communists. He portrayed the Weimar Republic as the work of the ‘November criminals’.
7
Q
What was the Weimar Republic?
A
It succeeded the German Empire and was Germany’s attempt at democracy.
8
Q
Why did many Germans have apathy towards democracy?
A
Although it granted German citizens a right to vote in a democracy and choose their representatives, many of them didn’t care about doing so and instead wanted a strong leader like the Kaiser.
9
Q
What simply was the Weimar Constitution, 1919?
A
Established a parliamentary democracy in Germany, granting the vote to all German citizens over 20.
10
Q
What were the strengths of the Weimar Constitution, 1919?
A
All men/women over 20 could vote for the Reichstag and vote for president every 7 years. The Reichstag was elected every four years.
Proportional Representation (PR) gave fair share of power to lots of different parties.
Lots of rules to balance power so different parts of government could keep each other in check. President especially could tame the Chancellor.
11
Q
What were the weaknesses of Weimar Constitution, 1919?
A
President had too much power as they could choose the chancellor, close Reichstag and control the army.
PR meant small parties (29 in 1920s) shared power in coalitions; made decisions hard and slow; 9 elections 1919-23; worried and frustrated German people.
President could use Article 48, could make all decisions in a crisis; used lots and made people think democracy didn’t work.
12
Q
What was the Reichstag and the Reichsrat?
A
The Reichstag was the lower house of Germany’s parliament. It voted on laws, was responsible for the budget, and had a role on declaring war and making peace. Members were elected by the people.
The Reichsrat represented the states of Germany and the interests of the individual states. It was not elected by the people; members were appointed by the state government.
13
Q
What were the Freikorps?
A
Ex-WWI soldiers who came back home and still had weapons; formed into right wing army led by Freidrich Ebert, the first president of Weimar Germany. Stronger than actual German army.
Many Freikorps largely despised the Weimar Republic.
14
Q
What were the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, June 28, 1919?
A
Army limited to 100,000, no air force or submarines, navy limited to 6 battleships.
Had to pay £6.6 billion in reparations.
Lost Danzig port and Saar: lost 13% of land, 12% of its population, 50% of its Iron and 15% of its coal.
15
Q
Who were the Social Democratic Party (SPD)?
A
The SPD stood for democracy and moderate socialism, workers’ rights, The Weimar Republic and Civil liberties and social welfare.
A majority of their electorate were working class, trade union members and urban industrial workers.
16
Q
Who were the Communist Party of Germany (KPD)?
A
The KPD for the abolition of capitalism and introduction of communism, opposed the Weimar Republic as too capitalist and had close ties with the Soviet Union.
A majority of their electorate were radical left-wing workers, unemployed people, younger working-class voters in industrial areas.
17
Q
Who were the Catholic Centre Party (Zentrum)?
A
The Zentrum stood for protection of Catholic interests, democratic principles, social welfare and education and broad centrist appeal - often acted as a middle party in coalitions.
Almost all of their electorate were Catholics of all classes, especially in southern Germany. Some Jews and moderate Protestants saw them as a safer alternative to other parties.
18
Q
Who were the German National People’s Party (DNVP)?
A
The DNVP stood for a return to authoritarian rule (wanted it to return to a monarchy), anti-Weimar sentiment, Nationalism and opposition to the Treaty of Versailles, Initially anti-Nazi but later cooperated with the Nazis.
A majority of their electorate were conservatives, monarchists, landowners and middle-class nationalists.
19
Q
Who were the German Democratic Party (DDP)?
A
The DDP stood for liberal democracy, civil rights, support for the Weimar Republic. They declined in support significantly as Weimar Germany progressed.
A majority of their electorate were liberal middle-class professionals like lawyers, doctors, and academics.
20
Q
Who were the German People’s Party (DVP)?
A
The DVP stood for economic liberalism (low taxes, limited government), support for the Weimar Republic (later on) and Nationalism but not as extreme as DNVP or Nazis.
A majority of their electorate were business owners, Industrialists and the upper middle class. After Gustav Stresemann died they fell into irrelevancy.
21
Q
What was Spartacists uprising, January 1919?
A
On the 4th January - Friedrich Ebert sacked a popular police chief in Berlin. On the 5th thousands of workers protested through Berlin.
On the 6th Jan 100,000 people participated in a general strike: backed by the communist left-wing KPD. Led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht. On the 13th of January Ebert used Freikorps against protestors to end the uprising.
Luxemburg and Liebknecht were arrested, tortured and brutally killed.
22
Q
What were the consequences of the Spartacist uprising, January 1919?
A
Increased political divide between Communists and Social Democrats. Murder of Luxemburg and Liebknecht generated significant outrage at the Freikorps and the government. Many Germans were afraid of the Freikorps after this.
The Weimar government dismantled the workers’ council that had been established during the uprising, a move that further alienated the working class and the left.
Demonstrated the government’s vulnerability and over reliance on the Freikorps.
23
Q
What was the Kapp Putsch, March 1920?
A
Ebert tried to disband the Freikorps.
5000 Freikorps marched on Berlin. Ebert ordered army to fire but the refused. The Weimar government had to flee Berlin briefly.
An East Prussian civil servant Wolfgang Kapp set up government in Berlin and invited Kaiser. Ebert asked Berliners to strike against Kapp.
4 days of strikes ended the Putsch. Wolfgang Kapp was caught and jailed.
24
Q
What were the consequences of the Kapp Putsch, March 1920?
A
Once more revealed the vulnerability to extremist groups and leading to other fringe groups rise.
Minister of Defence, Gustav Noske, resigned.
The Weimar government moved quickly to disband many Freikorps units.
It actually showcased the working class support for the Weimar government.
25
What was the Occupation of the Ruhr, 1923?
In December 1922, Germany were bankrupt and did not send France coal from Ruhr as part of the Treaty of Versailles.
French troops invaded and occupied the Ruhr to take reparation payments in goods and raw materials. German workers went on strike.
France held 80% of German coal, iron and steel reserves which were in Ruhr. German workers went on strike.
26
What was the main consequence of the Occupation of Ruhr, 1923?
Led to hyperinflation. A loaf of bread went from 1 mark in 1919 to 100 marks in 1922 to 200 billion marks in 1923.
This led to Papiermark being useless and ultimately being replaced by the Rentenmark.
27
What were the few positives of hyperinflation?
Farmers benefited, as they were paid more for food.
Some people and businesses could pay off loans and mortgages.
Fixed rents for rooms or shops became very cheap.
Foreign visitors could buy more for their money.
28
What were the negative consequences of hyperinflation?
Some people could not afford essentials like bread.
Wages rose, but not as quickly as prices. Some businesses went bankrupt. (Those that
made money took over the struggling ones.)
People with fixed or monthly incomes, such as
pensioners, suffered most.
Savings became worthless. This affected the middle classes most.
People blamed the Weimar government, which made it even more unpopular.
29
Who was Gustav Stresemann?
A prominent Weimar German politician from 1923 to 1929. Although he'd been in politics much earlier.
Briefly appointed as chancellor by Friedrich Ebert between 13 August 1923 to the 30th November 1923.
Also appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs on the 13th August 1923 but held it until his death on the 3rd October 1929.
Was the Chairman of the German People's Party from 15th of December 1918 until his death on the 3rd October 1929.
30
What did Gustav Stresemann do to recover the economy during his brief stint as Chancellor?
In November 1923, Stresemann set up the new state-owned national bank called the Rentenbank. He replaced the worthless Paipermark with the Rentenmark.
Supply of these notes was tightly controlled. Their value was tied to the price of gold so it had real value. This encouraged more public confidence.
In August 1924, the central bank, the Reichsbank was given control of this new currency. it was renamed the Reichsmark. Hyperinflation was over.
31
What was The Dawes Plan, 1924?
In 1924, Charles Dawes, an American banker (later Vice President), which was supported by Gustav Stresemann, designed a plan so Germany could pay its reparations.:
Instalments were temporarily reduced to £50 million a year.
US banks agreed to make loans to German industry. The Allies felt more confident that they would get their reparations payment.
Was a stepping stone to the Young Plan, 1929. The Dawes Plan was never meant to be permanent and the Young Plan was a more permanent settlement.
32
What were the economic consequences to the Dawes Plan, 1924?
It stabilised the German economy after the chaos of hyperinflation. The Reichsmark held its value.
Helped rebuild industry and led to job creation. Unemployment dropped, wages rose, and living standards improved.
Made Germany dependent on U.S. loans. The economy looked strong on the surface but underneath, it was fragile.
When the Wall Street Crash hit in 1929, U.S banks demanded their money back immediately which led to a massive economic collapse in Germany.
33
What were the political consequences to the Dawes Plan, 1924?
Helped stabilise the Weimar economy temporarily. Stresseman gained influence, and support for far-right and far-left parties dropped for a few years.
Led to the Golden Years of Weimar Germany (1924-1929).
Many Germans and extremists saw it as a sell-out. It bruised national pride. It made them concede to the Treaty of Versailles again.
34
What were the international consequences of the Dawes Plan, 1924?
Improved Germany's relationship with countries like France and Britain.
Paved the way for the Locarno Pact, 1925 and Germany's entry into the League of Nations, 1926.
Some thought this made Germany look weak as they surrendered to the unfair Versailles terms again.
35
What was the Locarno Pact, 1925?
An agreement between Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Belgium.
Germany agreed to its new border with France. Improving relations with the French. Some Germans didn't like the new border or cooperation with French due to the Occupation of the Ruhr.
The Allies and Germany agreed to the permanent demilitarisation of the Rhineland.
German membership of the League of Nations was initially discussed here. Germany gained membership in 1926.
36
Who replaced Friedrich Ebert as President in 1925?
Ebert, a member of the SPD, died in office in 1925 due to illness. He was replaced by Paul von Hidenburg who belonged to no party but had right-wing conservative and pro-monarchist views.
37
What was the League of Nations, founded 1920?
A new international body that hoped to discuss world problems in order to avoid.
It was set up in 1920 but Germany was initially excluded. In 1926, they were invited to join and they became a member of the council.
38
Why was Germany's admission into the League of Nations a success, 1926?
It showed that Germany's views counted to the international community.
It boosted confidence held by most Germans in the Weimar government. Some on the right hated working with Britain and France especially.
Stresemann's popularity increased but some saw the League of Nations, a symbol of the unpopular Treaty of Versailles.
39
How did the standard of living change during 1924-1929?
Unemployment fell by 700,000 between 1926-1928.
In 1927, 60 marks a week was provided to unemployed workers if they lost their jobs.
Shorter working week by 4 hours, wages went up 25%.
37,000 new homes were built after 1925.
Number of students enrolled in higher education increased by 40,000.
40
How did lives of Women improve under the Weimar government?
Due to Women being given right to vote in Weimar Constitution they voted a lot more then men. In 1928: 90% voted.
By 1932, 112 women elected to Reichstag.
'New women' had short hair, modern clothes and makeup; smoke and drank with liberal views on sex; birth rate fell, divorce rate increased. Right wing Germans hated this. Saw them as a threat to traditional German values and thought they should be at home.
Female doctors doubled.
41
How did culture change in Weimar Germany?
Sci-fi and horror films began in Germany.
Art was very different with modernistic, expressionistic styles of art was prominent.
Left wing hated luxury and wanted money for the poor and social programs. Right wing said it went against tradition.
42
What was the Young Plan, 1929?
Reduced Treaty of Versailles reparations down to £2 billion by paying £50 million a year.
Friedrich Ebert was able to lower taxes which boosted the economy and improved country morale.
Hated by the right wing - especially the Nazis - as they still had to pay £50 million a year until 1988.
43
What was the Wall Street Crash, Oct 1929 and why did it impact Germany so badly?
The Wall Street Crash was a massive collapse of the U.S. stock market in October 1929. It marked the beginning of the Great Depression.
U.S. banks recalled their loans provided by The Dawes Plan, 1924 from Germany almost immediately after the crash. It led to another economic collapse and political chaos.
44
What were the consequences of the Wall Street Crash, 1929?
Unemployment skyrocketed from 1.3 million in 1929 to over 6 million in 1932 - about one in three Germans out of work.
Government weakened. Stable democracy had lost credibility. US President Herbert Hoover did suspend Germany's obligations to pay their reparations for one year.
Stresemann had died of heart attack on the 3rd of October, three weeks before the Wall Street Crash. Germany had no strong, unifying leader without him.
45
What party did Hitler join in 1919?
Hitler fought in WWI and in February 1919, Hitler joined DAP (German Workers Party) led by Anton Drexler; party only had 23 members. The DAP was anti-Semitic, Nationalist, anti-Marxist and hated the ToV and the Weimar government's weakness.
In Jan 1920, Hitler was made Head of propaganda in Munich and co-wrote the 25 point programme with Drexler.
DAP Membership was 1,000 in June 1920 and 3,000 by the end of the year.
46
Explain Hitler's transition from the DAP to the NSDAP.
In August 1920, DAP changed its name to the NSDAP. In July 1921, Hitler was given control from Drexler to the NSDAP (Nazis).
National Socialist German Workers' Party was a strategic name to appeal to the right with 'National' and the left with 'Socialist'.
The NSDAP was much more racist, authoritarian, and expansionist. Hess, Goering, Streicher and Rohm were selected as some of his top party supporters.
47
Why did the NSDAP and the 25 point programme appeal to German people?
They appealed to the left when he called for nationialisation of trusts and big corporations, profit-sharing in big industries, social reforms including public education reform and expanding old-age pensions.
They appealed to the right by rejecting the ToV, enforcing mandatory military service, punishment for traitors, and they announced they were a Christian party.
It was essentially the manifesto of the Nazi party and was prevalent in the late 20s and 30s but Hitler ultimately ignore/abandoned many of these policies in order to prepare for war rather than social reform and creating a centralised authoritarian rule.
48
Who were the Sturmabteilung (SA), 1921?
The Sturmabteilung or the Stormtroopers were a paramilitary force, made up of unemployed ex-soldiers. They were formed in August 1921 by Hitler and put under the command of Ernst Rohm.
They wore brown uniforms and were nicknamed 'Brownshirts'. They were used to disrupt opposition meetings and to control crowds and any opposition to Hitler - often violently.
49
What influenced Hitler's coup attempt, The Munich Putsch/Beer Hall Putsch, November 8-9, 1923?
Anger over the Treaty of Versailles, Hyperinflation Crisis of 1923, The Occupation of the Ruhr, 1923 and the Weakness of the Weimar Republic.
Hitler was influenced Mussolini's successful March on Rome, 1922. He had support from right-wing Nationalists and paramilitary groups.
The Nazi Party was growing and Hitler thought he had to act quickly or risk irrelevance. He was also afraid of Weimar stability under Stresemann.
50
What was the Munich Putsch/Beer Hall Putsch, November 8-9 1923?
On the 8th November, 1923, Hitler alongside 600 SA members stormed into a beer hall in Munich where the Bavarian government were meeting. At gunpoint, Hitler forced Goverment leaders to support him.
Rohm took over local police and army headquarters. Lunderdorff, behind Hitler's back, let the government leaders go.
On the 9th November, 1923, Hitler gathered with 1000 SA members and 2000 volunteer supporters marched on Munich town centre to declare Hitler, President of Germany. The group was met by state police. Someone opened fire and chaos ensued. Ludendorff, Rohm and Streicher were arrested.
Hitler and other Nazis managed to flee and went into hiding but was found hiding at a friend's house and was arrested on the 11th of November 1923.
51
What were the consequences of the Munich Putsch, 1923?
In the short term, the Putsch was not good for Hitler. The NSDAP was banned for two years. Hitler was sentenced to five years in prison but only served nine months.
In the long term, it was beneficial as Hitler used his trial to publicise his views. He used his time in prison to write Mein Kampf. It became a bestseller after 1933 though - outlined his political ideas and in particular his views on Jews.
The events of the Putsch made Hitler realise that the party needed to rethink its tactics and be more organised in order to win support nationally, using violence and force wasn't enough.
52
How did Hitler reform the NSDAP?
After being arrested and having his party banned Hitler took somewhat of a two year political hiatus.
By February 1925, he reformed the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in a speech in Munich.
Hitler, wary of Rohm, and not wanting to compete for authority sidelined him when he went to go look for work in Bolivia. Rohm was hurt and upset but In 1930, Hitler invited him back to help rebuild the SA.
He also set up the SS, which was meant to be a small unit within the SA. Heinrich Himmler was made leader of the SA in 1929 replacing Schreck. Overtime the SA completely replaced the SS.
53
How important was Mein Kampf, 1925?
It wasn't actually that important in the 1920s and early 30s. Many people didn't read and it sold poorly at first. His rallies, speeches, and radio appearances were far more effective.
People were drawn to his passion, energy and charisma.
After Hitler came to power, it became a symbol of loyalty as it became mandatory in schools and libraries. It was given as a wedding gift and by the late 1930s, it had sold millions of copies. Hitler made millions of marks in royalties
54
What was the Bamberg Conference, 1926?
Hitler organised this conference to address splits between the socialist and nationalist wings of the Nazi movement.
Hitler's power as leader was secured and his vision of Nazism taken forward.
55
Why did Hitler appeal to many Germans?
He was a strong leader. His image appeared on most publicity material. He travelled around the country giving speeches and talking on the radio.
The party adopted modern technology, e.g. used aeroplanes.
56
Why did Hitler also turn off a lot of Germans?
He had a violent reputation with the Munich Putsch and his use of the SA.
Many saw him as rude due to his angry and intense speech style.
A large chunk of the working class were left-wing and supported the SPD and the KPD.
Older generations wanted peace and order, not another war which they worried Hitler would bring through his cautious, vague speech.
He alienated Jews, moderates and liberals.
57
Why did the Nazis underwhelm in the 1928 federal election?
By 1928, the Weimar Republic was relatively stable and Stresemann reduced appeal of extremist parties.
Nazi appeal was limited to fringe nationalist and radicals. The party was still building and had limited outreach and propaganda was ineffective due to a stable political climate and government.
They attained 12 seats and 2.6% of the popular vote.
58
Why did the Nazis perform so well in the 1930 federal election?
Economic crisis due to The Great Depression caused widespread suffering and people hated the Weimar government.
Propaganda was more effective due to the instability of the country and government. The Nazis had broader appeal to the working and middle class as he promised to fix the country.
59
How was Goebbels' propaganda effective?
He was innovative with his use of media with radio, film, posters, pamphlets, mass rallies and events.
Goebbels created a scapegoat by fueling anti-Semitic (helped by Great Depression) and anti-Communist propaganda to funnel fear of the two groups. Portraying Nazis as the only force capable of stopping them.
He worked hard to cultivate Hitler as the savior of Germany and as a strong, decisive leader capable of solving the country's problems.
Helped reach out to working-class and middle-class by promising jobs, national pride and economic recovery under a Nazi government.
60
Who was Heinrich Bruning?
He was the Chancellor after the Grand Coalition fell apart between 30th March 1930-1st of June 1932.
He tried to solve the economic crisis but his policies increased public suffering as he cut wages, raised taxes and slashed welfare making the Great Depression in Germany worse. He banned the SA on April 13, 1932.
As he was a centrist his unpopularity pushed voters toward the Nazis and the Communists (KPD). Helped destroy faith in democracy.
61
Why was the 1932 German Presidential election significant?
Hitler got almost 37% of vote. It established him as a national figure, not just a fringe radical. Even though he lost to Hindenburg he proved the Nazis were now a political force too big to ignore.
Hindenburg wasn't enthusiastic about running. He only ran to stop Hitler and preserve the Republic. After winning, he increasingly ruled by presidential decree, weakening democracy further.
This led to right-wing supporters like Papen, close friend to Hindenburg, thinking they could use and control Hitler to crush the left. This election was proof Hitler had popular support.
Papen thought he could be the real power behind the throne with Hindenburg as President and Hitler as Chancellor. Papen couldn't do this himself as he didn't have the support of the Reichstag or any political party.
62
Why did Chancellor Franz von Papen aid Hitler, June-Nov 1932?
He was Chancellor and successor to Bruning. He had no popular support and was just close friends with Pres. Hindenburg.
He lifted the ban on the SA and dissolved parliament twice and called two elections in order to weaken the Nazis. He didn't actually like Hitler and tried to control him by allying with him.
63
Why did the Nazis do so well in the July 1932 federal election?
Similarly to the 1930 election they continued to attack the communists, jews and the unstable government. They intimidated communists and 100 killed due to street violence.
Goebbels continued to portray Hitler as Germany's hero.
Bruning's austerity had destroyed faith in democracy. Due to him being a centrist many saw the Nazis as the only party offering real change.
The Nazis won 230 seats (37.3% vote) making them the largest party but were 75 seats of a majority. No other party really liked them so no coalition was formed.
64
Why did the Nazis drop in votes in the 1932 November federal election?
People were getting tired of Nazis' constant promises but no actual results.
Hitler had no clear economic plan, just slogans.
Increased SA violence and street violence turned people off.
Hitler refused to enter a coalition unless he was made Chancellor. Made him look arrogant and power-hungry to some voters.
Nazis got 196 seats (33.1% vote) losing 34 seats from July 1932. They remained the largest party but the KPD gained 11 seats.
65
Who was Kurt von Schleicher?
Successor to Kurt von Papen as Chancellor December 1932-January 1933. He had little support and couldn't pass laws without Nazis.
He wanted a military dictatorship and tried to convince Hidenburg to let him do so. He was removed on the same day Hitler was appointed.
66
Why did Hindenburg appoint Hitler as Chancellor, 30 January 1933?
Kurt von Schleicher, Papen's successor had tried to head a military dictatorship but Hindenburg refused. Hindenburg had few options for replacements but he had disliked Hitler and thought he was a radical and vulgar demagogue. He had refused to appoint him after Bruning despite the Nazis.
Franz von Papen, ex-Chancellor and close friend had persuaded Hindenburg in order to avoid Schleicher's military dictatorship to appoint Hitler and that he could be controlled. He had struck a deal where Hitler would be Chancellor, Papen would be Vice-Chancellor but only 3 Nazis would be in the cabinet of 11.
Hindenburg agreed and legally appointed Hitler as Chancellor replacing Schleicher, foolishly thinking he had the authority to prevent Hitler from doing anything too extreme.
67
What party joined Hitler's coalition, January 30, 1933?
Franz von Papen and Alfred Hugenberg, leader of the DNVP, collided together they both wanted to crush the left while limit Hitler's powers.
The DNVP thus joined as a junior coalition partner to the Nazis and Hugenberg was made minister.
68
Who were the two Presidents in Weimar Germany?
Friedrich Ebert (1919-1925) chairman of the SPD (left-wing) he was a democratic socialist. He helped create the Weimar Republic and wanted to protect democracy. He opposed the Nazis and the monarchy. Right-wingers labeled him a 'November criminal'. Some leftists called him a traitor for crushing the Spartacists.
Paul von Hindenburg (1925-1934 he was President briefly in Nazi Germany) was a Independent right-wing nationalist who wanted to restore the monarchy and was loyal to the Kaiser. He disliked Hitler, but ultimately worked alongside him and the Nazis. He helped dismantle the republic by legitimising the authoritarian rule.
69
What was The Reichstag Fire, 27th of February 1933?
The Reichstag building has been been burnt down by a purposeful arson attack. At the scene was Marinus van der Lubbe - a communist activist. He was arrested and later executed by the Nazi government.
Whether or not Lubbe did is debated to this day. Some believe Hitler/the SA did it in order to further the dictatorship. But they absolutely exploited it nevertheless.
Hitler used it to accuse the Communist KPD Party of a wider conspiracy/attempted coup against the government. Four thousand communists were arrested.
70
What was the Reichstag Fire Decree, February 28, 1933?
Hitler convinced President Hindenburg to sign an emergency decree: "For the protection of People and State".
This decree suspended key civil liberties: Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and protection from unlawful arrest.
Gave the Nazis power to arrest and detain opponents without trial. Bypassed the constitution under Article 48. Germany turned into a police state overnight.
71
Why was the March 1933 German Federal Elections significant?
The Nazis won 288 seats and the DNVP won 52 seats meaning their coalition had obtained a majority.
Hitler was upset he was unable to obtain an outright majority without the need of DNVP members.
The KPD won 81 seats but he barred the members from swearing in by stationing the SA outside the Reichstag to intimidate or physically remove KPD members.
Hitler was worried of a Communist uprising so he didn't ban the KPD upright.
72
What was The Enabling Act, 23 March, 1933?
The Reich Cabinet could pass new laws without the need of approval from the Reichstag or the President.
The laws could overrule the constitution. Hitler would propose the laws.
This would destroy the power of the Reichstag.
73
How did the Reichstag vote for The Enabling Act, 23 March, 1933?
Hitler needed a two-thirds majority of members present to pass the act.
The Nazis and DNVP voted in favour of it. The Centre party also did so after Hitler promised them that Catholic institutions and rights would be protected.
The KPD were against it but since they were barred from voting the only party able to vote against it was the SPD. Only 94 of their 120 members voted against it as many were absent, arrested or intimidated.
Weimar Germany was officially over. After this point it was Nazi Germany.
74
What did the Catholic Centre Party do after The Enabling Act passing?
The party dissolved on the 5th of July after negotiations with the Nazi government. They were promised Religious freedom and protection of Catholic institutions.
Unlike the SPD and the KPD they got a peaceful exit from politics and avoided persecution. A treaty signing between the Vatican and Nazi Germany was promised and delivered. Although the Nazis broke the terms of it.
75
How did Hitler deal with opposition in local government, 1933?
He closed down local governments on 31st March 1933 and reorganised them with Nazi majorities. it was completely abolished in January 1934.
Hitler gave control of state-level administration to Nazi-appointed Reich Governors. The governors oversaw the administration of each state and made sure that they were in line with Nazi policies.
76
How did Hitler deal with trade unions, 1933?
He established the German Labour Front (DAF) on May 2, 1933 to replace independent trade unions.
The DAF's primary goal was to coordinate labour relations, control workers and align them with nazi goals.
On May 2, 1933, the Nazis launched a campaign to eliminate all trade unions. They arrested union leaders, closed down union offices, and seized union property. Independent trade unions in Germany were officially dissolved.
77
How did Hitler deal with opposition political parties, 1933?
In May 1933, the SDP and KPD offices and funds were seized by the Nazis. The DNVP dissolved on June 27 knowing a one-party state was imminent.
On June 29 Hugenberg resigned as Reich Minister, after being pressured to by Hitler and his inner circle.
On the 14th of July 1933 Hitler made all political parties illegal besides NSDAP. Making Germany officially a one-party state.
78
Why were Ernst Rohm and the SA a threat to Hitler?
Rohm did not like Hitler's policies. The SA was much bigger than the army and they feared Rohm wanted to replace them. He repeatedly called for a 'second revolution' that would introduce socialism into the Reich and banish old conservative forces of business and government.
Many of the SA were bitter towards Hitler because they felt undervalued and angry because many were still unemployed but they were loyal to Rohm.
The leaders of the Schutzstaffel, especially Himmler (SS) wanted to reduce the size of the SA in order to increase their own power. Rohm with ambitious to absorb the Reichswehr (army) into the SA. Technically the SS was still part of the SA and Himmler worked under Rohm.
Himmler was much more ideologically loyal and close to Hitler and elevating the SS as an independent, elite force was the best course of action for Hitler.
79
What was The Night of the Long Knives, June 30th-July 2nd, 1934?
Hitler was convinced by Himmler, Goring and other officials that Rohm was planning a coup.
Hitler invited Rohm and 100 SA leaders to a meeting in the town of Bad Wiessee on the 30th June when they arrived they were arrested by the SS, taken to Munich and shot. Rohm was executed July 1st.
After the arrests, von Papen's staff were arrested and his home surrounded. Further killings occured, including Hitler's predecessor von Schleicher.
This led to von Papen's resignation as Vice-Chancellor. Marking the end of outside non-Nazi conservative influence in the government. Hindenburg was the only non-Nazi member left.
80
What happened to the SA after the Night of Long Knives, June 30th-July 2nd, 1934?
The SA remained in operation until 1945 and Viktor Lutze a much more loyal and much less ambitious Nazi was appointed as leader.
SA membership declined as many members were loyal to Rohm and not Hitler.
SA was placed under stricter control of the Nazi party and state. Their political and military influence drastically decreased.
81
How did Germans react to the Night of Long Knives, June 30th-July 2nd, 1934?
The Nazis announced the purge as the 'Rohm Putsch'. The sudden violence was shocking but many Germans actually welcomed it.
The army hated Rohm and the SA, the public had grown tired of SA street violence. The SA was seen as rowdy, radical and dangerous -- Rohm's calls for a 'second revolution' unsettled many.
For most, it was a clear signal that Hitler had total control, and resistance was dangerous. The massive fear generated by the purge led to widespread silence.
82
How did the Nazis use propaganda to make Hitler look good after the Night of Long Knives?
The Nazis announced the 'Rohm Putsch' but they did not acknowledge purging conservatives like Schleicher or Gregor Strasser (early Nazi leader). No discussion that the SS and Himmler used it to crush all opposition or the purge's use to elevate the SS over the SA.
Goebbels orchestrated media coverage that portrayed Hitler as a reluctant savior, who acted to protect Germany from the apparent coup Rohm was trying to commit. Hitler took full responsibility for ordering the murders of the SA and Rohm but made himself seem powerful and morally righteous.
83
What did Hindenburg's death mean to Hitler, August 1934?
President Hindenburg was the only person senior to Hitler. In August 1934, he died and within hours, a law concerning the head of state merged the offices of Chancellor and President to create a new office of Führer.
Hitler was officially Führer and he used propaganda to ensure that he looked powerful.
He made the 'Heil Hitler' Nazi salute mandatory which made people swear loyalty to him personally, and he was portrayed as having superhuman, heroic cult of personality.
84
What did Hitler do to the Army oath of allegiance the day Hindenburg died?
Hitler announced the army should swear an oath of allegiance to him, not to Germany.
85
What were the SS' job post 1934 in keeping Germany a police state?
Led by Heinrich Himmler, they controlled all Germany's police and security forces. They acted outside the laws and wore black uniforms. They were Hitler's protection squad.
Members had to marry 'racially pure' wives.
Crushed opposition, ran concentration camps and oversaw the SS branches of the Gestapo and SD (security service).
86
What was the role of the SD in keeping Germany a police state?
Himmler and the SS oversaw their operations but they alongside the Gestapo were led by Reinhard Heydrich. The SD and the Gestapo were both branches of the SS.
They wore uniforms and spied on all opponents of the Nazi party, both domestically and abroad. They were Germany's security service.
87
What was the role of the Gestapo in keeping Germany a police state?
Set up by Hermann Goering in 1933. Initially separate to the SS but in April 1934, Himmler was made head of the Gestapo. He appointed Reinhard Heydrich to lead it. The SD and Gestapo were both branches of the SS.
They wore plain clothes, spied on people and prosecuted people for speaking out against Hitler and the Nazis. They also sent people to concentration camps and camps. They were the secret state police.
88
How did Hitler control the legal system in Germany to help fuel his dictatorship?
He did this by controlling the judges. All judges had to belong to the national socialist league for the maintenance of the law (NSRB) ensuring the legal system was controlled and aligned with Nazi ideology. All judges had to favour the Nazi party in any decision.
He also did this by controlling the law courts. He abolished trial by jury - only judges were able to decide whether someone was innocent or guilty. He set up a 'People's Court' to hear all treason cases. Trials were hold in secret and judges were hand-picked.
89
How did Hitler and the Nazis use concentration camps and labour camps to control Germans 1933-1939?
This first camp was built at Dachau in 1933 within days of the singing of the Reichstag Fire Decree to house the growing number of people being arrested. The Nazis claimed these camps were for protection.
Camps were built in isolated areas so no one could see what was going on. Many more were built from 1933-1939.
Inmates were made up of political prisoners and undesirables, such as prostitutes, homosexuals, and minority groups like Jews. Inmates were treated very badly and forced to do hard labour. Some were executed for refusing tasks or resistance but they didn't mass kill them and focused on control, punishment, and forced labour.
Hindenburg was old and in decline. He let Hitler do what he wanted as advised by conservative elites. Hitler played the role of a loyal chancellor to him in public.
90
How did Nazi beliefs combat Christian beliefs?
Hitler as all-powerful leader combats God as the ultimate authority.
Aryan racial superiority combats everyone equal in the eyes of God.
War, military discipline and violence important combats peace is what everyone should strive for.
Nazis believed of dominance of the strong over the weak while Christians believed the strong should look after the weak.
91
Why was Hitler worried about the Catholic Church?
He thought they would oppose him because Catholics were loyal to the pope, usually supported the Catholic Centre Party and they sent their children to Catholic schools and the Catholic youth organisation.
The Catholic Centre Party dissolved in fear of the Nazis on July 5th, 1933 and of promise of the upcoming Concordat. Shortly after the Nazi party became only legally permitted party in the country anyways.
92
Why was the Concordant between the Vatican and Nazi Germany significant?
In July 1933, Hitler agreed with the pope in Concordat that Catholics were free to worship and run their own schools in return for staying out of politics. This helped Hitler as around 30-35% of Germany was Catholic. However, Hitler broke his promise and:
Priests opposing the Nazis were harassed and/or sent to concentration camps. Catholic schools had to remove Christian symbols and were later closed. Catholic youth organisations were banned.
By 1937, the pope spoke out against Hitler in his statement known as 'With Burning Anxiety', which criticised Nazi policies.
93
What was the Protestant Church that supported the Nazis?
The Reich Church. Founded in 1933 was made up of about 2000 Protestant churches. Supported the Nazis.
Led by pro-Nazi Ludwig Muller. They had some members that wore Nazi uniform and called themselves German Christians.
94
What Protestant Church opposed the Nazis?
The Confessing Church was founded in 1934. Was made up of about 6000 Protestant churches.
They were led by Martin Niemoller, he initially was a supporter of Adolf Hitler. He opposed the Nazis and their Nazification of German Protestant churches. As a result, they were repressed by the Nazis. Niemoller himself was imprisoned in concentration camps in 1938.
95
How did Pastor Martin Niemoller attitudes towards Nazis over the years?
He was pro-Nazi and voted for them in the 1924, 1928 and 1933 elections. He felt the Weimar Republic needed a strong leader. He didn't oppose Nazi restrictions on Jews, he was an anti-semite himself. When imprisoned he wanted to fight for the Nazis in WWII but more out of loyalty to Germany as by this point he was very anti-Nazi.
Post 1934: He didn't like Nazi interference in the Protestant Church, he opposed the Nazi restrictions on Jews becoming Christians. He set up the Confessing Church in 1934.
Niemoller was arrested many times for speaking out against the Nazis and Hitler between 1934 and 1937. He was sent to a concentration camp in 1938 where he stayed until 1945.
96
How did pastors and priests oppose the Nazis?
600 Protestant pastors joined Niemoller's Confessing Church as a protest against Nazi policy, only 2000 remained in the nazified German Christian Church.
About 800 pastors were arrested and sent to concentration camps including Martin Niemoller. 400 Catholic priests spoke out and were arrested and imprisoned in the Priests' Block at Dachau concentration camp.
97
How much opposition was there by church leaders?
Opposition to the Nazis by church leaders was difficult because it was so dangerous to speak out openly.
However, attendance at Christian churches remained high throughout the period, in spite of the Nazis' attempt to curtail both the Catholic and Protestant churches.
98
What were Goebbels' and Nazi methods of censorship?
Public burning of books by Jewish writers or those who disagreed with Nazi views. Radio producers, playwrights, filmmakers and newspapers were told what to say.
Newspapers opposing the Nazis were closed. Only radios that couldn't receive foreign stations were made.
99
What was The Reich Chamber of Culture, 1933?
Set up in 1933 and overseen by Goebbels, this monitored all aspects of culture and made sure they aligned with Nazi ideals.
The Nazis wanted grand and classical architecture,
particularly the work of Albert Speer; artists to be members of a Reich Chamber of Visual
Arts; to listen to traditional German composers like Beethoven and Bach.
100
What was the Hitler Youth?
Its aim was to prepare German boys to be future soldiers. Boys wore military-style uniforms. Activities centered on physical exercise and rifle practice, as well as political
indoctrination. Older boys learned to use weapons, read maps, and follow orders.
Taught them racial superiority: that the Aryan race was better than all others. Encouraged hatred of Jews, Communists, and other so-called 'enemies' of the state.
Membership from age 10 was made compulsory in late 1936 and by 1939 90% of German boys aged 14 and over were members.
They had a female wing called The League of German Maidens (BDM).
101
What was The League of German Maidens (BDM)?
The female wing of the Hitler Youth. Its aim was to prepare German girls for future motherhood. Girls wore a uniform of blue skirt, white blouse and heavy marching shoes.
Girls undertook some physical exercise as they were expected to have lots of strong and healthy Aryan children, but activities mainly centered on developing domestic skills such as sewing and cooking.
They were taught to be loyal to Hitler above all. Discouraged careers and high education. Taught racial superiority of the Aryan race and to avoid friendships or relationships with Jews or anyone seen undesirable.
102
Who were the Edelweiss Pirates (Youth opposition)?
They were made up of mainly boys, and some girls who copied an American style of clothing (checked shirts and white socks). They were organised group of youths from working-class families from large cities.
They resisted membership to the Hitler Youth. They went on hikes and camping expeditions in the countryside to get away from Nazi restrictions. They taunted the Hitler Youth and they sang 'Smash the Hitler Youth in twain, our song is freedom, love and life'.
The Nazis were not threatened by their activities. By 1939 they had 2000 members.
103
Who were The Swing Youth (Youth opposition)?
Similar to the Edelweiss Pirates. They enjoyed wearing American clothes, listening to American music and watching American films. They gathered to drink alcohol, smoke and dance. They organised illegal dances attended by thousands.
Unlike the Pirates they were largely made up of children from wealthy families with the money to buy records and own record players.
104
How effective was youth opposition up to 1939?
It was limited to writing anti-Nazi graffiti, telling anti-Nazi jokes, wore American-style clothing and listened to banned music. They attacked the Hitler Youth.
The motives of the youth opposition groups were cultural rather than political and their numbers of members were limited.
105
Why was Hitler worried about the Birth rate of Germany?
Down by 1 million per year between 1900-1933. Hitler was very worried as he needed women to mother children and do household skills.
He needed them to birth boys and prepare them for war.
106
How did Hitler alter divorce laws in order to keep the 'Aryan race alive?
He made divorce easier through the Marriage Law of 1938. Women who wouldn't/couldn't have children or had an abortion could be divorced much easier.
107
What did Hitler do with female organisations?
All female organisations to merge with The German Women's Enterprise (DFW) and were under control of Gertrud Scholtz-Klink.
By 1939 - 1.7 million women had attended courses on childcare, cooking and sewing. The key attributes of a domesticated wife.
108
What did Hitler do to encourage woman to marry and have families?
Introduced a Law for the Encouragement of Marriage which gave newlywed couples a loan of 1,000 marks, and allowed them to keep 250 marks (25%) for each child they had. From 1936 a woman could get 10 marks per month for a 3rd and 4th child, 20 marks per month for 5+ children.
He gave an award called the Mother's Cross to women who had large numbers of children. It was a symbol of honour. Bronze cross: 4-5 children, Silver cross: 6-7 children and Gold cross: 8 or more children. Hitler Youth were expected to salute women who wore the Mother's Cross.
He allowed women to volunteer to have a baby with an Aryan member of the SS to create genetically pure children through Lebensborn program.
109
What did Hitler do to discourage women from working?
The Introduction of the Law for the Reduction of Unemployment, which gave women financial incentives to stay at home and take care of their husband and children.
However, female labour was cheap and between 1933 and 1939 the number of women in employment rose by 2.4 million. As the German economy grew, women were needed in the workplace.
110
How effective were Nazi policies towards women?
Birth rate increased by 20 per 1000.
Some women believed Nazi ideals harmed the family and degraded women.
Many women didn’t like Gertrud Scholtz-Klink
111
How did Hitler make sure only Aryan children were born?
In order to increase the birth rate in German families he ensured contraception was difficult to obtain and made abortion illegal in 1933. He taxed single men and childless families heavily.
He legalised sterilisation and abortions for those with disabilities and undesirables.
From 1935, demanding proof of racial purity before a marriage could go ahead. He passed the Law for the Protection of German Blood and German Honour of 1935, which banned marriages between Aryans and undesirables: Jews, ethnic minorities and Roma.
112
How did the Nazis control the youth through education?
All teachers had to join the Nazi Teachers' Association.
History - lessons included a course on the rise of the Nazi party, Biology taught Nazi racial theories of evolution in eugenics. Physical education was a priority as schoolchildren had five one-hour sports lessons every week.
They taught Race study and ideology - a new subject, dealing with the Aryan ideas and anti-Semitism. Chemistry and maths however were downgraded in importance.
The aim was to once more brainwash children so that they would grow up accepting Nazi ideas without question.
113
How did Hitler increase employment rates?
He began a huge programme of public works, which included building hospitals, schools, and public buildings such as the 1936 Olympic Stadium. The construction of autobahns, German motorways, created work for 80,000 men.
Rearmament, manufacturing arms and increasing the arm, was responsible for the bulk of economic growth between 1933 and 1938. Rearmament started almost as soon as Hitler came to power in 1933 but was announced publicly in 1935.
The introduction of the National Labour Service (NLS) meant all young men spent six months in the NLS and were then conscripted into the army. They were no longer counted in the unemployment figures.
114
How did invisible unemployment help the Nazis?
The 1.3 million men in the army at the time and a number of men working on public work schemes, Jews who were sacked and their jobs given to non-Jews and Women who had to give up their jobs to men looking for jobs were not included in the 1939 employment statistic which claimed full employment.
These statistics allowed the Nazis to claim their economic policies were highly effective especially due to the fact Germany were still effected by The Great Depression up until 1936.
115
Why did Hitler want Germany to become an Autarky (economically self-sufficient)?
Hitler didn't want to rely on imports for vital materials like oil, food, and rubber. He was getting ready for war, and in war, trade might be cut off by blockades like in WWI. Autarky would allow Germany to survive and fight without depending on other countries.
He wanted to undo the shame of The Treaty of Versailles which left Germany economically weak and dependent. Hitler wanted to rebuild Germany into a strong, independent power again. It would fit the Nazi idea of national pride and strength.
An autarkic economy could be tightly controlled by the Nazi state. This helped propaganda as Hitler could claim Germany didn't need anyone else.
116
What was the Four-Year Plan, 1936?
Led by Hermann Goring its aim was to get Germany war-ready within four years by increasing rearmament, achieving autarky, boosting production of key materials and reducing unemployment through Nazi-controlled programs.
Hermann Göring was made Economics Minister in 1937 until 1938. The plan and his appointment was a disaster Göring knew next to nothing about economics.
Although it helped reduce imports and increased, military strength, Germany was still not fully self-sufficient by 1939. By the start of WWII Germany was still importing 20% of its food and 33% of its raw materials.
117
How were big businesses impacted by Nazi policies?
When trying to get into power, the Nazis had promised to tackle monopolies.
By 1937 monopolies controlled over 70% of production and the Nazis had links to major companies such as Krupp steel and IG Farben, which produced chemicals.
Both of these areas would be important for rearmament, and from 1935 and onwards major industrial companies definitely benefited. Profits rose by 50 per cent between 1933 and 1939.
118
How were small businesses impacted by Nazi policies?
Rules on opening and running small businesses were tightened, which resulted in 20% of them closing.
Hitler did this to help larger, pro-Nazi businesses, support Nazi ideology and control the economy.
Between 1937-1938 Jewish small businesses were forcibly taken over by non-Jews and by 1939, almost all Jewish businesses had been closed or stolen.
119
How were farmers and agriculture impacted by Nazi policies?
Having being one of their main sources of their electoral support during rise to power, farmers benefited under the Nazis. The Hereditary Farm Law of 1933 prevented farms from being repossessed from their owners, which gave farming families greater security.
By 1937, agricultural prices had increased by 20% and agricultural wages rose more quickly than those in industry.
Not all of their promises were met though which made some but few farmers bitter.
120
How did Nazi policies impact Industrial workers?
Pre-1933 the Nazis had lacked support amongst the workers, who tended to vote for the KPD or the SPD. However, given the needs of rearmament it was important that the workers were controlled and productive.
The Labour Front set wages and nearly always followed the wishes of employers, rather than employees. The Strength Through Joy scheme gave workers rewards for their work - evening classes, theatre trips, picnics, and even very cheap or free holidays.
The Beauty of Labour organisation was to help Germans see that work was good, and that everyone who could work should. It also encouraged factory owners to improve conditions for workers.
Working conditions fell. From 1933-1939 wages fell, numbers of hours worked rose by 15%, serious accidents in factories increased and workers could be blacklisted by employers if they attempted to question their working conditions.
121
How did Nazi policies persecute undesirables?
Sterilisation - kept the Aryan race pure, many groups were prevented from reproducing. The mentally and physically disabled including the deaf, were sterilised, as were people with genetic diseases.
Euthanasia - In 1939 many physically and mentally disabled Germans were killed in secret, without the consent of their families. Victims were often gassed.
Concentration camps include homosexuals, prostitutes, Jehovah's Witnesses, gypsies, alcoholics, pacifists, beggars, hooligans and criminals were rounded up and sent away.
122
How did Nazis the persecute Slavs (Eastern Europeans)?
Many Slavs lived in Germany: propaganda showed them as outsiders, Hitler planned to invade Eastern Europe to get a German living space, not as persecuted as others before WWII.
123
How did the Nazis persecute Gypsies?
They were forced into special camps in 1936 and banned from travelling in groups in 1938.
Special camps were used as part of their oppression and were essentially locations where undesirables, including Gypsies, were imprisoned and placed under harsh conditions without due process
124
How did the Nazis persecute homosexuals?
In 1935 766 males were sent to prison, In 1936 4,000 were sent to prison and in 1938 8,000 were sent to prison.
5,000 died in concentration camps from years 1933-1939.
125
How did the Nazis persecute people with disabilities?
1933 Law for the Prevention of Hereditary Disease Offspring, by 1939 sterilisation of 400,000 people with disabilities was made compulsory.
In 1939 the T4 programme had babies with severe disabilities starved or drugged to death: included up to 17 year olds. 5,000 people were killed.
126
How did the Nazis persecute and target Jews in 1933?
Nazis organised a boycott of Jewish businesses, books by Jewish authors were publicly burnt. Jewish civil servants, layers and teachers were sacked. Race science lessons were introduced, teaching that Jews were sub-human.
Saw a gradual increase of persecution after 1933.
127
How did the Nazis persecute and target Jews in 1935?
The Nuremberg Laws formalised anti-Semitism into the Nazi state by stripping Jews of German citizenship, outlawing marriage and sexual relations between Jews and Germans and taking away all civil and political rights from Jews.
It got much worse in 1938 and afterwards.
128
How did the Nazis persecute and target Jews in 1938?
Jews were banned from being doctors. Jews had to add the name Israel for men and Sarah to their name so they could easily be identified. Jewish children were forbidden from going to school.
The Kristallnacht began a new wave of hatred within Germany and the Nazi party towards Jews and violence towards them increased.
129
What was the Kristallnacht, 9th-10th November, 1938?
The SS organised attacks on Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues in retaliation of the German ambassador to France by a Jew. 100 Jews were killed.
More than one billion Reichsmark in property damage was reported. Jews were able to file insurance claims for their property losses but Hermann Goring ruled that the claims would not be paid.
On November 10,the Nazi regime arrested 30,000 Jewish men and sent them to various concentration camps. This was turning point in Germany, Jews had been persecuted under Nazi rule for a while but not physically threatened or attacked up until that point. Many believe this was the beginning of the Holocaust.
130
How did people react to the Kristallnacht, 9th-10th November, 1938?
Many Germans were supportive of the Nazi cause and were influenced by anti-Semitic propaganda. It seemed as if it was a justified response to the threat posed by Jews.
Opposition was suppressed and people were too afraid to speak out as they would face arrest, punishment, or worse.
The international community was shocked. Countries including the USA, Britain, and France, condemned the violence. The international outcry did not lead to significant diplomatic consequences for the Nazi regime. Many countries continued to appease Germany.
131
How did the Nazis persecute and target Jews in 1939?
They had a forced emigration policy where Nazis encouraged and pressured Jews to emigrate. Property and money was confiscated, leaving many Jews with nothing. The Reich Central Office for Jewish Emigration set up under Reinhard Heydrich was tasked at doing so.
Jews faced daily restrictions. They were banned from certain areas, had restricted access to shops, and had to follow curfews. They was more segregation in public life.
Jews were forced to adopt clear markers of identity and had to carry identity cards marked with a large red 'J'.
They were forbidden from owning a business, or even a radio. Jewish businesses were forcibly closed or taken over (Aryanised). Thousands of Jews were a
