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Higher History
Germany 1815-1939
REVISION NOTES
Germany 1815-1939
Germany played a major role in two of the most significant events in the twentieth century, namely the First and Second World Wars. However although this is something most people understand, far fewer will understand the events that led up to these events.
This unit considers the history of how Germany first became a country, before going on to examine how the Nazis were able to achieve and keep power in Germany.
How to answer essay questionsUse this guide to tell you what is needed for each section in your
essay.
Contents
How to answer essay questions Page 3
Context/summary Page 4
Reasons for German nationalism, 1815-1850 Pages 5-7
Extent of German nationalism, 1815-1850 Pages 8-10
Obstacles to German unification, 1815-1850 Pages 11-14
Reasons for German unification by 1871 Pages 15-18
Reasons the Nazis achieved power in 1933 Pages 19-22
Reasons the Nazis kept power, 1933-1939 Pages 23-26
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Context/summary
The Napoleonic Wars
From 1799-1815 there were a series of wars between the French Empire (led by Napoleon Bonaparte) and other groups, notably led by Britain. This period saw France take control of much of mainland Europe, although came to an end after Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
Introduction
Give the context of the time you are discussing (2 facts)
Explain what the question you will be answering is and give a suggestion of your line of argument (conclusion)
Outline the factors you will discuss in your essay (at least four)
Main section (use FIDO to plan your answer)
Discuss at least four factors
Include Facts/Information about each factor (Knowledge)
D ebate: describe arguments for and against the influence of the factor and show links with other factors (Analysis)
O verall, explain how important your factor is (Evaluation)
*** One way to do this is to split each topic into two paragraphs; one giving relevant facts, one giving analysis/evaluation. ***
Conclusion
Summarise your main findings – give a balanced conclusion (show evidence for and against a view)
Give an overall answer to the question
Give two pieces of evidence/reasons for your answer
3
Revolutions, wars and national changes
The late 1700s and 1800s many political revolutions across the world. The 1789 French Revolution started this process and saw the monarchy of France being violently removed from power. Other major events affected parts of Europe too, including the Crimean War and the Austro-Prussian War.
After the Napoleonic Wars had ended, geographical changes continued across Europe. The Congress of Vienna in 1815 created new borders across Europe to replace the Holy Roman Empire. Further changes took place in Germany and Italy in the middle of the 1800s.
World War One
In 1914 war broke out between the main European powers, notably Germany and Austro-Hungary against Great Britain, France and Russia. These battles soon spread and involved countries in continents across the globe. The war finally came to an end in November 1918, with millions of people dead.
The aftermath of World War One
World War One was officially ended by the 1919 Treaty of Versailles, which issued a harsh punishment upon Germany. It had to take responsibility for the war, gave up lots of land, much of its military and also had to pay money (reparations) to countries affected. Many people in Germany were extremely angry at the way they were treated, and blamed their leaders for accepting it.
Reasons for German nationalism, 1815-1850
Context Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815; Congress of Vienna reorganised
Europe German Confederation established in 1815, bringing together 39
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states Up to 1815, growing nationalism in Germanic states as more
people came to identify as German rather than simply part of their state
Economic factors German states needed to compete with newly industrialised Great
Britain Numerous trade barriers between German states e.g. taxes,
currency German businesses wanted improved train links to make business
easier Prussian example had reduced trade barriers and grown economy
Links: Possible link with Liberalism as industrial changes led many more working class Germans to demand political reforms
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence United businessmen from
across the entire Confederation Involved all classes as better
economy meant more jobs Train building improved
economy (3000 miles built by 1850)
Many states opposed to economic changes as it would boost Prussia’s power and influence
By 1850s German industrial revolution still significantly behind Britain’s
The Zollverein Prussian economic changes interested and inspired other German
states Zollverein (Customs Union) established in 1834 Members of the union had to agree to follow Prussian trade and
tax law Reduced trade barriers across the Confederation
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Set a major precedent for
closer working between states 25 out of 39 states had joined
by 1836
Not all countries joined the union – Austria were excluded
Prussia tried to influence other states’ political decisions but
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were often ignored
Cultural factors German Confederation created a shared language area of 25
million people Many writers and musicians became to believe in a greater
Germany Stories and music were widely read and listened to across
Confederation Famous examples include Beethoven and the Brothers Grimm
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Music and stories tended to
focus on past German greatness
Interest in music and reading could cross class barriers, inspiring more people
Many musicians and writers did not deliberately set out to promote German nationalism
Not everyone in Germany could read, so many were excluded
Military factors German princes stoked nationalism to encourage the fight against
Napoleon. These feelings did not disappear after his defeat in 1815.
France threatened to take German territory in the Rhine in 1840, leading to a mass show of strength from across Germany (led by Prussia)
German Federal Army involving all states was set up
Links: Clear link between French actions and German military factors
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence All classes were united in
willingness to defend the Rhine, showing German unity
Patriotic songs were written, including current German anthem
It took six years for states to agree to set up Federal Army
Army was unworkable as states would not give up power over their soldiers
Influence of France 1789 French Revolution inspired people across Europe to demand
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political change in their own countries Napoleon Bonaparte had dominated Europe, including the German
states – recognition of need for military strength to oppose this 1840 Rhine Crisis showed Germans that they had to remain wary
and be able to defend themselves when required
Links: Link with the Liberals as many inspired by French RevolutionClear link between French actions and German military factors
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence French strength was admired
by many Germans who wanted to replicate this
Many changes were as a result of the industrial revolution changing living conditions, not the French Revolution
Role of the Liberals Liberalism was the idea that ordinary people should have a say in
their lives – they should not simply be controlled by a monarch Liberal ideas were especially prominent amongst students Various student societies set up to promote liberalism and
nationalism Attempts at revolution in 1848 before Frankfurt Parliament agreed
a plan to create a united Germany (although this ultimately failed)
Links: Link with economic changes as liberal ideas partly inspired by the Industrial RevolutionAlso link with France as French Revolution was a Liberal inspiration
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Many Liberals became
nationalists as they believed this was the way to secure liberal changes
Divide amongst Liberals; working class wanted social reforms, middle class wanted political reforms
Many groups opposed to Liberal reforms, including Prussian Junkers
Extent of German nationalism, 1815-1850
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Context Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815; Congress of Vienna reorganised
Europe German Confederation established in 1815, bringing together 39
states Up to 1815, growing nationalism across Germanic states although
a debate exists about how widespread and important this nationalism was
Supporters of nationalism Liberals supported a fairer Germany, not dominated by monarchs
and believed united Germany was only way to achieve this Middle classes contributed most to new Germany (taxes, industries
and jobs) yet felt they were excluded from power and decision making
German unification would also increase middle class business opportunities
Student support for liberalism/nationalism, including setting up societies
Links: Supporters wanted power; opponents wanted to keep power
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Very strong backing for change
from amongst Liberals, middle class and students
Growing German economy meant each group was growing in size
Middle class, Liberals and students often the same group
Poorer people less educated and exposed to political ideas
Opponents of nationalism Ruling classes – such as Junkers in Prussia – were opposed to
change as they believed it would cost them power and influence German kings and princes also opposed to change as a united
Germany would remove them from their positions of powerArguments for influence Arguments against influence
Ruling classes controlled their state’s armies – giving strong
Some monarchs considered change e.g. Frederick William
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power Ruling class also controlled
politics
of Prussia but he went back on promises
Attitudes of peasants Peasants were largest group of people in the German states Poorest in society so had a major reason to want reforms and
changes Numbers growing due to industrialisation, especially in the cities City peasants more likely to take part in protests
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Largest group so difficult to
ignore Many peasants (especially in
cities) began to see national changes as a way to get social reforms
Divide between city and rural More interested in social
reforms than political change; listen to whoever could deliver that
Political turmoil in the 1840s Economic recession in 1847/early 1848 caused anger amongst the
people Campaigns started across the Bund during early 1848, in all states Protests eventually turned violent; Chancellor Metternich had to
flee Vienna
Links: Protests had a direct bearing on Frankfurt Parliament and also, for a while, reduced the power and influence of Austria
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence United people from peasant
and middle classes Protest took place right across
Germany, not just one state
No clear agreement about aims (political v social reform)
Ruling classes still controlled armies so could quell any protests
The Frankfurt Parliament, divisions9
All German states invited to send delegates to a Vorparlament in March 1848
574 delegates from all states and across the Bund attended Range of agreements made, including: elections to a National
Assembly, membership of the Assembly, vote for all men aged 25+ Offered German throne to King Frederick William IV of Prussia
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Showed a commitment from
people in all states to a united Germany
Proved that this group could reach agreements about the future of Germany
Middle classes dominated the Parliament – their concerns (political) were different from the peasants (social)
Parliament did not control armies so could not impose its control
Disagreement about whether a united Germany should include Austria or not
Collapse of 1848-49 German revolution Start of 1848 it looked like a united Germany might be achieved –
but this hope had ended by 1849 Divide in aims between the middle classes (employers) and the
peasants (employees) split the nationalists Disagreement about whether to pursue Grossdeutschland (with
Austria) or Kleindeutschland (without Austria) German kings and princes knew a united Germany would only
have one leader and did not want to lose power; they still controlled their armies
Parliament relied too much on support of Prussia – Frederick William changed his mind on whether he supported them
Austria regained its power and strength and was opposed to unification
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Obstacles to German unification, 1815-1850
Context German Confederation established in 1815 but full unification not
until 1871 During this time many groups (such as the Liberals, middle
classes, students and some peasants campaigned for unification without success. Why?
Divisions amongst nationalists Middle class and peasants both supported reforms – but disagreed
on whether political reform or social change was most important Also major nationalists divisions over whether a united Germany
should include Austria (Grossdeutschland) or exclude it (Kleindeutschland)
Links: Link with ‘indifference of masses’ as peasants were the majority group but many, for different reasons, took no significant interest in politics
Main obstacle? Yes Main obstacle? No Lack of clear aims undermined
any nationalist demands Real nationalists interest came
from middle class – a minority group
Both groups were prepared to work together – as shown in 1848 revolutions
Many peasants also nationalists
Austrian strength Until 1848, Austria was dominant political member of the Bund Austria worried a united Germany would threaten its multi-ethnic
empire Austria (Catholic) and Prussia (Protestant) divided by religion Austria angry at exclusion from the Zollverein Austria hugely affected and weakened by 1848 revolutions
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Links: Obvious links with ‘Religious differences’, ‘Economic differences’ and ‘Resentment towards Prussia’Numerous states – not just Austria – resented Prussia and unification
Main obstacle? Yes Main obstacle? No Austria able to block reforms
as it had permanent Chairmanship of the German Confederation
Southern states had to support Austrian wishes due to need for military protection
Frankfurt Parliament most successful when Austria was weakened by revolution
Opposition to unification was not simply confined to Austria – numerous smaller states also against due to fear over Prussian power
Even Prussia’s leader, Frederick William was opposed to many political reforms
German princes There were 39 states in the German Confederation – each of them
had their own leader (prince, monarch, etc.) A united Germany would only have one leader, most likely from
Prussia For most leaders, unification meant giving up their power
Links: Link with ‘Resentment towards Prussia’ due to belief that leader of a united Germany would be from Prussia and dominate the united countryLink with Austrian strength because if Austria had wanted unification the smaller states/princes would have found it hard to stop them
Main obstacle? Yes Main obstacle? No State leaders were unprepared
to support unification if would cost them power
State leaders continued to control their armies, giving them influence
Apart from Austria and Prussia most state leaders were relatively powerless – if both had wanted unification it would have been difficult to stop them
Religious differences German states were once all Catholic but this changed after the
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Reformation Religious differences largely a north/south split – northern states
(led by Prussia) were protestant and southern states (led by Austria) were Catholic
Links: Link with ‘Resentment towards Prussia’ as religion divided Austria/ Prussia and a united Germany might have seen Prussian/Protestant dominance
Main obstacle? Yes Main obstacle? No Religion often seen as key
feature of national identity – differences can undermine nationalism
Catholic states feared Protestant power in a united Germany
Since 30 Years War in 1600s, religious differences in German states were minimal
Prussia and Austria were rivals due to power – not religion
Economic differences Prussia’s control of the Rhineland meant it had access to range of
natural resources (coal, iron, etc.) which helped grow its economy Austria far less economically powerful than Prussia and had
limited access to natural resources Prussia also economically dominated the German Confederation
due to its control of the Zollverein, from which Austria was excluded
Links: Link with ‘Resentment towards’ Prussia as all states – including Austria – resented growing Prussian dominance and access to resources
Main obstacle? Yes Main obstacle? No Economic differences
increased the gap between Austria and Prussia, undermining unification
Smaller states also believed Prussia would have even greater control of a united Germany
Economic differences were not the cause of Austro-Prussian rivalry, they were simply another factor alongside religion, politics, military issues, etc.
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Indifference of the masses Peasants made up the largest group of people in the German states Peasants were split across rural areas and the increasing urban
areas Urban peasants most likely to take an interest in politics and
protest Peasants least likely to be educated and be involved in political
issues
Links: Link to ‘Divisions amongst nationalists’ as peasants with a political interest were divided between those believing in political change/unification and those whose priority was to see social change
Main obstacle? Yes Main obstacle? No Support of all peasants would
have forced state leaders to listen – but this did not happen
Middle classes that favoured nationalism were often the peasants’ employers , leading to a divide between the two groups
More education often encouraged political involvement – and peasants were least educated
Most peasants did not actively oppose nationalism, even those who believed social change was the most important issue
Many peasants were involved in protests during 1848
Resentment towards Prussia Austria politically controlled the Bund – Prussia was economically
dominant Prussia had control of the Zollverein and also a strong military Belief that Prussia would control a united Germany
Links: Link with ‘German princes’ as they believed it was most likely Prussia that they would lose power too in the event of a united GermanyAustrian divide with Prussia linked to ‘Religious and Economic differences’
Main obstacle? Yes Main obstacle? No
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Austria did not want to see Prussia gain power, especially after Austria’s exclusion from the Zollverein
Smaller states most commonly sided with Austria at the Bund, and Austria opposed unification
France was still a worry for many German states and Prussia was main military opponent; smaller states needed Prussian help
Austria tried to replace Zollverein with their own customs union – smaller states refused to join and backed Prussia’s union
Reasons for German unification by 1871
Context German Confederation established in 1815 but full unification not
until 1871 During this time many groups (such as the Liberals, middle
classes, students and some peasants campaigned for unification without success.
Obstacles to unification included nationalist splits and religious differences
The role of Bismarck Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian, born into a Junker family in
1815 He was appointed Minister President of Prussia by King William I,
after the death of Frederick William IV Bismarck was appointed at a time of crisis in Prussia when the
king was considering abdicating due to a dispute about strengthening the army. Bismarck simply ignored the Prussian Landtag and raised taxes to do it.
Bismarck was involved in numerous wars and crises during his time in office, including wars with Austria, France and DenmarkArguments for importance Arguments against importance
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Some historians believe Bismarck is the reason for unification and engineered all the key situations
Other historians believe he was a lucky opportunist who simply exploited situations that arose
Prussian military strength Prussian economic success allowed it to build a strong military King Wilhelm wanted a stronger army but was blocked by the
Prussian Parliament until the actions of Bismarck Denmark took control of Schleswig-Holstein in 1863, leading to a
German v Danish war which the Germans won easily Bismarck then engineered a war with Austria (the Seven Weeks
War) which Prussia won easily, resulting in Austria being excluded from the Bund
Austro-Prussian War also created the North German Confederation Bismarck started a Franco-Prussian War through actions such as
the Spanish Candidature and Ems Telegram. Prussia easily won this war.
War with France finally united the southern states with northern states to create a united Germany in January 1871
Links: Link with Prussia’s economic strength to fund powerful armyLinks with actions of Austria and Napoleon III of France too
Arguments for importance Bismarck’s role Strong military needed to
dispose of rivals who were opposed to a united Germany
Prussian army also kept control of their own people
Bismarck key to creating a strong army by defying the Prussian Landtag
Bismarck also engineered the wars which helped achieve unification
Prussian economic strength Prussian and German economies grew significantly in the 1850s,
especially due to the Zollverein and Prussian access to Rhine natural resources
Massive rail building programme as part of economic growth Working conditions of Prussian peasants were improved during
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this time to limit the impact of revolutionary ideas
Links: Links with ‘Decline of Austria’ due to Zollverein exclusion and also ‘Prussian military strength’ due to funding of large army
Arguments for importance Bismarck’s role Zollverein meant that other
German states were tied to Prussia and had to follow their lead
Strong economy was what allowed Prussia to build a large and powerful army
Limited role for Bismarck; success of the Zollverein was not his act and occurred almost 30 years before he took office as Minister President of Prussia
The decline of Austria Austria lost their main foreign supporter – Russia – when they
refused to back Russia during the Crimean War, even after Russian help in ending the 1848 revolutions in Austria
Austrian economy was in decline, particularly compared to Prussia Austria’s political influence was in decline too; they could not stop
the establishment of the Nationalverein in the Bund to promote German unity
Links: Links with Prussia’s military and economic strength highlighting the decline in power of Austria
Arguments for importance Bismarck’s role Russian support for Austria
may have prevented Austro-Prussian War; without it Austria had no foreign supporters
Weak economy also made it hard for them to build a strong army or influence other states
Many actions not due to Bismarck; the Zollverein and decision of Austria to not support Russia helped Prussia but were not Bismarck’s actions
Bismarck did keep good relations with Russia, including allowing them to access Prussian land during a battle with Polish forces
The attitude of other states Prussia built strong links with other German states through the
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Zollverein Prussia also seen by many states as a military protector, especially
after the war with Denmark After Austro-Prussian War, the North German Confederation was
formed and southern states entered military alliances with Prussia Bismarck also dealt with concerns of other European states,
including Russia, France and Italy (the latter two being offered land for support)
Links: Link with Austria’s failure to get Russian support before Austro-Prussian War, due to not supporting Russia during Crimea War.
Arguments for importance Bismarck’s role Many German states remained
wary of likely Prussian dominance of a united Germany but were tied to Prussia due to economic and military issues
Close economic links not due to Bismarck
Bismarck did build a stronger army and engineer wars which brought the states together
Bismarck also worked with other European states to prevent their interference
Actions of Napoleon III Bismarck knew (and did not respect) Napoleon II based on
Bismarck’s time as Prussian Ambassador to France Bismarck persuaded Napoleon III to not intervene in Austro-
Prussian War based on the promise of extra land for France France were surprised at quickness of the Austro-Prussian War
(seven weeks) and angry when they were not given land afterwards
French wrote a telegram to Bismarck asking for land which Bismarck leaked, resulting in fears from southern German states about losing land
Bismarck further provoked French with the Ems Telegram and Spanish Candidature. France declared war and were easily defeated by the combined German forces, after which the German
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Empire was created
Links: Link with Prussian economic and military strength in defeating France
Arguments for importance Bismarck’s role An external enemy was
essential to persuade the southern states to unite and fight – napoleon III provided this by taking Bismarck’s bait
Bismarck engineered the entire French War, so allowing him to unite the states
His decision to build a large army suggests he was preparing for this
Reasons the Nazis achieved power
in 1933
Context In 1918, WW1 ended, with Germany being defeated End of the war was treated with shock by many Germans and
marked a period of huge change in the country, with the end of the empire and a new type of government (Weimar)
Eventually in January 1933 Adolf Hitler became the German Chancellor
Weaknesses of the Weimer Republic German Revolution started in 1918, shortly before end of WW1 Revolution only ended in 1919 after Kaiser abdicated and a
democratic German Republic was set up – known as the Weimar Republic
Army reluctantly supported the new system to prevent further revolution
Government reached deal with employers to improve working conditions – but it did not give workers control of the businesses
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Major democratic changes – all Germans 20+ could vote Elections used proportional representation (PR) e.g. 15% votes =
15% seats Communists tried to lead another revolution in 1919 – the
Spartacist Revolt was defeated with army support from ex-soldiers called Freikorps
Weimer Republic faced huge economic problems during the 1920s
Links: Links with German economic problems and Treaty of Versailles
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Republic was weak from the
start, never really supported by any group PR elections also allowed extreme parties to get elected and led to unstable coalitions
After problems at the start, Weimar Republic was very prosperous between 1924-1929 – only global Depression ended this and brought down the republic
Resentment towards the Treaty of Versailles Many Germans believed they hadn’t truly lost WW1 and had been
‘stabbed in the back’ by the ‘November criminals’ who surrendered
Treaty of Versailles was seen as very harsh and resented by many Germans
Versailles conditions included: Germany accepting blame for starting the war; giving up large areas of land, paying reparations, reduced military
Links: Treaty ultimate cause of hyperinflation, linking it to economic problems
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence One of Nazis’ major promises
was to reverse the Treaty of Versailles
Treaty caused financial problems, which attracted many Germans to new parties or political systems
Not all economic problems were caused by treaty e.g. 1929 depression
Many Germans opposed treaty yet only Hitler had skill to exploit this
Economic difficulties20
Under Treaty of Versailles, Germany had to pay reparations of £100 million per year until 1986 but could not afford to do so
France and Belgium invaded the Ruhr (Germany’s main industrial zone) due to lack of reparation payment
Due to these financial problems, prices in Germany rose sharply, leading to hyperinflation, causing massive unemployment and financial ruin for people
Hyperinflation ended and between 1924-1929 Germany was prosperous; however 1929 Wall Street Crash brought back high unemployment
Links: Clear link between hyperinflation and Treaty of Versailles
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Economic problems a key
reason for people to be angry with Weimar Republic and never fully support it
Nazi support fell during prosperous 1924-1929 period, showing Nazi success/economy links
Problems can be traced back to the Treaty of Versailles
Treaty caused hyperinflation: without this Germans might not have panicked during Depression, meaning no Nazi support
Social and economic divisions Germany was economically divided by hyperinflation – some
people were ruined and lost everything; others fared economically well
Religious divides in Germany also affected national unity – Catholic v Protestant divide existed by main issue was anti-Jewish attitudes
Government also only had minimal support from the army and civil service
Links: Link with rise of Hitler/Nazis based on anti-Jewish attitudes
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence General lack of support for
Weimar Republic always left it vulnerable to another political system
Anti-Jewish attitudes were a key part of later Nazi success
Economic issues were more to blame for German divisions; Nazi support fell during prosperous 1924-1929 period
21
The appeal of the Nazis after 1928 The German Workers’ Party (DAP) was founded in 1919. A German
Army intelligence officer, Adolf Hitler, was sent to investigate it Under Hitler’s direction, DAP changed its name to become the
National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), or Nazis Hitler tried to lead a national revolt starting in a Munich Beer hall
in 1923. Instead he went to prison and used this time to plan Nazi changes
Hitler built new sections of the party, such as the SS and Hitler Youth
Hitler also recruited Joseph Goebbels to control Nazi propaganda The Nazis became effective election campaigners, using
information and fear
Links: Most of these changes were due to Hitler, making him a bigger influence
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Numerous political groups in
Germany that could have exploited Weimar problems – only the Nazis did so
Nazis still needed economic problems (1929 Depression) to attract extra support
Hitler is really key factor
The role of Hitler As an army intelligence officer, Hitler had been asked to spy on the
German Workers’ Party but ended up changing and leading it instead
Hitler’s key strength was his speech making – he was very passionate and could win support from people who heard him
Hitler explained his ideas in his autobiography, ‘Mein Kampf’. He argued for a stronger, united Germany and was very anti-Semitic (anti-Jewish)
Hitler was also very organised and introduced numerous changes to the Nazi Party, or recruited people that were effective workers
Links: Appeal of the Nazis after 1928 mainly due to Hitler’s changes. He also clearly benefitted from German/global economic problems in 1929
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence
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Hitler was the heart of the Nazi Party – he controlled all aspects of it
Even if he did not control or arrange all problems in Germany, he was the only leader skilful enough to benefit from them
Events which helped Hitler were nothing to do with him
Most Germans were angry at Treaty of Versailles
Economic problems, especially in 1929, were not his doing either
Weaknesses and mistakes of opponents Numerous political groups in Germany but only Nazis succeeded SPD (Social Democratic Party) and KPD (German Communist
Party) should have agreed – especially about stopping Nazis – but refused to work together due to events during the 1919 Spartacist Revolt
German Chancellors Franz von Papen and Kurt von Schleicher arguments led to Hitler taking control of a disorganised government
Links: Link between German economic problems in opponents’ actions
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Hitler’s opponents
underestimated him and allowed personal divisions to lead to Nazi control
Weimar may have survived if it was not the global Depression starting in 1929
Reasons the Nazis kept power, 1933-1939
Context In January 1933 the Nazis took power in Germany; Hitler became
Chancellor The Nazis would hold power until 1945 when Germany lost WW2 The Nazis achieved power through various actions, including the
use of propaganda, reforms of the party and exploiting problems in Germany
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Crushing of opposition Hitler became Chancellor of a coalition government in January
1933 but he wanted full control so persuaded the President to call elections for March
One week before the elections, the Reichstag building was burned down, with the blame being put on Communists in Germany
Hitler arranged for a decree that the government could arrest anyone seen to be a threat to Germany. These laws stayed until 1945.
The Nazi SS and SS became part of an official auxiliary police force
The Nazis gained 44% of the vote in the elections, less than the 2/3 that Hitler needed to change the German Constitution
26 SPD members of the Reichstag were arrested, allowing the Enabling Act to pass, letting Hitler pass laws without Reichstag agreement
Actions The SPD was banned, other political parties were disbanded and
then the Nazi Party were the only legally allowed political party Trade unions were banned and their leaders sent to concentration
camps Jews and anti-Nazis were made to resign from their jobs Protestant churches were split; Catholic Church agreed to stay out
of politics Anti-Nazi judges were removed from their posts ‘Night of the long knives’ saw members of the SA being killed by
the SS.
Links: Led to a climate of fear, so clear link to state terrorism
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Hitler now had control of all
key aspects of German society Hitler also created the idea of
him and Germany being the same (Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Fuhrer)
Even without these controls, 44% of voters backed the Nazis, suggesting other issues led to their support
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Fear and state terrorism SS (Germany’s internal security) service dealt violently with
opposition Gestapo (Secret Police, part of the SS) kept a watch on people Concentration camps set up for people opposed to the Nazis Jews targeted – banned from working in professions e.g. law,
medicine Nuremburg Laws stripped Jews of German citizenship and banned
sexual relations or marriage between Jews and non-Jews ‘Night of broken glass’ (Kristallnacht)) saw Jewish homes and
shops attacked Jews isolated from society – many chose to leave Germany
Links: These controls were only available due to crushing all oppositionStripping Jews of employment led to more jobs for non-Jewish Germans
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Nazi controls made opposition
impossible – people were scared to even voice doubts about Hitler
Many Germans supported anti-Jewish policies and backed Nazi foreign and economic policies
Social controls and policies Hitler promised to build a ‘national community’ involving all
Germans Boys joined groups such as the Hitler Youth to learn military skills Girls joined groups like the League of Young Girls to learn
marriage skills Women joined Nazi groups and were given medals for having 8+
children Schools taught children Nazi-view lessons; Jewish teachers were
firedArguments for influence Arguments against influence
Nazi’s long term plan was to control all aspects of society –
Although a long-term plan these policies had little impact
25
young people were key to this Influencing young people also
impacted on their parents
in the 1933-1939 period Winning ten year olds support
did not lead to Nazi power
Economic policies Unemployment fell massively during the 1933-1939 period Nazis employed tens of thousands of men in public building work
and motorway construction schemes too Against the Treaty of Versailles, Germany started secretly
rearming, thus creating more jobs doing this (‘guns before butter’) ‘Strength through Joy’ programme offered holidays and activities
to workers
Links: Jews being fired created jobs for non-Jewish GermansFurther link to Nazis foreign policies and German anger at Treaty of Versailles
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Germans were desperate for
economic stability after 1920s problems – Nazis offered that e.g. huge unemployment drop
World economy was improving – nothing to do with the Nazis
Also not always true – unemployed or Jews not counted
Divide between middle and working class Germans too
Foreign policies In Mein Kampf Hitler said German needed ‘lebensraum’ (‘living
space’) Hitler pledged to repeal the Treaty of Versailles; until 1939 he was
26
allowed to do this by other European countries Hitler stopped paying WW1 reparations and announced military
increases Germany invaded the Rhineland in 1936 before securing
‘Anschluss’ between Austria and German in 1938 (99.75% of Austrians voted for this)
Germany also invaded the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia in 1938 Germany reached a deal with the USSR and then invaded Poland
in September 1939. Great Britain and France then declared war.
Links: Nazi propaganda showed Hitler as a great international leader
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Many Germans were pleased to
see the Treaty of Versailles being reversed
Hitler was seen by Germans as taking back Germany’s dignity
Some people worried that Hitler’s action would lead to war
Ultimately Hitler’s decision to invade Poland and later the USSR led to WW2 and his death
Propaganda The Minister of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbels promoted the Nazi
message One key aim was to achieve ‘national community’ by uniting all
Germans Propaganda included posters, radio, cinema adverts and mass
rallies
Links: Link with foreign and economic policies as well as state terror
Arguments for influence Arguments against influence Constant pro-Nazi, anti-Jewish
messages were impossible to ignore
Nazi scheme to buy cheap radios meant 70% of German homes had them and so were exposed to messages
Many Germans not influenced by message but real life experience
Nazi foreign and economic policies were improving lives and gaining the Nazis’ support that way
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Fear also crucial: even if did not supporter Hitler, could not say
Past Paper questions2014 How important was the Zollverein in the growth of German
nationalism between 1815 and 1850?
“The German princes were the most important obstacle to German unification before 1850.” How valid is this view?
To what extent was Prussian military strength the main reason for German unification being achieved by 1871?
2013 “By 1850 political nationalism had made little progress in Germany.” How valid is this view?
How important was the attitude of foreign states in the achievement of German unification by 1871?
“Propaganda was crucial to the maintenance of power by the Nazis.” How accurate is this view?
2012 How strong was nationalism in Germany by 1850?
To what extent were the weaknesses of the Weimar Republic the major reason for the rise of the Nazi Party between 1919 and 1933?
“Through their economic policies the Nazis gave the people what they wanted.” How valid is this as a reason for the Nazis maintaining power between 1933 and 1939?
2011 How important were cultural factors in the growth of national feeling in Germany between 1815 and 1850?
To what extent was resentment towards Prussia among the German states the main obstacle to German unification by 1850?
How important were economic factors in the rise to power of the Nazi Party between 1919 and 1933?
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Revision ideasStudy timetable
Create a timetable of what you will study and when; build in rest periods
‘Journey’Imagine a topic like a journey; what’s the first step, second step and so on.
Flash cardsSummarise each topic on a small card you can carry with you and use for last minute revision
Write a songAdd key words to your favourite tune or song; see if you can then replay it in your head to remind you
Record/listen to yourselfRecord your notes; listen to it when sleeping, walking or at the gym
Making a PowerPointMake PowerPoint presentations about topics to help you learn
Friend or family helpGive people you know questions and answers then ask them to quiz you
MnemonicsRemember the first letters from words or phrases e.g. ROY G. BIV
Writing over and overWrite the same key information over and over until it sticks in your head.
Paper/notes around your house
Leave notes in your room, on the fridge or elsewhere to teach you
Past Paper questionsPractise Past Paper questions. You get them in this book or on the SQA website. Your teacher can mark them.
Playing Card revisionWrite your own playing cards e.g. question/ answer on different sides. Then test yourself or a friend.
ReadingRead your notes or new notes you’ve made; maybe on the school bus?
Link to objectsLink key topics to objects in your room to help you visualise an answer
Telling someone elseTell someone what you know about a topic; ask them to question you too
Mind mapsWrite mind maps; it’s easier than remembering whole essays
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Study partnersWork with a partner; share notes and test yourself. But don’t get distracted!
Timed questionsGive yourself a short time to write everything you know about a topic.
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