Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and Dictatorship

Overview:

From 1890 to 1945, Germany underwent dramatic political changes, shifting from an autocratic empire under Kaiser Wilhelm II to a democratic republic and then to a totalitarian dictatorship under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. This period witnessed the effects of World War I, the fragile democracy of the Weimar Republic, the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, and the rise of Nazi ideology that led to World War II and the Holocaust. This page will cover key events and themes in this tumultuous period.

This page will cover the following key areas of study:

• The Collapse of the German Empire and the Creation of the Weimar Republic

• The Rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party

• The Nazi Dictatorship (1933–1945)

• World War II and the Holocaust

• Revision Resources & Exam Tips

1. The Collapse of the German Empire and the Creation of the Weimar Republic

Background:

• In 1918, at the end of World War I, the German Empire collapsed, and Kaiser Wilhelm II was abdicated. The Weimar Republic was established as a democratic government, but it faced numerous challenges from the outset, including political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest.

Key Events:

• World War I (1914–1918): Germany’s defeat in World War I left the country in a state of chaos, with millions of casualties and widespread discontent.

• The Abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1918): Following Germany’s defeat, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated the throne, and the Weimar Republic was established, marking the end of the German Empire.

• The Treaty of Versailles (1919): The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations on Germany and limited its military, which fueled resentment and nationalist feelings.

• The Spartacist Uprising (1919): A left-wing revolution led by the Spartacists aimed to overthrow the government, but it was crushed by the Weimar government, leading to further political divisions.

• The Kapp Putsch (1920): A failed right-wing coup against the Weimar government, reflecting the instability of the new republic.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The causes of Germany's defeat in World War I and the consequences for the German people and economy.

• The impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany and its role in creating discontent and resentment.

• The political instability of the Weimar Republic, including the challenges from both the left and the right.

2. The Rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party

Background:

• In the early 1920s, the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, began to gain traction by exploiting the political and economic instability of the Weimar Republic. The Nazis used propaganda, mass rallies, and promises of national restoration to attract support.

Key Events:

• The Beer Hall Putsch (1923): An attempted coup by Hitler and the Nazi Party in Munich. Though unsuccessful, it resulted in Hitler’s imprisonment, during which he wrote Mein Kampf (My Struggle), outlining his ideas for Germany's future.

• The Great Depression (1929): The economic crisis worsened conditions in Germany, leading to high unemployment and widespread suffering. This created fertile ground for extremist parties like the Nazis.

• The 1932 Elections: In the midst of the Great Depression, the Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag, Germany’s parliament, although they did not win an outright majority.

• Hitler Becomes Chancellor (1933): In January 1933, President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor of Germany, thinking he could be controlled. However, Hitler quickly moved to consolidate power.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The significance of the Beer Hall Putsch in boosting Hitler’s profile and the growth of the Nazi Party.

• The role of the Great Depression in increasing Nazi support.

• The political maneuvering that led to Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor and the eventual rise to dictatorship.

3. The Nazi Dictatorship (1933–1945)

Background:

• After becoming Chancellor, Hitler used both legal and illegal methods to eliminate political opposition and establish a totalitarian regime. He aimed to turn Germany into a fascist state based on Nazi ideology.

Key Events:

• The Reichstag Fire (1933): A fire in the Reichstag building was blamed on Communists and used by Hitler as a pretext to suspend civil liberties and arrest political opponents.

• The Enabling Act (1933): This law gave Hitler the authority to rule by decree, effectively ending democracy in Germany and giving him dictatorial powers.

• The Night of the Long Knives (1934): Hitler purged the SA (Stormtroopers) and other political rivals to consolidate his power within the Nazi Party.

• Nazi Propaganda and Control: Led by Joseph Goebbels, the Nazis used propaganda to create a cult of personality around Hitler and control public opinion.

• The Nuremberg Laws (1935): These laws institutionalized racial discrimination against Jews, stripping them of their citizenship and rights.

• Kristallnacht (1938): A violent pogrom against Jewish businesses, homes, and synagogues that marked the escalation of Nazi persecution against Jews.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The significance of the Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act in consolidating Nazi power.

• The role of Nazi propaganda in gaining popular support and maintaining control.

• The legal and social discrimination outlined in the Nuremberg Laws and the escalation of violence, including Kristallnacht.

4. World War II and the Holocaust

Background:

• Germany’s aggressive foreign policy, fueled by Hitler’s desire for territorial expansion and the concept of Lebensraum (living space), led to the outbreak of World War II. At the same time, the Nazis implemented policies of systematic racial persecution, culminating in the Holocaust, the state-sponsored murder of six million Jews, along with millions of other minorities and political opponents.

Key Events:

• The Invasion of Poland (1939): Hitler’s invasion of Poland triggered the start of World War II as Britain and France declared war on Germany.

• The Battle of Britain (1940): A significant aerial battle between Germany and Britain that marked the first major defeat for Hitler’s military forces.

• The Invasion of the Soviet Union (1941): Hitler’s failure to defeat the Soviet Union in the harsh winter of 1941–42 marked a turning point in the war.

• The Final Solution (1942–1945): The Nazi regime’s plan to systematically exterminate Jews, Romani people, disabled individuals, and others deemed undesirable, leading to the genocide of six million Jews.

• D-Day (1944): The Allied invasion of Normandy marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, leading to its eventual defeat in 1945.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The causes and key events of World War II, including Hitler’s expansionist policies and the failure of appeasement.

• The methods and impact of the Holocaust, including the use of death camps and mass murder.

• The role of the Allied powers in defeating Nazi Germany, culminating in the D-Day invasion and the fall of Berlin.

5. Revision Resources

Key Concept Overviews:

• A summary of the key themes of democracy and dictatorship in Germany, from the fall of the German Empire to the rise of Nazi totalitarianism.

Timelines & Diagrams:

• Interactive timelines highlighting major events like Hitler's rise to power, the Nazi consolidation of power, and key battles of World War II.

• Diagrams of Nazi ideology and the structure of the Nazi state, showing key figures and organizations such as the SS, Gestapo, and Hitler Youth.

Revision Videos:

• The Rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party: A video exploring Hitler’s path to power and the early days of Nazi rule.

• The Holocaust and Nazi Persecution: A video covering the Holocaust, its implementation, and the experiences of victims.

• World War II and Germany’s Defeat: A video discussing the military campaigns of World War II and the final collapse of Nazi Germany.

Flashcards & Quizzes:

• Flashcards for key terms, events, and figures such as the Beer Hall Putsch, the Enabling Act, and Kristallnacht.

• Quizzes on the key events of World War II, the Nazi dictatorship, and the Holocaust.

6. Exam Tips

• Essay Writing: How to structure essays on the causes of Hitler’s rise to power, the Nazi consolidation of power, or the impact of World War II on Germany.

• Source Analysis: How to analyze historical sources such as Nazi propaganda, Nuremberg Laws, and accounts of the Holocaust.

• Time Management: Effective strategies for answering questions on Hitler’s dictatorship and comparing the Weimar Republic with Nazi Germany.