Germany's WWI Initial Successes and Challenges

<p>November Revolution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An agreement for the military's support in exchange for political protection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A lasting division between moderate Social Democrats and far-left Communists. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To ensure an eight-hour workday and collective bargaining rights. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Between desires for monarchy and democracy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To orchestrate a meeting between Hitler and conservative leaders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He participated in the meeting to discuss aligning with Hitler. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He was considered more flexible and open to negotiation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He dismissed von Schleicher as Chancellor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To leverage grassroots support from the Nazi Party and gain legitimacy from Hindenburg. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Germany's admission to the League of Nations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Wall Street Crash (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Restoration of German sovereignty (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By promising economic reforms and national restoration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Coalition governments and political instability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It provided a pretext for the Enabling Act (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He was sentenced to 5 years but served less than 1 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A commitment to peaceful diplomacy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Paul von Hindenburg (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mein Kampf (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He viewed Marxism and Judaism as threats to humanity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Political instability and diminished trust in democracy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Poor military strategy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Imposition of strict reparations and territorial losses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dolchstoss Myth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A loaf of bread costing billions of marks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To establish a Soviet-style regime. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A general strike called by trade unions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Implementation of the Dawes Plan. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It successfully ended hyperinflation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased women's rights and social independence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gustav Stresemann. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hitler's arrest and legal approach for future power gain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Progressive art, theater, and literature growth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The German government's encouragement of passive resistance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Devastation and eroded confidence in the government. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Seek support through legal political processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A perpetual campaigning strategy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Great Depression (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A declaration of President-for-life (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hindenburg received 49.6% of the vote (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By highlighting Brüning’s unpopular policies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>SA (Sturmabteilung) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Organizing over 30,000 rallies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fear of communist policies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Achieving significant electoral success as the second-largest party (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Passing unpopular legislation through Article 48 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>His visibility increased in German politics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Intense violence and instability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Raised taxes and cut welfare benefits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Failure to address structural weaknesses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It was time to establish an authoritarian regime (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Franz von Papen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They saw him as a ‘reactionary’ figure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Their vote dropped to 33%, signaling a decline (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To establish a national unity government transcending party lines (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It included bank executives, industrialists, and nobles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Assumed full support from the Nazi Party (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They campaigned against the Weimar system promises (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When economic conditions improved (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It indicated a temporary phase of dissatisfaction with the Weimar government (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Frequent chancellorship changes indicated political instability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jewish influence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To exercise control over individual lives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Power justifies any action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He promoted state control while opposing Marxism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The supremacy of the Aryan race (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Worsening poverty and unemployment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Electoral politics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Targeting rural populations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They received only 2.8% of the vote (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Membership rose dramatically (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They lost patience and took action (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To call for new elections amid crises (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Broad appeal across social classes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Desperation for change among citizens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It provided for universal suffrage and freedom of speech. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It caused increased perceptions of instability due to fragmented parties. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The authority to dissolve the Reichstag and call for new elections. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Kiel Mutiny by sailors refusing to engage in battle. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Article 48 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reduced likelihood of a majority government being formed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Chancellor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Proportional representation in elections. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The political instability of the Reichstag in 1932. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It could veto laws proposed by the Reichstag. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Many perceived it as a continuation of the Kaiser regime. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They resulted in conflict due to differing party agendas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It fractured left-wing unity, hindering future resistance to extremism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The establishment of a democratic system with a stronger Reichstag. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Severely reduced German supply chain impacting military and civilian populations

Severe food shortages, leading to widespread hunger and disease among German civilians

German military suffered a major defeat causing "Black Day" leading to an armistice discussion

It secured the army's support to help the new civilian government by promising protection from radical uprisings

German sailors refused orders for a suicide mission, leading to political change

Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, and a democratic republic was established

Left-wing Marxists attempted to overthrow the new German government

Agreement between trade unions and government to have an 8-hour workday and collective bargaining rights to maintain stability

The Weimar Republic constitution had features like universal suffrage, freedom of speech, proportional representation, and the right to form political parties, which reflected the desire for a more democratic and liberal society.

Article 48 allowed the President to rule by decree, undermining democratic stability. Proportional representation led to fragmented parties and unstable coalition governments, contributing to perceptions of weakness and instability.

The Reichstag was a type of parliament responsible for enacting laws in the Weimar Republic.

Proportional representation ensured that seats in the Reichstag were filled in proportion to the votes received by each party, leading to a more diverse representation of political views.

The Chancellor was responsible for creating laws and needed the support of at least 50% of the Reichstag to pass legislation.

The Reichsrat, also known as the 'Council of the Realm,' represented the 17 states of Germany.

The Reichsrat could veto laws proposed by the Reichstag, but the Reichstag could counter this veto, creating a balance of power.

The President held the most powerful position in the Weimar government, responsible for appointing the Chancellor and dissolving the Reichstag.

Article 48 allowed the President to bypass the Reichstag and enact laws through decrees in times of crisis or emergency, potentially leading to authoritarian practices.

Germany faced severe shortages, power cuts, and inflation due to its war effort, creating social unrest and anti-war demonstrations.

Ludendorff, a key military leader, recognized the dire situation and the need for peace before losing on the battlefield.

Wilson proposed an armistice contingent on Germany's shift to democracy, demanding increased power for the Reichstag, reduced authority for the Kaiser, and a commitment to democracy.

Wilhelm, reluctant to abdicate his power, faced increasing pressure to recognize the changing political landscape in Germany.

Sailors mutinied in Kiel, refusing orders for suicidal missions, demonstrating growing disillusionment with the war effort and the government.

Mutineers spread to other port cities, and socialist republics were declared in Saxony and Bavaria, indicating a growing wave of unrest.

The Kaiser fled to Holland, and Friedrich Ebert, leader of the SPD, became the interim leader. Elections were planned for a new constitution and a democratic government.

The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh reparations on Germany, including territorial losses, demilitarization, and the 'guilt clause' blaming Germany for the war. It fueled resentment and contributed to the rise of extremism.

The 'stab-in-the-back' myth claimed that the German army was betrayed by the government, leading to defeat in WWI. This narrative was promoted by right-wing factions to undermine the Weimar Republic.

A rapid and uncontrolled rise in prices, caused by the German Mark's value plummeting due to economic struggles and reparations. It devastated the middle class and worsened public sentiment towards the government.

A left-wing uprising led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg, aiming to establish a Soviet-style regime in Germany. It was suppressed by the government, resulting in the leaders' deaths.

A right-wing coup attempt led by Wolfgang Kapp, aiming to restore the Kaiser and dismantle the Treaty of Versailles. It failed due to a general strike by trade unions.

French and Belgian forces occupied the Ruhr, Germany's industrial heartland, in response to Germany's default on reparations. This led to passive resistance and further economic decline.

An attempted coup by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Munich, inspired by the Kapp Putsch. It failed, leading to Hitler's arrest and later inspiring his political strategies.

An agreement to provide American loans to stabilize the German economy and resolve the Ruhr crisis. It helped to end hyperinflation and initiate a period of economic recovery.

A new currency introduced in Germany to curb hyperinflation. It restored public confidence in the financial system and contributed to economic stabilization.

A flourishing of progressive art, theatre, and literature in Germany during the mid-1920s, with Berlin as a hub for creative expression. This era saw the rise of influential figures like Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill.

A key figure in the Weimar government who played a significant role in rebuilding Germany's international standing through diplomatic efforts. His policies aimed at fostering cooperation and restoring the country's reputation.

A period of economic growth in Germany between 1924 and 1929, marked by the Dawes Plan, the introduction of the Rentenmark, and government investment in housing and public works. This led to a decline in unemployment and improved living conditions.

Support for extremist groups like the Nazi Party and the KPD (Communist Party) declined during the economic recovery. The government's stability and improving economic conditions diminished the appeal of radical ideologies.

Hitler believed Jews were inherently disloyal and destructive, a key element in his anti-Semitic ideology.

Hitler envisioned a state that controlled every aspect of individual lives, suppressing personal freedom for national goals.

Hitler prioritized achieving power over ethical considerations, justifying any means to achieve victory.

While critical of Marxism, Hitler favored state control of production, blurring the line between his ideology and socialism.

Hitler believed in a hierarchy of races, with the Aryan race being superior and destined to dominate others.

The Nazis focused on protecting and prioritizing the Aryan race, believing it was the only pure and superior race.

Hitler believed in a conflict between races, with the Aryan race destined to dominate others.

After failing to seize power through force, the Nazi Party focused on gaining power through elections.

The party used propaganda to gain widespread support, especially in rural areas, relying on surveys and action to sway public opinion.

Germany's failure to meet reparation demands led to economic crises and tensions with France.

The Great Depression devastated the German economy, leading to mass unemployment and increased support for extremist parties.

Brüning attempted to stabilize the economy by cutting welfare and raising taxes, which only worsened the crisis.

President Hindenburg initially resisted granting emergency powers, but eventually yielded due to the severity of the crisis.

The Nazi Party's message resonated with various social groups, giving them a significant political advantage.

A series of agreements signed in 1925 that aimed to improve relations between Germany and its European neighbors, particularly France, and to promote security in Europe after World War I.

An international treaty signed in 1928 by 62 countries (including Germany) renouncing war as an instrument of foreign policy. This was a significant step towards peace after World War I.

The withdrawal of British and French troops from the Rhineland, a region in Western Germany, in 1929, which marked the end of foreign occupation and a significant step towards restoring German sovereignty.

The devastating effect of the 1929 stock market crash on the German economy, which relied heavily on American loans. It led to widespread unemployment, economic instability, and a sense of hopelessness.

The rapid rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in the 1930s, exploiting the economic crisis and promising national restoration, a repudiation of the Treaty of Versailles, and reclaiming German pride.

A law passed in 1933 that granted Adolf Hitler dictatorial powers, effectively dismantling the Weimar Republic and paving the way for a totalitarian regime.

Hitler's successful use of public speeches to gain support through appeals to nationalism, anti-Semitism, and anti-Marxist sentiments, particularly in rural Bavaria.

Hitler's autobiographical book written during his imprisonment after the Beer Hall Putsch, outlining his political ideology, anti-Semitism, and plans for Germany.

The weakness and instability of the Weimar Republic, largely due to its reliance on coalition governments and the frequent use of Article 48, which allowed the president to bypass the Reichstag and rule by decree.

The appointment of Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany in 1933, following a series of political maneuvers, marking the end of the Weimar Republic and the beginning of Nazi rule.

A fire that broke out in the Reichstag building in Berlin in 1933, which Hitler used as justification to suppress opposition and consolidate his power.

The establishment of a totalitarian regime under the Nazi Party, characterized by suppression of opposition, control of all aspects of life, and the pursuit of racial purity.

The growing popularity of the Nazi Party in the 1930s, driven by promises of economic recovery, national pride, and a rejection of the Treaty of Versailles.

Franz von Papen, a conservative politician, aimed to regain political power by plotting against Chancellor von Schleicher.

A secret meeting in 1933 between Hitler and conservative leaders, including Papen and Hindenburg, marked a turning point in their collaboration.

The coalition agreement with the Nazis allowed Hitler to gain the support of conservative leaders and President Hindenburg, ultimately leading to his appointment as Chancellor.

President Hindenburg dismissed von Schleicher as Chancellor, paving the way for Hitler's appointment despite his concerns about the consequences.

The proposed coalition aimed to combine the Nazi Party's grassroots support with President Hindenburg's legitimacy, giving the coalition a veneer of acceptance.

The Nazi Party achieved significant electoral success in 1930, becoming the second-largest party in the Reichstag. This marked a shift in German society as voters increasingly turned to extremist solutions due to the failures of the Weimar Republic.

Chancellor Brüning frequently bypassed the Reichstag by relying on Article 48 for passing legislation, which reinforced the perception of democracy being dysfunctional in Weimar Germany.

The Nazi Party adopted a constant campaign strategy, remaining active and engaged with the public even when no election was imminent. This sustained their presence and popularity.

The SA, or 'Brownshirts,' was a paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party. They played a key role in intimidation tactics against political opponents.

Chancellor Brüning suggested declaring Hindenburg as President-for-Life to avoid the vigorous presidential election campaign due to his age and the violent political climate.

Hitler agreed to support Brüning's proposal of President-for-Life for Hindenburg but demanded Brüning's resignation as Chancellor and new elections.

The Nazis adopted a comprehensive campaign strategy, utilizing mass rallies, propaganda, and the SA to reach a wide audience and present a unified image.

The Nazis never directly attacked Hindenburg. Instead, they argued that voting for Hindenburg meant supporting Brüning's unpopular policies, while emphasizing the need for a generational change.

Hindenburg's victory, while expected, gave Hitler a sense of legitimacy by placing him on the same stage as the established leader. It also attracted industrial support for the Nazis.

After Hitler's rise, the SA was dissolved and the SS emerged as the new paramilitary organization for the Nazis, marking a change in operational power.

The SA played a central role in the Nazi campaign by providing protection for speakers, organizing rallies, and projecting a united image, contributing to the Nazi party's visibility and mobilization.

Industrialists supported Hitler due to his anti-communist rhetoric. They feared losing their industries and businesses to a potential communist government.

Hitler's decision to run against Hindenburg marked a significant shift in his strategy, challenging the incumbent President and increasing his visibility in the German political landscape.

The Nazis utilized propaganda extensively, utilizing a media blitz spearheaded by Joseph Goebbels, raising significant funds and gaining new members by effectively spreading their message.

While the SA was initially the paramilitary force of the Nazi Party, the SS eventually replaced the SA as the primary paramilitary organization, showcasing a change in power and control within the Nazi movement.

In 1932, Brüning's government faced a severe crisis due to the failing economy, political violence, unpopular economic policies, and the inability to manage the worsening situation.

Kurt von Schleicher, a powerful military figure, believed Germany needed an authoritarian regime, scrapping the Weimar Constitution and forming a government free from party politics.

Using his influence with President Hindenburg, von Schleicher ousted Brüning and installed Franz von Papen as Chancellor, hoping to create a stable, authoritarian government.

Von Papen's Cabinet, known as the 'Cabinet of Barons,' was filled with industrialists and nobles, reflecting a shift in power towards the wealthy elite.

Franz von Papen made a wrong call by trying to win the support of the Nazis. It backfired, leading them to win 38% of the vote in the 1932 election.

The Nazis ran a strong campaign against Papen, labelling him 'reactionary,' and highlighting the failures of the Weimar system to exploit voter discontent.

Despite winning the most votes, the Nazis weren't satisfied with not having a majority. This increased pressure on them to deliver on promises, leading to internal tension.

Many voters were casting their votes against the Weimar Republic, but not necessarily for Nazi ideology. This meant their support was unstable and could change.

Von Schleicher's goal was to 'woo' the Nazis into a coalition government, but he couldn't unite them with conservative groups or create a stable working relationship.

After failing to secure any significant support, von Schleicher was forced to resign as Chancellor in early 1933, further illustrating the fragile and troubled political landscape.

Von Papen was dismissed as Chancellor because he lacked the necessary political support to form a stable government, demonstrating the ongoing instability of the Weimar Republic.

Von Schleicher, as Minister of Defence under Papen, had a deep understanding of the political and military dynamics of Germany, which he used to try and create a stable government.

The Nazi Party's popularity relied heavily on negative campaigning and economic hardship. When the economy started improving, their support began to dwindle.

In the November 1932 elections, the Nazi vote dropped to 33%, showing their support was wavering and they were not the unstoppable force they initially appeared to be.

The frequent changes in the chancellorship demonstrated a volatile political landscape, undermining public confidence in the government's ability to resolve the crisis.