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WORKBOOK ANSWERSAQA GCSE (9–1) History Workbook Germany 1890–1945: democracy and dictatorship

This Answers document provides suggestions for some of the possible answers that students could give for the questions asked in the Workbook. They are not exhaustive and other answers may be acceptable, but they are intended as a guide to give teachers and students feedback.

Topic 1Germany and the growth of democracyKaiser Wilhelm and the difficulties of ruling Germany

1

Ruling power Problems/limitations

Kaiser Wilhelm II Left-wing political parties were slowly gaining more support. They championed the rights of workers and wanted a reduction in the Kaiser’s power.

Had to agree to every decision made by the Reichstag.

Chancellor No major decision could be taken without the Kaiser’s approval.

The Kaiser alone could appoint and dismiss the chancellor.

Reichstag No major decision could be taken without the Kaiser’s approval.

TOPIC 1 Germany and the growth of democracy

Unable to appoint the chancellor or state secretaries.

2

Prussia was the most important state within Germany.

Prussian military leaders often determined German foreign policy.

Prussia had two-thirds of the population and over half of Germany’s territory.

3 The Kaiser, the right wing, the wealthy

4 Support traditional values (R)

Nationalistic (R)

Support the rights of the worker (L)

Demand social reforms such as old age pensions (L)

Promote the rights of the landowners (R)

Mainly supported by industrial workers (L)

5 a Social Democrat Party (SPD)

b They wanted social reforms. They wanted to get rid of the authoritarian nature of German rule. They wanted more power for the working class.

6 Reasons why the Kaiser wanted a strong navy included:

to match/rival the British navy

to help make Germany a world power

to gain colonies/Weltpolitik

to build an empire in Africa and the Far East

to expand overseas trade

to defeat other powers in Europe

7

Naval law Year passed Details

First Naval Law

1898 Build an additional:

7 battleships in three years

2 new large cruisers

7 more light cruisers

Second Naval Law

1900 Double the size of the naval fleet to 38 battleships

AQA GCSE (9–1) History Workbook: Germany 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship 2

© Adele Fletcher 2018 Hodder Education


2 additional large cruisers

8 more small cruisers

Torpedo boats

8 Here is an example paragraph with key words underlined:

Industrialisation in Germany had a huge impact. It was a rapid process that allowed Germany to become a world trading power by 1914. For example, in 1880 Germany was producing only half the amount of steel that Britain was. By 1914 it was producing twice as much. This led to Germany increasing industrial exports. The population of Germany also grew rapidly between 1871 and 1914. Industrialisation and a growing population led to a growth of cities.

Exam-style questions9 Sample answer:

One of the biggest problems facing the growth of parliamentary government before 1914 was the extensive powers of the Kaiser. The Kaiser held the final say in all aspects of government. He appointed the chancellor and could dismiss him at any time without the consent of the Reichstag. Decisions in the Reichstag could not be made without the Kaiser’s consent.

Another problem facing the growth of parliamentary government before 1914 was the weakness of political parties in Germany. Political parties on the left and right were emerging but never gained a majority or even a near majority.

10 Sample answer (showing three ways — remember the question asks for a minimum of two):

The first way in which Kaiser Wilhelm II affected domestic policy between 1871 and 1914 was his ambition to make Germany an international great power. He established a large shipbuilding programme to allow Germany to increase its number of colonies and improve overseas trade. Between 1898 and 1914 he passed five naval laws. All were designed to expand the German navy. The First Naval Law, 1898, increased the number of battleships but not to the same quantity as the British. The Second Naval Law was designed to rival the British navy and led to the Anglo-German naval arms race.

A second way in which Kaiser Wilhelm II affected domestic policy was through his dominance of the Reichstag. He held complete power and was able to appoint and dismiss the chancellor and ministers without asking anyone else. All members of the Reichstag were answerable to him. This meant only laws he wanted were passed.

A third way in which Kaiser Wilhelm II affected domestic policy was through the support he gained from the traditional ruling class. The wealthy were happy with the Kaiser’s power and supported him and the right-wing political parties that also supported him.

11 Sample answer:

The German government passed five naval laws between 1898 and 1914. The most important reason for the passing of these laws was to help Kaiser Wilhelm II achieve his goal of building an empire.




Building an empire was one of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s greatest desires. He wanted to make Germany a strong and internationally powerful nation. Germany’s empire in 1898 was small compared to those of Britain and France. The Kaiser believed a strong navy would help him build a bigger empire. He also wanted an empire to trade within to make Germany economically strong.

While the Kaiser’s desire to build an empire was the most important reason, it was not the only one. When the Second Naval Law was passed in 1900, it doubled the size of the German naval fleet. The massive growth of the navy clearly showed that Germany was rivalling the British navy. It showed that the Germans planned to use their navy for more than trade and keeping their coastlines safe. Soon after the Second Naval Law was passed, the Anglo-German naval arms race started.

To conclude, there were many reasons for the passing of domestic naval laws in Germany from 1898. Yet one common reason they came to exist was the Kaiser. He was in control of the government and decided what laws would be passed. His main desire was to build an empire and make Germany a leading international power. However, to achieve this he needed to rival Britain.

Impact of the First World War

12

Key word Explanation

Abdication Giving up the throne

War guilt Clause 231 of the Treaty of Versailles which blamed Germany and her allies for the First World War

Kaiser Emperor of Germany

Hyperinflation Prices of goods increase rapidly as inflation accelerates and goes out of control

Diktat Term used in Germany to describe the Treaty of Versailles

Disarmament Getting rid of military weapons and forces

Reparation Payment of money for the cost of the First World War

Republic Country with no hereditary leader. The people and elected representatives hold power

Armistice End of fighting in a war to allow peace talks to start

Democracy The population votes for its government in regular elections

Economic depression

Problems in the economy that lead to lower living standards

13 Sample paragraph with key words underlined:




Defeat in the First World War had a great impact on Germany. It left the country suffering from war weariness along with many economic, political and social problems. Economically Germany was in a very bad situation. Industrial production was low and many people were left depending on the state. Politically Germany was in chaos. Socialists led an uprising leading to the abdication of the Kaiser on 9 November 1918. Society also faced many problems. Social divisions had grown during the war, for example the gap between the rich and the poor. This caused anger and resentment.

14

Statement True False

The Kaiser was unwilling to abdicate. He was forced to leave. √

The Kaiser was on the battlefield in France leading his soldiers when he abdicated.

√

German sailors, soldiers and workers’ councils had full faith in the Kaiser and were willing to support and protect him when he abdicated.

√

Politicians and military leaders encouraged the Kaiser to abdicate. √

The Kaiser abdicated on 9 November 1918. √

15 There are many different facts you could include. Here are a few examples. You need two for each sector:

Sector Impact of the Treaty of Versailles

Military Army limited to 100,000 men

Conscription banned

Land Alsace-Lorraine returned to France

Saar land controlled by the League of Nations for 15 years

Polish Corridor given to Poland

Danzig became a free city

Eupen and Malmedy given to Belgium

10% of land lost

All overseas colonies lost

Population 12.5% of the population lost

People were angry and bitter, and blamed Germany’s leaders

Industry 16% of coalfields lost




Nearly 50% of iron and steel industry lost

Lost industrial areas — Saar and Upper Silesia

Alliances Banned from alliance with Austria-Hungary (Anschluss)

Not allowed to enter the League of Nations




16 a

b Here are some examples of strengths and weaknesses of the constitution:

Strengths Weaknesses

All Germans can vote Proportional representation prevented one political party gaining a majority. Governments had to be coalitions, meaning a strong government was impossible.

Strong president The president had a lot of power. He could become a dictator using the power of Article 48.

Proportional representation – political parties have seats in proportion to their share of the vote

Germany had no experience of this system or of democracy.

German people elect the Reichstag Influential Germans did not want the change.

More democratic than before 1914

17

Events Chronological order

Germany paid the first reparations instalment in 1921. 1

French and Belgian troops entered the Ruhr. 4

The Germans told the French government they were unable to meet reparations payments. The French did not believe them.

3




The French took raw materials and goods as a substitute for the failed reparations payment.

5

The German currency collapsed. 9

The French government sent in its own workers to the Ruhr. 8

Germany failed to pay the second reparations repayment in 1922. 2

Violence broke out. German police officers and workers were arrested.

6

The German government ordered workers in the Ruhr to offer passive resistance.

7

18

Sectors of society Impact: good/bad

Explanation

Very wealthy landowners

good They were protected as land was a possession. Also, they often held money in foreign currencies and had other possessions.

Middle class with savings

bad Money was devalued and savings became worthless. For example, savings to buy a house in 1921 would only buy a loaf of bread in 1923. Many lost their businesses.

Farmers good Their produce increased in price. They owned items they could barter with.

Pensioners bad Fixed earnings and savings were worthless. They were unable to negotiate a rise in their income.

Poor with debts good The debt remained a fixed price which made it easy to pay off.

19 Here are a few examples. You only need two for each point:

Domestic politics:

Government faced a number of plots leading up to 1923, including Munich Putsch in 1923.

Violent extremism was increasing in Weimar.

Extreme left- and right-wing parties were emerging.

Foreign relations:

Very poor. Failure to meet reparations repayment in 1922 led to the occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium. This made relations even worse.




Germany had no major trading partners.

Not allowed to join League of Nations.

20 a No set answer — your judgement

20 b No set answer, but here is an example of a possible response:

Top card: vii (Reparation repayments imposed by the Treaty of Versailles) severely weakened the Weimar Republic during its early years. The reparation bill was extremely high and the Republic did not have a way to repay it. The Treaty of Versailles had taken away a lot of Germany’s industrial areas leaving it economically very weak.

Bottom card: iii (The Armistice) weakened the Weimar Republic but not as much as other factors. Germany was defeated and agreeing peace was the only option possible. The Armistice made the German people angry, but it was later events which weakened the Weimar Republic.

Exam-style questions

21 Sample answer:

Interpretation B differs from Interpretation A about the impact of hyperinflation on the people of Germany in 1923 because Interpretation A refers to those who profited from hyperinflation. White explains how some individuals were able to pay off debts or barter with their skills. In contrast, Interpretation B only refers to the negative impact of hyperinflation through the quickly rising cost of ‘bread rolls’.

22 Sample answer:

The authors of Interpretations A and B have different views on the impact of hyperinflation on the people of Germany in 1923 because they are written from different perspectives. Interpretation B is the account of a man who was a schoolboy at the time. Nagerl therefore focuses on his personal experience and memory: ‘We were out playing football…’. That would have been his primary experience as a child. In contrast, the author of Interpretation A covers the wider population’s experiences. His purpose was to inform others about the situation, highlighting that everyone’s experience was different: ‘The impact of hyperinflation within Germany was uneven’. White is dismissing the common mistake that everyone suffered as a result of hyperinflation.

23 Sample answer:

Interpretation B is convincing about the impact of hyperinflation on the people of Germany in 1923 as the quick rise in prices is widely documented. The recollection of the price of bread increasing to 400,000 marks is recalled in many memoirs of the period of hyperinflation. Those on fixed incomes such as pensions were very hard hit because while prices increased, their benefits and savings did not rise.

However, Interpretation A is more convincing as it informs the reader about the ‘uneven’ impact of hyperinflation. It does not reflect on one single experience but the wider population. It acknowledges that some people ‘profited’ from it. Those with possessions were protected, as items could be bartered. Those with debts could easily pay them off as the debt remained the same price and could be paid back quickly.




Weimar democracy: political change and unrest

24 a

Unrest Date Details Outcome

Spartacists January 1919

Left-wing Spartacists led a strike by 50,000 workers in Berlin, taking control of the government’s newspaper and telegraph headquarters.

Failed. Spartacists were unprepared and many supporters gave up the strike.

The government had moved to Weimar to avoid violent clashes, so were not harmed. The Freikorps supported the government and ended the uprising, using violence.

Kapp Putsch

March 1920

The right-wing extremist Freikorps led by Wolfgang Kapp marched into Berlin and declared a new national government. They faced no resistance from the army. Ebert’s official government fled to Dresden.

Ebert appealed to the working class to help the government. They supported Ebert through a general strike. All public services stopped. The Putsch ended.

Munich Putsch

November 1923

National Socialist Party (Nazi Party) attempted a revolution.

Hitler took over a local government meeting in Munich and announced he was taking control of the government of Bavaria. With the support of Ludendorff, Nazis started to take over official buildings. The following day Weimar forces fought back.

Defeated by the police and the army.

24 b




Spartacists: the immediate threat from the Spartacists was minor, as their support was limited. In the longer term, the Weimar government lost the support of the left, who never forgave them for using the right-wing Freikorps against them.

Kapp Putsch: the threat was moderate: the army’s failure to support the government made it clear that the government was in a weak position. Without the support of the workers Ebert’s government would have been defeated.

Munich Putsch: the threat was minor, as the Putsch was easily defeated. The general population did not support the Putsch. However, it showed the continuing vulnerability of Weimar in 1923. Hitler received only a very light prison sentence, demonstrating the traditional ruling classes’ support.

25

Aspect of recovery

Details How it helped Weimar to recover

Chronological order

Entry to the League of Nations

1926: Germany allowed to join the League of Nations and awarded a permanent seat along with Britain and France.

Led to an improvement in trading.

Showed Germany’s power was being recognised internationally. Allowed re-entry to international politics.

4

Dawes Plan 1924: USA loaned Weimar 800 million marks.

Agreed that reparation repayments could be spread over a longer period.

Weimar government had money to invest in industry and in turn create jobs.

2

Introduction of the Rentenmark

Introduced in October 1923 to end hyperinflation.

It started the process of stabilising Germany’s currency.

1

Young Plan 1929. Altered reparations. It reduced the final amount and restructured repayments on a sliding scale.

Reduced German debt and improved its ability to meet reparation repayment instalments.

5

Locarno Treaty

1925. Guaranteed Germany’s frontiers with France and Belgium.

Improved international relations. Started to build trust in Western Europe.

3

26 a




Sector Financial situation 1924–early 1929 Improvement or decline?

Steel industry

Germany’s industrial production increased. The steel industry, along with the chemical industry, made up nearly half of all industrial output. By 1928 levels of production had returned to pre-war levels.

Improvement

Large landowners

Value of land rose. For example, land values in Berlin rose over 700%.

Improvement

Industrial workers

Unions were allowed under Weimar governments. Increasing production led to increased pay.

Improvement

Farmers Farmers had greatly benefited during the First World War as imports reduced. However, after the war they were overproducing.

Decline

Small business owners

The opening of large department stores threatened many small businesses.

Decline

26 b No set answer — your judgement

27 Here are a few examples. You only need two for each point:

Cinema

International stars emerged, including Marlene Dietrich.

Huge popularity of cinema going.

Celebrated directors included Fritz Lang.

Paintings

Vast change towards a style that showed the harsh realities of life.

Critical political paintings were created.

Famous artists emerged, including Otto Dix.

Architecture

Moved away from traditional design.

New approach to design called Bauhaus, which combined art and technology.

New designs for buildings from houses to art galleries.

Cabaret

Berlin became famous for its nightlife.




There were nearly 1,000 dance bands in Berlin alone.

Cabaret bands openly criticised politicians, which would not previously have been allowed.

Songs about sex emerged.

28 a

There were no attempted political coups from 1925.

Weimar’s economic recovery was based on loans from America that could be recalled at any time.

In 1928 moderate parties had 136 more seats in the Reichstag than radical parties.

By 1928 Germany’s level of production was the same as in 1913, before the start of the First World War.

Unemployment was rising in 1928. It was 6% in 1928.

28 b Here are a few examples. You only need two for each point:

Weimar Republic recovering by 1929 Weimar Republic was doomed by 1929

The standard of living for workers in large cities was improving. Improvements in pay and conditions were having a positive impact.

Germany’s international reputation was improving. Germany had entered the League of Nations and agreed its western borders.

The new Reichmark was set against the gold standard. This made it stable and provided international confidence.

Reparation repayments were being met.

Small businesses and farmers were suffering and blamed the Weimar government.

There was open criticism of the government in the arts.


One of the most significant problems for the Weimar government between 1919 and 1923 was hyperinflation. It was caused by the invasion of the Ruhr by France and Belgium following Germany’s missed reparation repayment in 1922. Hyperinflation caused significant economic and political damage. Economically Weimar was placed under great strain with high levels of unemployment, business closures and hardship. Politically it highlighted the weakness of the Weimar government and gave opposition groups another reason to attack the state.




Another serious problem facing Ebert between 1919 and 1923 were political challenges from the left and right. There were three attempted uprisings, starting with the Spartacists in 1919. Ebert’s violent reaction to the Spartacists ended any hope of a positive relationship with the left when the right turned against the Weimar government. The Kapp Putsch showed the army’s lack of support for the state, a major problem when trying to maintain stability.

30 Sample answer:

The lives of people in Germany changed during Weimar’s ‘golden years’, from 1924 to 1929. Most people experienced success and became richer. However, the experience varied depending on people’s wealth and jobs. For example, farmers suffered while big business owners and the middle class grew richer.

Many businesses benefited from a stable and growing economy. Through the Dawes Plan in 1924, Germany was lent 800 million marks by the USA. This was invested in industry, allowing business owners to expand their businesses and make greater profits. By 1928 industrial output in Weimar had returned to pre-First World War levels. In contrast farmers lost out during the ‘golden years’. Their incomes fell and by 1929 many were earning half of the national average, as a result of over-production. During the First World War German farmers had had no competition and controlled the markets. In the late 1920s they were faced with imports from other countries.

Lives also changed as time and opportunities for leisure increased. In the cities new venues for entertainment opened, including many cinemas. Cinema was booming, with many influential films being made in Germany. Nightlife also grew in popularity. Jazz bands played in cabaret bars and daring shows opened in Berlin.

31 Use the following plan to write a detailed response to the question:

Introduction

Briefly, in two or three lines, describe the Weimar recovery.

Make your judgement clear: what was the more important factor?

Main point 1: Loans from USA

Describe the loans given to Weimar through the Dawes Plan and Young Plan:

o amount given

o reparations repayments over a longer period of time

Explain how they helped Weimar recover between 1924 and 1929, including:

o specific details, e.g. investment in industry, replacement of old technology, creation of jobs

o impact of economic investment by 1927

Link to your judgement: was this the more important factor? Why?

Main point 2: International treaties




Outline two treaties:

o Locarno Treaty, Western borders

o entry into the League of Nations, 1926; permanent seat, international acceptance

Explain how they helped Weimar recover between 1924 and 1929:

o international acceptance

o improvements in trading

o status as a leading power, with a seat in the League of Nations alongside Britain and France

Link to your judgement: was this more important? Why?

Conclusion

Re-state your judgement, highlighting key pieces of evidence for your decision.



TOPIC 2 Germany and the Depression

Topic 2Germany and the DepressionThe impact of the Depression

1 a

Impact of the Depression on Germany True False

Unemployment rose to 13 million. √

Germany experienced hyperinflation in the year 1931. √

All sectors of German society were affected by the Depression. √

Reparation repayments were still demanded by Allies, putting Germany under more economic pressure.

√

The German chancellor increased taxes, cut wages and reduced unemployment benefit.

√

The USA continued to loan Germany money during the Depression.

√

1 b Unemployment rose to 6 million.

Germany did not experience hyperinflation in 1931; it was a deep economic depression.

America demanded back its loans made under the Dawes and Young plans.

2

Sector of society Impact of the Depression

Business owners Many businesses closed as people could not afford to buy their products. Those that did not close experienced a fall in profit.

Young people Were unable to secure jobs. Over half of all 16–30-year-olds were unemployed.

Farmers Suffered greatly and accumulated more debt. They had been suffering since the mid-1920s.


Industrial workers Over 40% lost their jobs. This was made harder as the government cut unemployment benefit.

3 a

Factor How it helped attract more support for the Nazi Party

i Distrust of Weimar politicians and Heinrich Brüning’s economic policy

Brüning, fearful of hyperinflation, increased taxes and reduced benefits as measures to bring Germany out of depression. This gained little support from the German people, who were suffering greatly. Many had lost their jobs and depended on benefits. The Nazi Party used these policies against the Weimar government to highlight their failure and incompetence.

ii Wall Street Crash People sought a party that offered hope following the Wall Street Crash. The crash led to an economic depression and also the removal of American loans, which were vital to Weimar’s stability. The Nazi Party offered strong rule, more employment and profits for businesses.

iii Communist threat

Many were fearful of communism. During a time when many turned to extremist parties, the Nazis used this fear to gain more votes. They spoke against the extreme left and the SA used violence against those who opposed the Nazis.

iv The appeal of Adolf Hitler

He was a great speaker and attracted many people through his powerful campaigning. He presented himself as a man of the people who understood their problems and was strong enough to fix them.

He travelled by plane and visited many places, allowing the maximum number of people to hear and see him. No member of the opposition could match his ability.

v Restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles

Many Germans resented the Treaty of Versailles and the leaders of Weimar for signing it. The losses of Germany’s military strength and the imposed reparations were hated. The Nazi Party spoke out against the treaty and promised to overturn it.

vi The SA People saw them as providing order and security during a time of chaos. They targeted the Communists.

vii Nazi propaganda

It promised people what they wanted through generalised statements.

It offered hope to different sectors of society regarding jobs and economic prosperity.

It used modern methods of propaganda including rallies, posters and radio, reaching many more people.

viii Unemployment Unemployment was high, reaching 6 million by the end of 1932, and many blamed Weimar politicians. They looked for a party that offered jobs.

ix Nazi 25-point programme

It gave people hope and showed that the Nazis had a clear plan on how they would lead Germany and restore her power.



3 c No set answer — your judgement

4 a It nearly doubled between 1928–1932.

b It increased at a higher rate than the Communist vote. It also increased as unemployment rose.

c The number of Nazi seats declined.

d The Great Depression and rising unemployment.

5

Protected Nazi rallies and disrupted opponents’ political meetings (SA)

Members known as Brownshirts (SA)

Led by Heinrich Himmler (SS)

Swore total loyalty to Hitler (SS)

Led by Ernst Röhm (SA)

After 1934 were the main instrument of terror in Nazi Germany (SS)

Lacked discipline (SA)

Members known as Blackshirts (SS)

Exam-style questions6 Points of difference:

Interpretation A focuses on the Great Depression and its impact on Germany.

Interpretation B focuses on Hitler’s personal appeal and powerful speech.

7 Sample answer:

Interpretation B was written by Albert Speer. He supported Hitler and during the 1930s became a minister within the Nazi Party. However, when he wrote the interpretation he was in prison for war crimes. He was trying to highlight the ‘wave of enthusiasm’ to show himself as a victim of Hitler’s charms, in common with many other people. Writing his version of events, he was trying to distance himself and limit his own responsibility.

In contrast, Interpretation A is a reflective account written by a historian. He does not have a personal link to the Nazi Party, unlike Speer. His reason for writing is to express his historical findings. They are retrospective and consider the economic impact of the Depression. Nevertheless, he supports Speer’s point that Hitler was able to appeal to individuals based on their personal circumstances.

8 Sample planned response:

Judgement: Interpretation A is more convincing — it considers the impact of the economic situation combined with the appeal of Hitler.


Interpretation A. Convincing:

Depression — high levels of unemployment link with votes for extremist parties. Nazi Party’s share of votes dramatically increases following the economic depression. In the November 1932 Reichstag election Nazi support starts to decline, although Nazi Party remains the biggest.

Appeal to whole nation — propaganda campaign. Different messages for different areas of Germany and sectors of the population. The unemployed were promised jobs, businesses were promised trade and profits, and farmers were promised fixed prices. People who voted for Hitler were from a cross-section of society, except those on the left.

Identifies the need for a crisis to make Hitler and the Nazi Party appealing.

Interpretation B. Convincing:

Personal appeal of Hitler/‘wave of enthusiasm’ — Hitler’s powerful speeches, use of technology.

Limited:

Author — Albert Speer was minister for armaments 1942–45. Trying to remove himself from the situation and reduce his personal guilt.

The failure of Weimar democracy

9

Description Election date

The Nazis continued to be the largest party. Nevertheless, it was a bad election for them as they lost 34 seats.

November 1932

Hitler gained the most votes in the Reichstag and therefore the largest number of seats, 288. This was not enough for a majority and he had to join with the smaller Nationalist Party, which had 52 seats.

July 1932

The Nazi Party won 230 seats. Hitler demanded to be appointed chancellor.

March 1933

10 You only need to add one further fact, but two more have been given here for each individual as there are a number of possible answers:


Key individual Facts

a President Hindenburg His main advisers were rich conservative industrialists

Ex-military leader who disliked Hitler

b Heinrich Brüning Unpopular chancellor

Failed to gain the support of the Reichstag

Sacked by Hindenburg following his harsh economic policies during the Depression

c General von Schleicher Distrusted Hitler

Supported a central coalition

Failed to gain a Reichstag majority

d Franz von Papen Rich Catholic

Unpopular chancellor

Believed appointing Hitler chancellor but limiting Nazis in the cabinet was the best way to control Hitler and avoid a revolt

11

Event Chronological order

November 1932:

Nazis are the largest single party but their share of the vote has fallen.

Hindenburg refuses to appoint Hitler as chancellor.

3

Hitler is appointed chancellor on 30 January 1933. 7

Reichstag election, July 1932:

Nazi Party voted the largest single party but failed to secure a majority.

Hitler demands to be chancellor. President Hindenburg refuses and von Papen remains chancellor.

1

Kurt von Schleicher is appointed chancellor. 4

Von Papen has little support in the Reichstag. 2


Hindenburg and von Papen meet in secret with industrialists, army leaders and politicians.

6

Von Schleicher is forced to resign as chancellor. 5

12

Sector of society How Hitler and the Nazi Party appealed to them

Rich large business owners

Promised to remove trade unions and to invest in the German economy, creating more business.

Middle class Promised to improve profits in business and offered protection against competition.

Appeared capable of dealing with the Communist threat.

Promised to build a strong Germany.

Working class Offered jobs and promised to build a strong Germany.

13 a, b There are many ideas you could include. Not all are listed here, but you can use the list below as a guide.

i propaganda

ii organisation

iii SA

iv flexible campaign to appeal to most groups/every region

v weak opposition

vi the Depression

vii fear of communism

viii Hitler’s skill as an excellent public speaker

ix Brüning’s economic policy

x high level of unemployment


13 d No set answer — your judgement



The Weimar Republic faced major economic problems between 1930 and 1932. During this period Germany was in deep economic depression following the Wall Street Crash. One major problem was high levels of unemployment, rising to 6 million by 1932. This led to extreme poverty which affected many sectors of society.

A second problem was a lack of government money. Due to America recalling loans and high levels of unemployment, the chancellor was forced to cut benefits and increase taxation. His actions resulted in a great loss of confidence in the Weimar government.

15 Sample answer:

All German people’s lives were affected by the Great Depression. However, it affected different people in different ways. Some suffered more seriously than others, depending on their job and financial position before the Depression started.

Young people suffered greatly as a consequence of the Great Depression. Over 60% of university graduates were unable to get a job. Those who did often found employment in poorly paid roles. By 1933 over half of 16–30-year-olds were unemployed. This was significant as their families were unable to support them and there was little sign in 1933 of improvement.

Another group which was greatly affected as a consequence of the Great Depression was the working class, especially factory workers. Over 40% lost their jobs in 1932. Their situation was made worse when the chancellor cut unemployment funds and removed benefits. Those who were unemployed faced extreme poverty. They lost their homes and relied on soup kitchens. Some even moved into camps for the homeless.

Business owners were also affected by the Great Depression. Some had to close their businesses. However, some businesses survived. Their profits were reduced, but their owners’ situation was much better than that of industrial workers.

16 Sample answer:

There are many reasons why Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany in 1933. The weak political and economic situation played an important role in allowing the Nazi Party to appear a strong reliable force able to lead Germany out of depression.

The Weimar Republic was politically weak in the early 1930s. It had become very weak following the Wall Street Crash and the economic depression that followed. The policies the government introduced to try to help Germany recover caused resentment. The chancellor, frightened that hyperinflation would recur, raised taxes, cut wages and reduced support for the unemployed. This made the government appear out of touch with the people and unfit for purpose. The president was forced to sack the chancellor. The following two chancellors, von Schleicher and von Papen, did not have the support of the Reichstag. They also battled each other for power. Their power struggle led to Hindenburg handing power to Hitler as he was the only alternative. The weakness of Weimar politics was important and led to the appointment of Hitler. However, if the Nazi Party had not been a strong political force, Hitler would not have been in a position to become chancellor.

The Nazi Party’s strengths were the main reason for Hitler being appointed chancellor of Germany in 1933. The Nazi Party had grown quickly in the early 1930s. It had developed into a well organised party that worked as a team. It had developed an effective


propaganda programme. This allowed it to target all voters by creating slogans that appealed to the majority of them. Slogans promised jobs to the unemployed, profits to business leaders and removal of the Communist threat to the middle classes. These promises enabled the party to become the biggest in the Reichstag. Hitler was an excellent speaker and the party used this to attract voters. He told the voters with passion what they wanted to hear. He presented himself as a man of the people and won many votes by doing this.

To conclude, both factors were important because if the Weimar government had been strong, the Nazi Party would not have gained so many votes in the election. Nevertheless, the strengths of the Nazis in the campaign allowed them to grow and attract voters across different classes. It is for this reason that the Nazi Party’s strengths are ranked a little higher than Weimar’s weaknesses.

The establishment of Hitler’s dictatorship

17 a 27 February 1933

b the Communist Party

c Marinus van der Lubbe

d President Hindenburg

e the Communists

18 a, b

The night after the fire Göring’s police arrested and imprisoned 4,000 Communist leaders. (Change to: night of)

Hitler declared that members of the German National People’s Party posed a danger to Germany. (Change to: Communist Party)

On 25 March Hitler persuaded President Hindenburg to pass an emergency decree. (Change to: 28 February)

Hindenburg used Article 46 to pass the emergency decree. (Change to: 48)

The emergency decree guaranteed all personal liberties and freedoms of press, assembly and speech. (Change to: limited)

Himmler’s police used the decree to ban meetings, close newspapers and remove the opposition. (Change to: Göring’s)

Göring’s police seized all state newspapers. (Change to: radio)

The emergency decree lasted 12 months, until Hitler became F ü hrer . (Change to: 12 years, until Hitler’s rule ended)

19 a, b, c


Date Action How this helped the Nazi Party gain control

30 January Hitler appointed chancellor Lead position in the Reichstag, able to appoint Nazis into the cabinet.

27 February Reichstag fire Allowed them to target the Communist opposition and request the emergency decree.

28 February Emergency decree suspending all articles in the constitution that guaranteed personal liberty, freedom of speech, freedom of press and freedom of assembly

Gave the Nazis greater control over Germany and power against opposition parties.

5 March Reichstag election Largest share of the votes enabled the Nazis to demand more power. They joined with Nationalist Party to secure a majority, which they used to destroy the constitution of Weimar.

13 March Goebbels took control of German media

Allowed them to eliminate the voice of the opposition.

24 March Enabling Act Allowed them to make laws without the consent of the Reichstag.

April Civil service, law courts and education purged of Nazi opposition

Removal of opposition.

2 May Trade unions banned Removal of opposition.

14 July Law Against Formation of New Parties

Prevented new forms of opposition being created.

20 July Concordat with the Catholic Church

Removed potential opposition.

20 a Reasons for the purge

The SA was increasingly out of control at a time when Hitler was trying to establish a dictatorship through legal methods.

Leading Nazis were concerned about Röhm’s growing influence and power within the Nazi Party.

In the summer of 1934 the number of men in the SA had reached nearly 2 million. They were under the leadership of Röhm.

Himmler wanted to replace the SA with his own SS.


The regular army was worried Röhm would take it over and merge it with the SA. Röhm had stated that this was his intention.

Hitler believed Röhm was a threat.

Events of the Night of the Long Knives

During the weekend of 29–30 June 1934 leaders of the SS arrested leaders of the SA and other possible opponents of Hitler. This included Von Schleicher.

The official number killed during the purge is 76, but historians estimate it to be much higher.

Impact of the Night of the Long Knives

Hitler removed potential opponents.

The SA’s numbers and influence were heavily reduced.

After Hindenburg died in August 1934, the army leaders swore an oath of allegiance to Hitler, giving him their unconditional obedience.

20 b Use 20a as a guide.

21 a 2 August 1934

b Führer

c Required the whole army to swear an oath of loyalty to him. Took the title of Führer, supreme leader.

22 Match key words to correct definitions:

Key word Definition

Article 48 an article of the constitution of the Weimar Republic of Germany which allowed the president, under certain circumstances, to take emergency measures without the prior consent of the Reichstag

Chancellor head of government

Concordat an agreement or treaty between the Pope and a government, relating to matters of mutual interest

Depression period of financial problems that affects living standards

Dictatorship a government where one person or a small number of people make all the decisions

Führer a German word meaning leader

Oath a binding promise or appeal to a god or to some revered person or thing

Opponents a person or group who disagree with or resist a proposal or practice


President head of state

Reichstag parliament

SA Stormtroopers, also known as the Brownshirts

SS protection squad of the Nazi Party, also known as the Blackshirts

23 a No set answer — your judgement



Interpretation B differs from Interpretation A in its account of the Night of the Long Knives. Interpretation B recalls Hitler being the leader of the event and targeting Röhm, the leader of the SA. ‘Hitler entered Röhm’s bedroom alone …’. This implies that Hitler not only led events but targeted Röhm specifically. In contrast, Interpretation A implies that Himmler was the organiser: ‘By that I mean Himmler.’ Interpretation A also states that the Night of the Long Knives was ‘egged on’ by pitching the German army and SA against each other. Hitler’s role is not mentioned.

25 Points to consider:

Interpretation A is an account by Edward von Kleist of the German army. Von Kleist was:

loyal to the army

distancing himself from the situation after the Second World War

portraying the German army and the SA as victims of Hitler and Nazism.

Interpretation B is an account by Erich Kempka, a member of the SS who served as Hitler’s chauffeur.

Written in 1946, very close to the defeat of the Nazis.

Kempka was distancing himself from Hitler. The phrase ‘spat out the words’ puts Hitler in a negative light, emphasises his cruel features.

Kempka was an eyewitness to key events.

26 Sample answer:

Interpretation A is quite convincing because it refers to the ‘impression that we — Army and SA — are being egged on against each other by a third party’. Hitler and his very close supporters wanted to remove any internal threat to the leader’s position from the SA and army. Hitler felt threatened by Röhm’s loyal SA men who were a violent and large faction within the party. By creating hostility between the army and SA, he reduced the opportunity for them to band together against him.

However, Interpretation B is more convincing than Interpretation A. Kempka describes the lead role Hitler played in the Night of the Long Knives. He points to Hitler personally putting Röhm under arrest, saying to him ‘Röhm, you are under arrest’. It is widely


accepted that Hitler feared that Röhm’s support and power were growing and that he could possibly overthrow Hitler as the leader of the Nazi Party. Hitler took action to prevent any internal opposition. Hitler was personally thanked by Hindenburg for his help with the matter. However, the interpretation misses out key information about other arrests and loss of life at the scene.

TOPIC 3 The experiences of Germans under the Nazis

Topic 3The experiences of Germans under the NazisEconomic changes

1 High unemployment, international depression, crisis in farming

2 Match key word to explanation:

Key word / individual Explanation

Public works projects infrastructure projects, such as the building of schools, organised and financed by the government to create employment

Autobahn motorway

Dr Hjalmar Schacht minister of the economy

Government finance money provided by the government to fund something

Dr Robert Ley headed the German Labour Front

German Labour Front DAF: managed discipline, wages and working hours

Rearmament building new stocks of weapons

Volkswagen people’s car

Strength through joy KdF: provide workers with leisure opportunities

Hermann Göring senior politician in the Nazi Party, later led the Luftwaffe

Self-sufficiency needing no outside help to meet the needs of the people, especially with regard to the production of food; also known as autarky

3 Here are three examples: building autobahns; extending the railway network; house building.

4 a In 1935 conscription was reintroduced in Germany. It was to allow the Nazi Party to rebuild the army and Germany’s military strength. It had been banned by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1914. In 1938 the Four-Year Plan was launched. Led by Göring, it was to get Germany ready for war. It was designed to make sure Germany had good international relations. Hitler also wanted to create an excellent German air force, to be known as the RAF.


Rearmament led to increased trade and business, as weapons and equipment for fighting were needed. This helped create more jobs and reduced unemployment. Although this was not a target of the Nazi Party, it pleased them. Jobs were created in department stores, butchers and coal mines. A key aim was to make Germany self-sufficient and war ready.

4 b the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

In 1936 the Four-Year Plan was launched.

It was designed to make Germany self-sufficient and rebuild the economy.

to be known as the Luftwaffe

This was of one of the Nazi party’s main targets.

in the steel industry and textile mills

5

Reich Labour Service (RAD) True False

Reich Labour Service Act passed July 1935 √

Everybody aged 16–40 forced to join √

Complete six months’ training √

Wear military uniform √

No wages √

Live in own home √

Perform physical exercise every day √

6 An example paragraph with key words underlined:

The German Labour Front (DAF) was established by the Nazi Party to replace trade unions, which they had banned in 1933. DAF gave the Nazis more control over workers as every worker was expected to be a member of DAF. DAF controlled many aspects of employment, including wages and working hours. DAF increased working hours and froze wages. Discipline was strict and strikes were banned.

7 Green highlighting = purpose, blue = activities:

keep workers happy

provide leisure activities

cheap cruise holidays

remove social barriers


control workers

sport activities

trips to the cinema

encourage people to support the Führer

8 a You only need to include one example, but a few example answers have been provided for you:

Sector Benefits Drawback

Big business Rearmament led to increased trade and profits

Removal of trade unions

German industry grew in size and profitability

Government took control of wages and profits

Government decided which businesses would have access to valuable resources

Middle class Removal of Communist threat

Business and profits from rearmament programme

Large department stores dominated

Many smaller shops closed

Farmers Reich Food Estate gave peasant farmers a set price for their goods

Reich Entailed Farm Law gave state protection to farmers’ land

Successful farmers could not expand their business

Only the eldest could inherit the farm

Industrial workers

Higher levels of employment: jobs were created through public works projects, for example the building of autobahns

Improvement of working conditions in factories through the Beauty of Labour programme

Heavy state involvement

Wages frozen

Working hours extended

Trade unions banned



9 The German people were not enthusiastic for war. They still had memories of defeat and hardship following Germany’s defeat in the First World War. The population accepted it and were encouraged to support it through Nazi propaganda.

10 Match items rationed in Germany during the Second World War to the correct statement:


Item rationed Statement

Food Introduced in August 1939. Seven colour-coded ration cards were issued. Rationing made diets repetitive. Nevertheless, two out of five Germans ate better because of it

Clothes Introduced in November 1939

Hot water Only permitted two days a week

Toilet paper Not available

Milk Only children were entitled to it

11 Four possible examples, with explanations for two of them:

Children, workers in heavy industry, pregnant women, blood donors.

Workers in heavy industry and blood donors were vital to the war effort. It was important that they were fit and healthy.

12 a, b

The first air raids on Berlin started in 1939. (Change to: 1940)

As air raids increased, Germans moved or were evacuated to urban areas. (Change to: villages and the countryside)

Before 1942 the British mainly targeted residential areas. (Change to: war targets such as armaments factories)

Area bombing began in 1942 and targeted small cities. (Change to: large)

An estimated 5,000 people were killed by bombing raids. (Change to: half a million)

In late 1940 extreme air raids took place in Dresden. Nearly 70% of the city was destroyed. (Change to: 1945)

Around 2 million Germans were made homeless. (Change to: 7.5 million)

13


Most German men were in the army, creating a labour shortage on the home front.

√


Concentration camp prisoners were forced to work for the German war effort.

√

Women were banned from entering the workforce. √

Prisoners of war were treated well to make sure they produced the best quality goods for the German war effort.

√

Women worked in ammunition factories. √

14 Sample answer:

By the end of the Second World War there were large numbers of refugees in Germany, who faced harsh conditions and food shortages. A variety of events during the war had led to these high numbers. Refugees had been created in the west when the war first broke out. Many people fled British air raids which destroyed cities and left people homeless. In the east refugees fled the advancing Russian armies in 1945. With no transport systems remaining, they were forced to walk.


The first problem facing the German working class between 1933 and 1939 was the lack of trade unions. The Nazi Party had banned trade unions in 1933. This meant that workers did not have representatives to stand up for them when their working conditions were poor. With no unions to take them on, German employers were able to freeze wages and increase working hours.

The German working class were also faced with the strict requirements of the German Labour Front (DAF). They were expected to join DAF and in many cases were forced. DAF banned strikes and prevented workers from voicing their concerns at work.

16 Sample answer:

All people’s lives in Germany were affected as a consequence of the Second World War. However, different groups were affected differently.

Rationing, which was introduced early on in the war, affected the majority of German people. Food rationing was introduced in 1939. People were issued with seven different food ration cards. Rationing made diets repetitive, nevertheless two out of five Germans ate better with it. Other items rationed included clothes and hot water. Children were the only people given milk.

People living in cities experienced air raids. British bombing campaigns started to target large cities from 1942, including Berlin and Dresden. This had a huge impact on those living in cities. Air raids reduced morale and left many thousands of people homeless. Nearly half a million civilians were killed and many more injured. Children were evacuated to the countryside.

The Second World War also changed the lives of women. Before the war they were expected to be mothers and housewives, but the war changed Nazi expectations of them. Nazis now wanted women to join the war effort. They were expected to work in factories


as well as looking after their families. Those living in the countryside were expected to take in evacuee children.

17 An essay plan for you to use to write a detailed response:

Introduction

Briefly, in two or three lines, describe the main aims of Nazi economic policies.

Make your judgement clear: which sector benefited more?

Main point 1: farmers

Describe Nazi economic policies for farmers.

o Reich Food Estate

o Reich Entailed Farm Law

Explain how they benefited farmers.

o Include specific examples, for example farmers could expand their business if successful.

Explain how they did not benefit farmers.

o Only eldest inherits farm.

o If not very successful, limited business/trading opportunities.

Link to your judgement: who benefited more? Why?

Main point 2: big business

Describe Nazi economic policies for big business.

o Rearmament

o Removal of trade unions

Explain how they benefited big business.

o Include specific examples: rearmament led to increase in trade and profit; no trade unions to demand workers’ rights; industry grew.

Explain how they did not benefit big business.

o Nazi control of wages and profits.

o Government control over who had access to resources.

Link to your judgement: who benefited more? Why?

Conclusion


Restate your judgement, highlighting key pieces of evidence for your decision.

Social policy and practice

18 History: pupils were taught that the Treaty of Versailles was a stab in the back. Weimar was led by weak politicians. The Nazi Party led by Hitler was the only party able to lead Germany and make it a strong power.

Biology: the Aryan race was superior and Jews were subhuman. Biology was made to reinforce Nazi ideology and its anti-Semitic policies.

Maths: textbooks would focus on the cost to Germany of inferior races, supporting Nazi policies to remove ‘inferior’ groups from society.

19 Complete the following table to detail Nazi Party policies towards young people:

Group Aim Members Activities

Hitler Youth encourage loyalty to Hitler

create future Nazi Party supporters

prepare boys for the army

boys camping, fitness, military skills

League of German Maidens

encourage loyalty to Hitler

create future Nazi Party supporters

prepare girls for motherhood

girls domestic activities such as cooking, cleaning, sewing

physical exercise

20 Timeline of Nazi policies towards the church:

1933: Concordat between the Nazi Party and Catholic church.

1934: Nazi campaign to discourage children from attending church schools and church youth groups.

1936: Creation of the Reich Church, to unify all Protestant churches in one official Reich Church.

1937: Christmas carols and plays banned from schools.

1939: All religion in schools banned.

21 Accurate statements representing Nazi attitudes towards women:

should have a family, the should support their should have a traditional role


more children the better husbands

22 Children, kitchen, church

23 There are many examples — select two. Not all are listed here:

awards for mothers who had large families

propaganda promoted motherhood through posters and radio programmes

loans to newly married women who agreed not to take jobs

motherhood classes

24 Match the different social groups to the persecution they faced:

Social group Persecution

Gypsies Five out of every six were killed with no public outcry. They were believed to be inferior people.

Homosexuals They were sent to concentration camps with no public outcry. They were seen as a threat to traditional family life.

Disabled For individuals with a hereditary illness, sterilisation was enforced. In 1939 a programme of euthanasia started. At least 5,000 children were killed between 1939 and 1945 and 72,000 mentally ill patients were gassed between 1939 and 1941.

25 a, b

1933: Boycott of Jewish shops. A one-day boycott of Jewish shops, lawyers and doctors. This national act of anti-Semitism started the isolation of Jews in German society.

1935: Nuremberg Laws. Advertised as laws to protect Aryans from Jews. The laws included the banning of marriage between Jews and Aryans. Increasing segregation in society and isolation of Jews within Germany.

1936: Lull in anti-Semitic policy due to the Olympics. Anti-Jewish signs and propaganda were removed. Some Jews hoped this signalled a change of attitude.

1937: Aryanisation of Jewish businesses increased. More Jewish businesses were taken over by the state. Further isolation of Jews in Germany.

1938: Red ‘J’ stamped in all Jewish passports. Made it easier for the state to identify and target Jews in Germany. Jews were singled out as different.

1938: Kristallnacht. ‘The night of broken glass’. Jews were attacked and their property destroyed. Increase in persecution and violence against Jews.

1942: Wannsee Conference. This saw the planning of the ‘Final Solution’. It was a turning point in Nazi anti-Semitic policy. It included death camps in the east away from Germany,


where Jews would be worked to death or gassed. It was the start of the Holocaust and the death of millions of Jews.

26 Here is an example paragraph with key words underlined:

The Nazi Party was able to increase its persecution of the Jews and start the Final Solution following Germany’s initial successes in the Second World War. In 1939 Germany entered Poland and in 1941 started the invasion of Russia. This placed many more Jewish people under Nazi control. Jews in Poland were rounded up and moved to ghettos. In Russia groups of SS soldiers called Einsatzgruppen were ordered to murder Jews. In 1942 the Final Solution was planned and placed under the control of Himmler. The use of concentration and death camps in the east led to the deaths of millions of Jews.


Interpretation B differs from Interpretation A in its description of the Nazi treatment of Jews. Interpretation B points out that ‘Jews were placed outside of the German community because of the laws’. It makes it clear that judges and attorneys were aware of anti-Semitic actions from 1935. It can also be inferred that anyone with an interest or involvement in law was aware of the segregation of Jews within Germany. The consent of members of the legal community also implies that they did not try to stop legal discrimination against Jews and possibly supported it. In contrast, Interpretation A describes the treatment of Jews as ‘minor’. It states that the brutal anti-Semitic actions of Hitler were not obvious.

28 Points for you to consider for your response:

Interpretation A

Member of the Hitler Youth: wanted to distance himself from the horrors of Nazi anti-Semitic policies.

The reader can infer that Nazi propaganda was effective at the time and that members of the Hitler Youth only heard / saw what the Party wanted to tell them.

Interpretation B

A former leader of the Cologne Gestapo on trial for his part in mass murder. Wanted to emphasise that he was following orders. Does not deny knowing about the treatment of Jews as there was clear evidence of his involvement: he was head of the Gestapo in Cologne.

Wanted to highlight the role of others to show how widespread anti-Semitic actions were. Points to senior legal figures being involved — showing he was one of many people involved in the mistreatment of Jewish people.

29 A plan for you to use to write a detailed response:

Judgement: Interpretation B is more convincing — describes senior people within the law and Nazi Party not standing up for the Jewish community. However, Interpretation A is also convincing as Nazi propaganda was effective. Young people would have been


exposed to a racist education and to indoctrination through the Hitler Youth, making them think that serious actions against the Jews were ‘minor’.

Interpretation A

Convincing:

o At school during the 1930s — education was racist and anti-Semitic, give examples.

o Members of the Hitler Youth were exposed to propaganda and taught Nazi ideals.

o Seemed to be part of creating an orderly society.

Limited:

o It is limited because it ignores laws, such as the Nuremburg Laws of 1935, that had already been put into effect.

o It is limited because it ignores evidence of Jewish harassment, e.g. separate education, no Jews allowed in the professions etc.

Interpretation B

Convincing:

o Jews were certainly ‘placed outside of the German community because of the laws’: specific examples include use of law to exclude Jews from professions (e.g. April 1933 prevented Jews from admission to legal profession); excluded from state schools; later placed in ghettoes in Poland.

o ‘Nuremburg Laws were well known’: Jews were prosecuted with breaking the law from 1936. Judges upheld the law and passed prison sentences. Also aware of changes in laws from 1933 as they were the upholders of German law.

Limited:

o The Gestapo organisation in Cologne was not likely to have been as weak as stated. The Gestapo was a highly centralised organisation with strong leadership. This would have dictated what happened, especially in an important city such as Cologne.

o It is correct that the Jews had been put outside the German community, but that does not explain or excuse the harsh treatment they received, e.g. at Kristallnacht.

Control

30

Statement Goebbels Himmler


Head of Nazi propaganda √

Appointed minister for public enlightenment in 1933 √

Become head of SS in 1929 √

Role included eliminating opposition to the Nazi Party √

Used media to promote Nazi policies √

Carried out racial policies √

31 a, b Points you could include:

Festivals and rallies

Nuremberg rallies with bands, marches and displays.

Emphasised order in Germany.

Provided entertainment and a sense of belonging.

o Strength: high profile, showed the power of the state.

o Limitation: people pretended to support the rallies.

Radio

Radios became cheap to allow the majority of people to have one and listen to Nazi propaganda.

Hitler’s speeches were played on the radio.

o Strength: main form of entertainment in the home, many people owned and listened to the radio.

o Limitation: some people could access radio from other countries, for example the BBC, which broadcast other information.

Newspapers

Strict censorship was imposed — no anti-Nazi ideas permitted.

Focused on Nazi successes.

o Strength: the Nazis controlled all newspapers, preventing anti-Nazi content.

o Limitation: circulation fell under Nazi control.

Cinema

All films had to include a pro-Nazi message.

The newsreels shown before the films focused on Nazi successes, especially during the war.

Foreign films were censored.


o Strength: cinema was a popular leisure activity and allowed the Nazis to spread their message.

o Limitation: many people arrived late to avoid the newsreels.

Music and books

Strict censorship with all books having to be approved.

Book-burning ceremonies to rid Germany of books containing anti-Nazi messages.

Mein Kampf became the best seller.

o Strength: Nazi ideals could be presented in different forms, for example the ideal Aryan family often featured in literature.

o Limitation: illegal music was smuggled in to Germany and could be listened to on foreign radio channels.

32


SS stands for Schutzstaffel: ‘protection squad’. √

All members were Aryans — tall, blond, blue-eyed men. √

The SS consisted of one unit, with no subdivisions. √

Its main task was terror and intimidation. √

Following the outbreak of the Second World War the importance of the SS declined.

√

The SS was a minor section of the Nazi Party. √

33

Method of control

Purpose Activities How it helped secure Hitler’s position

Gestapo State secret police, designed to eliminate opposition

Tapped telephones, spied on civilians, had a network of informers. Arrested people suspected of acting against the Nazi Party

Spread fear among the general population

Reduced open opposition to the Nazi party and Hitler


Concentration camps

Most serious sanction for Nazi opponents

Hard labour

Terrible living and working conditions

Beatings and executions

Spread fear, reducing criticism of the state

Informers To identify opponents of the state

Listened to private conversations

Reported people to the authorities, including family members

Spread fear, reducing criticism of the state

Police and courts

To control and target opposition to the Nazi Party

Law and order Ignored crimes committed by agents and heavily targeted opposition

34 a

Youth opposition group

Members Anti-Nazi Party actions

Nazi Party reaction

Swing Youth Middle-class teenagers

Listened to illegal music including jazz

Closely monitored and arrested members

Edelweiss Pirates Based in Rhineland

Working-class teenagers

Targeted Hitler Youth

Sang anti-Nazi slogans

Killed Gestapo chief in Cologne in 1944

Closely monitored and arrested at least 700 members

Public execution of 12 members

White Rose Group Munich University students

Anti-Nazi posters, leaflets and graffiti

Arrested and executed leaders



35 a, b

Claus von Stauffenberg approved of SS brutality. (Change to: disapproved)

Von Stauffenberg and other army leaders created Operation Hit. (Change to: Valkyrie)

The plan was to shoot Hitler during a meeting. (Change to: use two bombs in a briefcase to kill)


Civilians would then take control of Berlin. (Change to: The army)

Von Stauffenberg attended a military conference at Rastenburg. He planted the bomb under the table. During the meeting he remained in the room until the bomb exploded. (Change to: He left the room before the bomb exploded, pretending to make an urgent phone call.)

When the bomb exploded, Hitler was killed. (Change to: survived)

Von Stauffenberg and leading plotters were fined for their actions. (Change to: killed)

36

Individual Religion Mainly opposed to Nazi Party reaction

Martin Niemöller Protestant Hitler’s Reich Church Imprisoned in concentration camp 1937–45

Dietrich Bonhoeffer Protestant Nazi racist views and treatment of Jews

Concentration camp 1943–45; executed 1945

37 Define the following key terms:

Key term Definition

Aryan Nazi term for non-Jewish German who was ‘pure’ Germanic

Censorship The banning of books, films, news, etc. considered politically unacceptable

Dictatorship One-party state with a ruler who holds complete power

Opposition Resistance through action or argument

Propaganda Information, often biased or misleading, being used to promote a specific point of view

Repression Stopping or preventing free action, speech or expression

Totalitarian When every aspect of a population’s life is controlled and monitored by those in power


The first problem faced by Goebbels’ propaganda and censorship policies was monitoring what individuals listened to on their radios. Goebbels made radios cheap to ensure the


majority of households could access them. Although all radio stations in Germany were censored, some people were able to tune into the BBC. This allowed them to listen to information free of Nazi propaganda.

A second problem Goebbels faced was making sure his messages were listened to and not ignored. For example, while the Nazi Party controlled all newspapers, circulation fell by 10%. People often arrived late to the cinema to avoid the propaganda newsreel shown before films started.

39 Sample answer:

Firstly, opposition groups showed their dissatisfaction with the Nazi regime through passive resistance. This included not joining Nazi Party organisations and not publicly showing loyalty to the regime. The only youth groups offered to children were the Hitler Youth for boys and League of German Maidens for girls, yet only 50% of boys joined the Hitler Youth. Adults also avoided Nazi Party organisations such as activity groups after work. Some avoided joining the party or giving the Heil Hitler salute. Other forms of passive resistance included ignoring propaganda or not listening to radio broadcasts.

A second way in which opposition groups showed their dissatisfaction with the regime was by spreading anti-Nazi information. Illegal underground groups were formed, such as the White Rose Group. The members of the White Rose Group were Munich University students who distributed leaflets and graffitied anti-Nazi slogans.

Finally, some opposition groups showed their dissatisfaction by killing Nazi leaders and attempting to kill Hitler. The Edelweiss Pirates targeted leaders of the local party and killed the Gestapo chief in Cologne in 1944. The Stauffenberg bomb plot, July 1944, was designed to kill Hitler. It was led by Claus von Stauffenberg and other army leaders.

40 A plan for you to use to write a detailed response:

Introduction

Briefly, in two or three lines, describe opposition to the Nazi Party.

Make your judgement clear. What was the most important reason for there being little opposition?

Main point 1: Propaganda

Describe Nazi propaganda methods.

o Goebbels’ campaign

o use of newspapers, films, radio

Explain how they reduced opposition.

o Include specific examples, e.g. the Nazis’ positive messages about reducing unemployment, making Germany powerful again, as well as the negative propaganda against Jews and other groups.

Link to your judgement explaining the importance of propaganda.

Main point 2: Terror and fear


Describe Nazi use of terror and fear to reduce opposition.

o Gestapo

o SS and persecution

Explain how they reduced opposition, using specific examples.

o Gestapo: fear of being listened to, reported and arrested

o SS and persecution: concentration camps, Holocaust

Link to your judgement explaining the importance of terror and fear.

Conclusion

Re-state your judgement, highlighting key pieces of evidence for your decision.

Documents

· Web viewOver half of all 16–30-year-olds were unemployed. Farmers Suffered greatly and accumulated more debt. They had been suffering since the mid-1920s. Industrial …