Germany 1918-39

Winter break work

This work pack is designed to be completed over the winter break. As we move into the new building you will be missing at least three hours of History lessons, this work pack will supplement the time that has been missed. This pack is due for submission to the school on 08.01.17 for marking and feedback from your class teacher.

This revision guide is by no means comprehensive, you must use other sources of information including your books, revision guides and the internet to stretch your revision

Germany Exam support Max marks 52/ Timing 80 minutes

Marks

Time per question

Structure Expected outcome

Section A q1:

4 5 mins Two things to infer

InferenceDetailInferenceDetail

-Don’t write too much-Must quote if is a written source-Must use direct reference if a picture source-An inference is something you can work out from the source that is not directly stated-Annotate inferences in relation to the question

Section A q2:

12 15 mins

3 P.E.E.L Paragraph

One paragraph must be from own knowledge

-No marks for opinion-No introduction or conclusionInclude precise details and facts (dates, names, places etc.)-Explanation must come from the knowledge and directly answer the question (repeatedly do this for each piece of new evidence)-Clear paragraphs for each new piece of evidence introduced

Section B q3A

8 15 mins

Utility- How useful is the source to someone conducting an enquiry on topic?

One paragraph on source b provenance

One paragraph on source b content

One paragraph on source c provenance

One paragraph on source c content

-Sources are a direct account from the time, not interpretations of History therefore are analysed differently-Provenance means the Nature, Origin and Purpose of the source-Comments on provenance must be used to evaluate the utility source content (This is a private letter so the content is more honest about the true state of life in Hitler’s Germany)-Content must be evaluated by using your own knowledge-Identify what is missing from the source from your own knowledge to comment on the utility-No need to compare sources-No need for overall judgement on utility- No credit is given to knowledge not linked to the sources-One useful and one not useful per paragraph-Must relate to the question, cannot be a general comment on utility

Section B q 3b

4 10 mins

Difference between interpretation 1 and two

First sentence- Summarise the main difference between interpretations in relation to the question

Second sentence- quote from interpretation one giving evidence to support why they are different

Third sentence- quote from interpretation two giving evidence to support why they are different

-These are interpretations, views of the past and are not sources-Focus on the question, both interpretations will give different reason connected to a cause, consequence or view-Must use quotations to support evidence of difference- Must make difference explicitly clear within the first sentence- Must use quotations from both interpretations- do not use any information from sources, only use interpretations-Provenance does not need to be analysed-Focus on the overall message- selection of content, emphasis on key point, explanation of their judgement or the comment-Differences can be: language and tone, selection of information or points of emphasis

Section B q3c

4 5 Mins One reasons on why interpretations are different

First sentence- Summarise why interpretations are different based on: Language and tone, selection of information or points of emphasis

Second sentence- Quote from interpretation to prove this

Third sentence-Quote from second interpretation to prove this

-Focus on why they are different, not what is different about the source-Do not use sources in evaluation-Focus on weighting of information- one interpretation focuses on one thing whilst the other interpretation focuses on another thing (One interpretation says the Gestapo was more effective in the police state the other interpretation says that concentrations camps were more effective)-Focus on emphasis- if the interpretation focuses on the same content then why have they chosen to focus on different areas (eg. Hitler Youth: One interpretation focuses on leisure and the other focuses on discipline)-These a partial extracts, there will be missing information from interpretation- do they focus on different dates? (Hitler youth in the early 1930’s compared to later 1930’s)

Question 3D

16+4 30 mins

Which interpretation you agree with the mostIntroduction- Outlining the context, what the interpretation tells us, your opinion and what others might think

Four paragraphs following the clear structure of- What it tells us, how you could agree with the interpretation, how you could disagree and give your overall opinion

Conclusion- Give your overall opinion of the interpretation supported by your own knowledge

-Opinion must be clearly referenced throughout the essay-You must directly reference the interpretation by using quotations directly from the interpretation-You do not need to compare interpretations for which one is better-You must use both interpretations-You do not need to assess the interpretation for limitations, reliability or utility-Use your own information but only in relation to the question and only if it helps develop your argument-Show an appreciation for what and why the interpretation has chosen to focus on-Maintain a clear judgement throughout-No credit is given for knowledge not linked to the question-Be mindful of dates, anything outside the parameters will not be marked-SPaG will be assessed so keywords are crucial to receiving

four marks-New paragraphs must be used when discussing new information-Each paragraph should refer back to the question

1: 1.1 The Origins of the Weimar Republic

In November 1918 Germany was defeated in war by the allied powers and the Kaiser (King of Germany) left his throne. He was replaced by a democratic government called the Weimar Republic.

How did the new Weimar Republic work?

Germany from 1919 to 1933 is usually referred to as the Weimar Republic or Weimar Germany.

The new Weimar Constitution gave the vote to all people over the age of 20. A system of Proportional Representation (PR) was used for elections to the Reichstag (parliament).

Elections were to take place every four years and the government would be run by the Chancellor (Prime Minister). He was responsible to the Reichstag.

Germany became a federal system, with power shared between central government and state (regional) governments.

What were the problems with the constitution?

Article 48 of the constitution gave the President emergency powers to rule by decree without the Reichstag and even to suspend the constitution. The President was directly elected every seven years.

Owing to PR, there were many small parties in the Reichstag, so most Weimar governments were short-lived coalitions (this is when parties decide to try to work together). From 1919 to 1923 there were nine coalition governments- they could not seem to agree on how to sort out Germany’s problems.

PR also allowed extreme parties to gain representation. This is how the Nazis eventually managed to get into parliament.

Why did many Germans dislike the Treaty of Versailles?

One of the first things that the new government did was to sign the Treaty of Versailles. Many Germans hated the new government for signing the Treaty of Versailles.

The Treaty of Versailles was very unpopular because Germany had to pay reparations to the Allies. This meant that Germany could not rebuild its own economy after the war. Germany also had to limit their armed forces. This made them feel weak. Germany also lost land. This denied them of resources. This also meant that some Germany speaking people no longer lived in Germany. The Germans were also forced to admit sole responsibility for starting the war. This seemed unfair to many Germans.

The politicians that signed the treaty were called the November Criminals. The army felt that they had been “stabbed in the back” (Dolchstoss). Many preferred the authoritarian rule of the Kaiser- they saw democracy as a

foreign idea imposed on the Germans.

1.2 What were the early political problems faced by the Weimar Republic?

Most of the political parties of the Weimar Republic were opposed to democracy. The Weimar Republic faced threats from the Left. The left wanted a revolution

like the one that had happened in Russia and they also wanted more power for the workers. The new Communist Party (KPD) organised marches and strikes in Berlin during the winter of 1918-1919. They took hold of government buildings in what was called the Spartacist Rebellion. Eventually it had to be put down by the Freikorps who were demobilised soldiers from World War 1. This showed that the Weimar Republic as incapable of dealing with its own problems without calling upon the army.

There were also threats from the Right. They did not want a left wing revolution and wanted a return to authoritarian (non-democratic) rule. In March 1920 Dr Wolfgang Kapp marched on Berlin to overthrow the Weimar Government and bring back the Kaiser. This was called the Kapp Putsch. For a while this seemed as though it might succeed as the government fled and the army did little to stop the takeover of the city. However, eventually many workers did not co-operate and the putsch was defeated.

Unrest continued until 1923 and there was another failed right-wing uprising led by the Nazis in the Munich Putsch (see later section on the Munich Putsch).

What were the early economic problems that faced by the Weimar Republic?

In 1922, Germany said that it could not afford to pay its second reparations instalment.

So, in 1923, French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr, Germany’s riches industrial area, in order to take food coal, iron ore and steel as payment.

Germany replied with passive resistance (strikes and non-cooperation). The German economy collapsed, leading to hyperinflation (massive, rapid price

increases). The German currency became worthless. Many middle-class people lost their savings. There were shortages of food and other goods. Also, people found it difficult to buy what they needed. You had to go to the market with a wheelbarrow to buy a loaf of bread because the money was so worthless.

A new German government led by Stresemann, ended passive resistance, and the French finally withdrew.

2: The Recovery of the

Now you should be able to answer these comprehension questions: Explain why the Germans disliked the Treaty of Versailles.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-____________________________________________________________________

Describe the measures taken in the Treaty of Versailles to limit Germany’s power.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-_____________________________________________________________________

Describe the way Weimar Republic was governed. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-________________________________________________________

Describe the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-________________________________________________________

Why there was so much hardship in Germany between 1918 and 1923? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-____________________________________________________________________

How did the Weimar Government deal with the Sparticist Uprising? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-____________________________________________________________________

How did the Weimar Government deal with the Kapp Putsch? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-____________________________________________________________________

Describe the economic problems experienced by Germany in the years 1919-1923. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-____________________________________________________________________

Explain the effects of hyperinflation in 1923 on Germany and its people. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-____________________________________________________________________

Describe why people supported extreme parties. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-____________________________________________________________________

Overall, do you believe the Weimar Republic to be weak or strong? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-____________________________________________________________________

1.3Weimar Republic (1924-1929)

What role did Stresemann play in the economic recovery of the Weimar Republic?

Stresemann was appointed chancellor in 1923. Stresemann negotiated with the French to end the occupation of the Ruhr. He introduced a new currency called the Retenmark to end inflation. He set

up a new independent national bank to control the currency. This restored confidence.

Stresemann negotiated the Dawes Plan with the USA. This reduced the size of the reparations instalments and provided Germany with US loans that were used to modernise factories and build new ones.

In 1929, the Young Plan brought new loans, while reparations were reduced and spread over 60 years.

All these measures helped to boost the German economy and restore confidence. Between 1924 and 1929, Germany received over 25 billion gold marks in loans- three times more than reparation payments. By 1929, Germany was only second to the USA in advanced industrial production.

How did Stresemann help Germany restore relations abroad?

In 1924 Stresemann became foreign secretary. He did this job until his death in 1929.

In the Locarno Treaty of 1925, Germany accepted its 1919 western frontiers, and agreed that changes in the east would be by negotiation only.

Germany joined the League of Nations in 1926.The Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928 saw Germany along with 44 other countries, renounce (reject) war.

What did Stresemann achieve?

He restored economic stability. He had regained a place for Germany on the international stage. He kept the support of the moderate parties on the left and the right. He steered Germany out of the difficult early period. However, he died in 1929 at a time when the world was plunged into the

economic darkness of the Great Depression.

Now you should be able to answer this exam question, use the exam guidance to help:

12 Marks- Explain how Gustav Stresemann improved the German economy between the years 1924-1929

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now you should be able to answer these comprehension questions

What did the Locarno Treaty State? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What was the Dawes Plan? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What was the Young Plan? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.4 Changes to society

Women in Politics

November 1918 women had the right to vote and stand for elections Voter turnout for Women was at 90% By 1932 10% of the Reichstag was female Women had equal rights with men, equal chance for jobs and equal in

partnerships

Women at work

By 1918 75% of women were at work due to WW1, by 1925 36% of women worked

On average women paid 33% less than men and expected to give up work when married

Few entered high professions, only 36 Judges by 1933 Many entered liberal professions such as teachers, doctors rose from 2,500-5,000

from 1925-1932Women in leisure

The 1920’s brought greater financial independence for women, they were called the ‘New Women as they bought clothes, went out more, wore jewellery and revealing clothing.

They smoked and went out unaccompanied, they seemed less interested in marriage

This was controversial, many believed this challenged traditional German values The Birth rate feel from 128 live births per 1,000 women in 1913 to 80 per 1,000

in 1925 Divorces rose from 27 per 100,000 in 1913 to 60 per 100,000 in the 1920’s

Cultural change in the Republic Art New Objectivism beliefs that world should be shown how it really is, not

influenced by romantic view. Should show poverty, squalor and hardship. Modernism beliefs that art should not hark back to the past but should lead to the

future by showing industry and technology Expressionism beliefs that art should show feelings and thoughts, not just objects The Bauhaus movement, developed by Walter Gropius, that developed the design

college in Berlin. This stressed the beauty of technology, simple lines and careful craftsmanship

Architecture- Architects like Erich Mendelsohn were influenced by the Bauhaus movement.

The Einstein Tower at Potsdam was a futuristic observatory unlike anything seen before

Cinema- Films became popular in the 1920’s, horror films were introduced, and science fiction films were developed and supported by the Weimar Government. By 1930’s and by 1932 3,800 German cinemas were showing film with sound

Now you should be able to answer this exam question, use the exam guidance to help:

12 Marks- Explain how Gustav Stresemann improved the German economy between the years 1924-1929

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Section 2 Hitler and the Growth of the Nazi Party

What were the main aims and ideas of the Nazi Party?

In the aftermath of World War 1 a small German Workers Party (DAP) was set up. Having attended a meeting, Hitler decided to join the party and he soon became

the leader. In 1920 they changed their name to the NSDAP (Nazis) and adopted a 25 point programme. The main ideas were: scrapping the Treaty of Versailles; removing Jews from German life; and expanding German borders to give German people more Lebensraum (living space).

In 1921 they adopted the swastika as their emblem. Hitler set up the Stormtroopers (SA). These “Brownshirts” were mainly

unemployed ex-soldiers. They went around attacking left-wing political meetings. They soon had over 50,000 members in southern Germany. They received some

donations from businesses.

What was the Munich Putsch?

When the German government called off passive resistance to the French occupation of the Ruhr, German nationalists were furious. Hitler decided that it was time to take power. He wanted to march on Berlin.

In November 1923, the Nazis took over a beer hall where important Bavarian officials were addressing a meeting. Hitler tried unsuccessfully to get their support for a march on Berlin.

However, Hitler, supported by General Ludendorff (a First World War leader) went ahead with his plans.

But his Beer Hall Putsch failed when his march was stopped by the army. In the fighting one policeman was shot and 16 Nazis were killed. Hitler ran away but was eventually arrested.

Hitler was put on trial for treason. While in court he was allowed to make lengthy speeches and these were widely reported across Germany. The putsch gave the Nazis a lot of national attention.

Hitler was also given a really light sentence of 5 years by a sympathetic judge. He only served 9 months!

Why was the Stresemann era a bad period for the Nazis?

During the Stresemann period, some of the policies the right wanted were achieved. For example, Germany was now part of the international community.

When Hitler came out of prison the economic situation in Germany had improved. Not many people joined the party.

How did Hitler reorganise the Party?

In 1925 he relaunched the party. Power was concentrated into his hands. While in jail he had written a book called Mein Kampf. This outlined his views and

helped to spread the word of Nazism. The main ideas were nationalism, socialism (the economy should be run in the interest of the country and not big business), totalitarianism (no democracy), racial purity (eliminate the Jews), lebensraum and traditional conservative values.

Special sections(for students, teachers, farmers and Hitler Youth) were set up to attract more people to the party.

Party branches were set up around Germany. In 1926, Goebbels took control of Nazi Party propaganda. By 1928, the

Nazis had just over 100, 000 members. Hitler decided that he now needed to win elections to gain power. The

experience of the Munich Putsch taught him that he needed the support of the army and wealthy industrialists to win power.

However, Hitler did not reject violence. He set up the black-shirted SS in 1925 as his personal elite guard. The aim was to use the SS to attack opponents. Himmler became its head in 1929.

Who supported the Nazis?

Many working class people were attracted by the promise of “food and work”. They also liked the idea of traditional values and a return to a strong Germany.

Many in the middle class had lost their savings and wanted a strong leader to remedy the problem. They were worried by the rise of the communists. They also wanted a return to traditional moral values.

Many farmers were worried that communists might take away their land. Big business worried about the communists. Young people were attracted by Hitler’s exciting speeches, He promised that the

family would be best looked after by the Nazis. This attracted women. The Nazis offered something for everybody.

The Bamberg Conference Northern areas of the party, like Strasser and Goebbels, emphases socialism in

industrial areas Areas in the South, that were more rural, supported Nationalism Hitler called party Conference at Bamberg to address the split in the party Hitler made his views vert clear, he s[poke for five hours and made the socialists

seem like they were communists Goebbels abandoned Strassers side and joined to support Hitler After this event Hitler was clearly in control of the party, no one could challenge

him Strasser was never trusted, although he did pledge loyalty, and was killed in 1934 Goebbels was made the Gauleiter for Berlin

Now you should be able to answer these comprehension questions:How did the arts change? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why were the arts able to change? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________When was the Nazi party formed? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What was the 20-point programme? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describe the key features of the Munich Putsch. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How did the Putsch aid the Nazi Party? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What wing of the political spectrum is the Nazi Party on? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is Mein Kampf? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How did Hitler change the Nazi Party between 1924 and 1929? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why were they called the lean years? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now you should be able to answer these comprehension questions:How did the arts change? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why were the arts able to change? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________When was the Nazi party formed? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What was the 20-point programme? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describe the key features of the Munich Putsch. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How did the Putsch aid the Nazi Party? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What wing of the political spectrum is the Nazi Party on? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is Mein Kampf? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How did Hitler change the Nazi Party between 1924 and 1929? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why were they called the lean years? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Great Depression

In 1929 the Wall Street Crash took place. The US economy crashed and so did the economies that depended on it. The German economy had depended on US loans so its weaknesses were quickly revealed.

Unemployment rose rapidly from under one million in 1928 to six million by 1932. Those with jobs saw hours cut and reduced wages. Very soon millions went hungry and homeless. Many middle class people lost their savings.

Political confusion and economic crisis increasingly led many Germans to turn to extreme parties.

More and more workers supported the KPD (Communists) and the Nazis. The growth of the Communists worried rich industrialists who began to fund Nazi

propaganda in the 1932 elections. By July 1932 the Nazis were the largest party. In January 1933, von Papen (leader of the Nationalists) persuaded Hindenburg to

appoint Hitler as Chancellor. Farmers supported Nazis as they thought the communists would take their land Middle classes supported the Nazis as they saw Hitler As a strong leader who

could turn Germany around and were afraid of the Communists Big businesses feared communists so again voted for the Nazi’s

Why were the Nazis able to come to power?

Even after the 1930 elections and the mass increase of Nazi voters since 1925, Hitler and the NSDAP still did not have the majority to take the Reichstag. In fact the NSDAP only won 18% of the vote in 1930. The SDP, the main Weimar party had polled at 25%. Yet in the space of four years Hitler becomes the Chancellor of Germany.

1932-March-Presedential election- No clear winner decidedHitler Thalmann Hindenburg

Now you should be able to answer the comprehension questions below:When was the Wall Street Crash? ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Explain the effects of the Great Depression in Germany. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Who was most affected? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What political party could have taken advantage of unemployment? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How did Hitler and the Nazi’s take advantage? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11 Million 30% 5 Million 14% 18 Million 49.6%1932-April- The Re-election-Hindenburg wins even with Nazi violenceHitler Thalmann Hindenburg13 Million 36% 4 Million 11% 19 Million 53%1932-May- Bruning resigns

Chancellor Bruning decided to step down after he lost all support in the Reichstag. Not only were high economic reforms bitterly hated, he also annoyed the right wing by: Banning the SS and SA

1932- Von Schliecher suggests a new Chancellor Von Schliecher, a high ranking army general, had organised a coalition of land owners,

industrialists and the army along with a figurehead of Franz von Papen

1932- May- Von Papen becomes Chancellor Von Papen takes charge with the Nazi Party as part of the government for the first time.

Von Schliecher believes that the Nazi Party can be controlled as they were ‘merely children who had to be led by the hand’.

1932- July-Reichstag elections

Elections took place in 1932 and once again violence took hold. Private armies from the NSDAP and KPD clashed with over 100 people being killed and 7,000 injured. However, more importantly, the NSDAP vote rose from 18% to 38%. They now had 230 seats in the Reichstag.

1932- November- Von Papen is sacked Von Papen, in an attempt to improve his position decided to call yet more elections in

November. Whilst these did decrease the Nazi vote down to 196 seats, the Nazi’s were still the largest party. Now Von Schliecher told Hindenburg to sack Von Papen, or risk a civil war

1932- December- Von Schliecher becomes Chancellor Hindenburg still refused to make Hitler Chancellor. Instead he placed Von Schliecher in

charge, fearing Nazi domination of the Reichstag.

1933- January Hitler becomes Chancellor Von Schliecher had no support from parties. He asked Hindenburg to suspend the

constitution and make him head of a military dictatorship. Von Papen told Hindenburg on January 30th that ’if a new government is not formed by 11 o’clock, the army will march’. They thought they could control Hitler like a puppet.

Section 3: The Nazi Dictatorship

What were the obstacles to Hitler becoming a dictator?

Hitler was appointed Chancellor in January 1933. However, there were still obstacles to Hitler becoming a dictator.

The Weimar constitution still controlled what the Chancellor could do. Hindenburg still retained all the presidential powers. Hitler’s cabinet of twelve only contained two other Nazis.

How did the Nazis establish a dictatorship?

Hitler called a new election for March hoping to get a two-thirds majority. This would allow him to change the constitution.

Now you should be able to answer the comprehension questions below:Why did Hitler not receive power before 1933? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why were votes in the Reichstag important for Hitler? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How did Hitler use violence in an attempt to receive votes?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How many votes did Hitler have in the Reichstag when he became Chancellor? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In February, just before the election, the Reichstag Fire took place - the Nazis blamed the communists. Communists were rounded up and imprisoned.

In Prussia, the largest German region, the Minister of the Interior Goring (a leading Nazi) arrested lots of communists and SPD members. Their meetings were broken up and newspapers banned.

The Nazis failed to get the majority they needed in the March elections but they gained the support of the other Nationalist parties- this gave Hitler control of the Reichstag.

By intimidating or excluding SPD Reichstag members, Hitler got the Reichstag to pass the Enabling Act in March 1933.

Hindenburg agreed to suspend the constitution and gave Hitler the power to rule by decree for the next 4 years. Hitler moved quickly to smash the Weimar Democracy.

In April, all the state governments were taken over by Nazi gauleiters (regional party officials).

In May, trade unions were banned and in July all opposition parties were banned. Germany became a one-party dictatorship. By then, most KPD or SPD leaders were in SA run concentration camps.

How did Hitler deal with the threat within the Nazis?

Hitler faced some opposition from the more radical SA leader Ernst Rohm. One of his demands was to join the SA to the army. This was not a popular idea amongst army generals. He also wanted more radical policies. He thought that Hitler was too concerned about big business.

Hitler knew that he needed the support of the army so in June 1934 he ordered the Night of the Long Knives in which the SS (with army help) murdered Rohm and other SA leaders.

This action reassured the army leaders and when Hindenburg died in August, they supported Hitler becoming the Fuhrer of Germany- Hitler was now President, Chancellor and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. It also removed a potential rival to Hitler.

What were the Nazi methods of terror?

Concentration camps for political opponents. These were run by the SS. The Gestapo were Hitler’s non-uniformed secret police. Eventually they were

placed under the control of the SS in 1936. They investigated and arrested people who spoke out against the Nazis.

There were many informers. By 1939, 150,000 people were in prison for opposing the Nazis. All judges were made members of the Nazi party. The justice system was used to

attack suspected Nazi opponents.

How did the Nazis deal with the Church?

Hitler was able to control the church by co-operating with it. In 1933 he signed the Concordat with the Catholic Church. It agreed to keep out

of politics if the Nazis kept out of religion. But the agreement did not last. Catholic youth groups were stopped and some priests were sent to Concentration Camps. Catholic Schools were brought into line or closed.

He bullied the Protestant Church. He set up the rival Reich Church and then he sent 800 Protestant churchmen (such as Pastor Niemoller) to labour camps because they would not do as he asked.

How did the Nazis use propaganda?

The Nazis also made skilful use of censorship and propaganda directed by Geobbels, Minister of Propaganda and Culture.

Newspapers were banned or censored. The Nazis’ massive Nuremburg rallies were filmed for the cinema, which also

reflected Nazi ideology. Works of literature and art that conflicted with Nazi ideas were outlawed and

destroyed. Loudspeakers were placed in all workplaces and public areas to ensure

everyone heard Nazi views. Cheap radios were produced. The Nazis tried to use the 1936 Berlin Olympics to show the superiority of

Germany. They won more medals than anyone else although the Black American athlete Jesse Owens spoiled the day by winning four gold medals!

Now you should be able to answer the exam questions below:Interpretation 1: CN Truman 2017 Hitler’s Dictatorship

As politicians neared the building to vote on the Enabling Act, they found it surrounded by SS and SA thugs who tried to ensure that only Nazi or Nationalist politicians got into the building. The vote for this law was crucial as it gave Hitler a vast amount of power. The law basically stated that any bill only needed Hitler’s signature and within 24 hours that bill would become law in Germany. With only Nazis and other right wing politicians inside the Kroll Opera House, the bill was quickly passed into law. The act gave Hitler what he wanted – dictatorial power. 

Interpretation 2:World Socialist Website 2011

For the Nazis, who had been in power less than a month, since January 30, 1933, the Reichstag fire was the excuse for a hitherto unparalleled persecution of Communist and Social Democratic workers, intellectuals and party leaders. On February 28, 1933 alone, just one day after the fire, thousands of persons active in, or allied with, the workers movement were arrested and so started the Dictatorship under the Nazi Regime.

How far do you agree with interpretation 2 that the Reichstag fire the main reason why Hitler was able to establish a dictatorship in Germany by 1934? Explain your answer. (16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Section 4: Nazi Domestic policies- Women, Young, minorities 1933-39

What were the aims of the Nazis economic policies?

Reduce unemployment Strengthen the German economy so that Germany could re-arm and be self-sufficient

(autarky)

How did the Nazis try to reduce unemployment?

Public works funded by the government gave work to the unemployed. The main projects were building houses, hospitals, schools and roads (to allow the quick movement of troops) and barracks. By 1939, unemployment had fallen to 100,000.

Note, communists, Jews and women were forced out of jobs, and those in camps were not counted as unemployed.

Rearmament and conscription gave employment to many. The drive for self-sufficiency also created jobs.

The National Labour Service (RAD) was expanded. All men aged 18-25 had to give six months service.

In 1936 Goring was ordered to prepare for war by preparing a Four-Year Plan.

How did the Nazis control workers?

When trade unions were abolished, all workers had to join the Nazis’ German Labour Front. Strikes were made illegal, wages remained low even after full employment, and the working day became longer.

To keep workers happy, various schemes such as Strength Through Joy and The Beauty of Labour provided camp holidays, leisure activities and monitored working conditions.

How did the Nazis control women?

Policies were based on the 3 Ks (Kinder, Kirche, Kuche). This meant children, kitchen and church. Women were given financial incentives to stay at home and have children.

The Motherhood Cross system was gave medals to women who had large families. Laws forced women out of government jobs and encouraged them to give jobs up to

men.

Most of the advances made by women under the Weimar Republic were reversed under the Nazis.

What were the Nazi Policies towards young people?

The Nazis wanted to indoctrinate the young so they would support them in the future. All teachers had to swear an oath of loyalty to Hitler and join the Nazi Teachers’ League.

A new national curriculum was drawn up centrally and imposed. There was a great emphasis on History (to show the “greatness” of the Nazis); Biology

(to show the “superiority” of the Aryan race); PE (to get boys fit for the army). Girls did Domestic Science to prepare them for being housewives and mothers.

Young people were forced to join the Hitler Youth from 1939 onwards. Boys aged 6-10 joined the Little Fellows. From 10-14 they joined the Young Folk. From 14 they could be full members of Hitler Youth. The boys went on camping trips and took part in military games to prepare them for war.

Girls joined the League of German Maidens. They took part in activities such as cooking to prepare them for motherhood.

How did the Nazis persecute minorities?

The Nazis were deeply racist and believed that all non-Aryan groups were inferior- Jews, Blacks, Slavs and Gypsies. They wanted to create a pure “Aryan Master Race”.

In 1933 there was a small scale boycott organised of Jewish shops. In 1934, Jews were banned from all public facilities such as parks and swimming

pools. Laws were passed to sack Jews from the civil service, law and education. In 1935, the Nuremburg Laws removed German citizenship from Jews and banned inter-

racial marriage. In November 1938, Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) saw attacks on Jewish homes,

shops and synagogues after a Nazi diplomat was assassinated by a Jew in Paris. About 100 Jews were killed and 20,000 were put into concentration camps. After a week of terror, the Nazis fined the Jews one billion marks.

In schools, Jewish students were routinely mocked and ridiculed. Films were used to try to portray Jewish people as bad. Goebbels made a film called “The

Eternal Jew” which tried to associate Jews with rats. The Nazis also attacked Gypsies. Many were sent to concentration camps and the

Nuremburg Laws prevented them from marrying Germans. Homosexuals, prostitutes, tramps and alcoholics could also see themselves attacked. Mentally disabled children were either sterilised or killed.

Did life improve for ordinary Germans under the Nazis?

In some ways life did improve.

Unemployment went down;wage levels went up so people could spend more; Beauty of Labour improved people’s working conditions; Strength Through Joy allowed people to enjoy holidays for the first time; the Nazis brought mass car ownership to people with the relatively cheap Volkswagen; the new autobahns (motorways) meant that people could travel all over the country easily.

However in some ways life got worse.

With trade unions banned workers were powerless to protest against increasing working hours.

Rising prices cancelled out rising wages. Many new jobs were low grade military jobs. Because standards were so low after the Great Depression, any improvements just

returned people to pre-Depression levels.

Complete the table on life in Germany focusing on how life changed. Use dates and key details to populate the table in sufficient detail

Group in society

How did life change? Key dates or details

Women

Youth

Education system

Employment and work

Living standards

Minority groups

Now you should be able to answer the comprehension questions below:What does KdF stand for? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________What youth groups were there for boys and girls? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________What policies affected living standards for workers? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________When were the Nuremburg Laws passed? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________What event caused the start of Kristallnacht? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now you should be able to answer this exam question, use the exam guidance to help:

12 Marks- Explain Nazi policies attempted to improve the living standards in Germany 1933-1939

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