Power & Authority: 1919-1946 Overview

An ideology that emphasizes the importance of military strength and preparedness, often promoting an aggressive foreign policy.

A belief system that falsely claims that certain groups of people are superior or inferior based on racial characteristics.

The adoption of ideas and beliefs that are antagonistic to Western values and culture.

A form of governance characterized by an extreme concentration of power in the hands of a single leader, often with a cult-like following.

The use of terror and intimidation to maintain control over a population, often through secret police and forced labor camps.

The use of propaganda to promote specific political beliefs and values, often through mass media and public events.

A historical period marked by political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest in Germany.

Factors that contributed to the downfall of the Weimar Republic, including the rise of political extremism and the failure to address social and economic problems.

The Treaty of Versailles (1919) was the peace agreement that officially ended World War I. It imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, disarmament, and huge war reparations. The treaty included the "War Guilt Clause," which directly blamed Germany for the outbreak of World War I.

The Treaty of Saint-Germain (1919) was signed by the victorious Allied Powers and the defeated Austria. It dissolved the Austro-Hungarian Empire and established Austria as a small, landlocked nation. The treaty imposed territorial losses, economic restrictions, and reduced military strength on Austria.

The Treaty of Trianon (1920) was a peace treaty between the Allied Powers and Hungary. It significantly reduced Hungary's territory, transferring large portions of its land to neighboring countries, such as Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia. This treaty created a significant Hungarian minority in these new nations.

The Treaty of Sevres (1920) was a peace treaty between the Allied Powers and the Ottoman Empire. It significantly reduced the Ottoman Empire's territory and led to the creation of new countries like Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. After Turkey's resistance, it was replaced with the Treaty of Lausanne (1923).

The harsh penalties of the Treaty of Versailles, specifically the "War Guilt Clause," and the heavy reparations Germany was forced to pay, led to widespread anger and resentment in the German population. German nationalists exploited this discontent, blaming the Treaty of Versailles and the Weimar Republic for their national humiliation.

The peace treaties at the end of World War I were often perceived as being short-sighted and vindictive. They created deep resentment, undermined stability, and helped trigger the rise of extremist ideologies like Nazism.

The peace treaties were designed to re-structure Europe after World War I and prevent future conflicts. However, they were often perceived as too harsh, contributing to a sense of humiliation, instability, and eventually, the outbreak of new conflicts like World War II.

The peace treaties were designed to reinforce international peace and security, but their harshness and unintended consequences ultimately contributed to the rise of extremist ideologies and the outbreak of another world war. They highlighted the challenge of achieving lasting peace through punitive measures and territorial adjustments.

The Munich Putsch, which took place in 1923, involved a failed attempt by Hitler and the Nazi Party to seize power in Germany through a coup d'état.

The Nazi Party, under Adolf Hitler's leadership, came to power in Germany in 1933. The initial consolidation of this power occurred during the period between 1933 and 1934. This involved consolidating their own power in the government and establishing a totalitarian regime.

Hitler and the Nazis were able to rapidly consolidate their power due to a combination of factors, including the use of terror and repression, the implementation of propaganda, and the provision of benefits to the public. These factors allowed them to gain control of the German government and silence opposition.

Nazi ideology was a blend of nationalism, elitism, anti-Semitism, and a belief in the supremacy of the Aryan race. This ideology, used as propaganda, provided a framework for the Nazis to justify their actions and gain support from the population.

The propaganda campaigns employed by the Nazis were crucial to their rise to power. They utilized various methods, including radio broadcasts, mass rallies, and controlled media, to spread their message and reach a large audience.

The use of terror and repression was a cornerstone of the Nazi regime. The Gestapo, the Nazi secret police, was responsible for terrorizing and eliminating opposition, creating fear and obedience among the German people.

The 'carrot' side of Nazi control involved providing benefits to the public and creating a sense of belonging. This included economic measures like welfare, unemployment benefits, government buyouts of farmers' produce, and social initiatives like 'Strength Through Joy.'

The 'stick' side of Nazi control included the use of terror and repression. The Nazis employed the SS and concentration camps to eliminate opposition and instill fear, ensuring compliance and unwavering support from the population.

A powerful Nazi official who controlled all media, including radio, newspapers, and education. He also established a cult of personality around Hitler.

Creating a false image of a leader as a hero, often through propaganda and media manipulation. This was a key strategy used by the Nazi regime to glorify Hitler.

A group of people who followed Nazi ideology and were responsible for the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Heinrich Himmler created the SS and heavily relied on propaganda to enhance its reputation. It was a tool for the 'racial hygiene' and brutal persecution of Jews, Roma, and other groups.

The political police force in Nazi Germany responsible for persecution and systematic killing of Jews and others.

Rudolf Hess was a high-ranking Nazi Party official who served as Hitler's deputy. He was responsible for editing Mein Kampf and was known for his strong speeches and loyalty.

The Nazi party's paramilitary wing. It was instrumental in consolidating Nazi power through violence and intimidation.

The Nazi regime enforced a specific ideal for women, focusing on motherhood and domestic roles. This included discouraging women from working outside the home and promoting traditional gender roles, often through rewards and incentives like the "Motherhood Cross."

Women were encouraged to have large families and were rewarded for having many children. The 'Motherhood Cross' medal was given to mothers who had multiple children, incentivizing women to produce more children for the Nazi state.

The Nazi regime removed women from many positions in the civil service and other workplaces, pushing them towards domestic roles and limiting their career opportunities.

The Nazi regime encouraged traditional gender roles, believing women should prioritize being mothers and homemakers. This involved discouraging women from pursuing higher education and careers, thus limiting their opportunities.

The Nazis ostracized women who did not fit their ideal, including those who chose to pursue careers or were critical of the regime. This exclusionary attitude was rooted in the Nazi ideology of a traditional family structure and societal roles.

A paramilitary organization in Nazi Germany, primarily responsible for street violence and intimidation. They were loyal to Hitler and his ideology, and played a significant role in the rise of the Nazi Party.

The elite, highly trained, and fiercely loyal paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party. They were responsible for carrying out Hitler's orders, including the Holocaust, concentration camps, and the Night of the Long Knives.

A night of political assassinations in 1934, ordered by Hitler to eliminate his rivals in the SA (Sturmabteilung). This event solidified Hitler's power and marked the beginning of his dictatorship.

A strategy used by the Nazi regime to control the flow of information and shape public opinion. This included censorship, propaganda, and control over media outlets.

A core element of Nazi rule, using fear and violence to enforce conformity and suppress dissent. Techniques included intimidation, arrests, torture, and executions.

A brutal and systematic campaign of extermination of Jews and other minorities by the Nazi regime, carried out through concentration camps and mass killings.

The systematic removal of books and materials deemed anti-Nazi by the regime, used to control the flow of information and suppress opposing ideas.