Nazism and the Rise of Hitler

Study Notes

Germany fought WWI (1914-1918) alongside Austria, against Allies (England, France, and Russia).
Germany initially gained territory but was ultimately defeated in 1918.
A democratic Weimar Republic was formed in 1918, but was unpopular due to the terms imposed after Germany's defeat.
The war severely impacted Europe—both psychologically and financially, turning European nations into debtors.
Supporters of the Weimar Republic faced criticism and attacks, as support grew for nationalistic ideals.
Soldiers were viewed as superior to civilians. War propaganda and honour were significant.
The Weimar Republic experienced political radicalism after the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia (Spartacism). The Communist Party was founded.
Economic crisis in Germany (1923) resulted from refusing to pay war reparations (France occupied the Ruhr Valley).
German currency (the mark) rapidly devalued causing hyperinflation.
Germany relied on short-term loans from the US for stability (1924-1928). This collapsed with the Wall Street crash of 1929.
The Weimar Republic had inherent weaknesses, including proportional representation and Article 48, which allowed the President to declare emergency, suspend civil rights, and rule by decree.
Hitler was born in 1889, in Austria. He received medals for bravery in WWI.
Hitler joined the German Workers' Party, which became the Nazi party, gaining popularity during the Great Depression.
Hitler was a powerful speaker promising a strong nation and employment.

Hitler became the highest-ranking official (in the cabinet of ministries) in January 1933.
He dismantled democratic structures, suspending civic rights like freedom of speech, press and assembly (Feb 1933).
Communists were imprisoned, political parties were banned, and security forces were created to control the public.
Germany's economy recovered through state-funded work.
Hitler pulled out of the League of Nations, took over the Rhineland, and annexed Austria (1936-1938).
Hitler expanded German territory, culminating in the invasion of Poland (September 1940).
This led to war with France and England, with the US entering after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.
WWII ended in 1945, after atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Japan).
Nazi ideology promoted racial hierarchy, eliminating those deemed undesirable (Jews, Gypsies, etc).
"Lebensraum" (living space) was a geopolitical ideology where Jews were deemed a problem, and were to be eliminated.

King Louis XVI (1774) ascended the throne in France. His extravagant lifestyle led to increased national debt.
French society was divided into three estates. The clergy and nobility had no taxes; the third estate (most of the population) did.
The third estate challenged the privileges of the nobility and clergy, resulting in riots and the convening of the Estates-General.
The National Assembly was formed in June 1789, limiting the King's power and drafting a constitution.
The National Assembly abolished feudal taxes, special privileges, and recognized the Assembly and its framework in 1789.
France became a constitutional monarchy in 1791.
Only men who paid taxes could vote.
France became a Republic after riots in 1792 and the execution of King Louis XVI.
A period of the "Reign of Terror" followed, characterized by executions led by Maximilien Robespierre.

Drainage describes the river system of an area.
A water divide is a landform that separates two adjoining drainage basins.
Indian rivers are categorized as Himalayan (perennial) and Peninsular (seasonal).
Himalayan rivers get water from glaciers and monsoon rains.
Peninsular rivers rely primarily on the monsoon season for water flow.
Major river systems (Himalayan) are the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, with many tributaries.
Major river systems (Peninsular) are the Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri all flowing towards the Bay of Bengal.
The Sunderban delta is formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra.