Weimar Republic and Rise of Nazi Germany

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary promise made by Adolf Hitler that related to Germany's post-World War I obligations?

To maintain the Weimar Republic

To put an end to reparations (correct)

To strengthen Germany's ties with the Allies

To increase war reparations

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the Weimar Republic?

Women's suffrage

Totalitarian regime (correct)

Democratic government

Bill of rights

What impact did hyperinflation have on the German middle class during the Weimar Republic?

It wiped out their savings (correct)

It allowed them to purchase assets cheaply

It made them significantly wealthier

It had no impact on their savings

What was one of the first actions Hitler took after becoming Chancellor in 1933?

To establish the Gestapo Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to Hitler's government that he called the Third Reich?

Fascist state Signup and view all the answers

What significant treaty did Hitler violate by rearming Germany?

Treaty of Versailles Signup and view all the answers

What were the Nuremberg Laws primarily designed to do?

Promote anti-Semitic policies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT an accomplishment of Adolf Hitler during his rule?

Decreased military spending Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the cultural policies implemented by the Nazi regime?

Glorified German artists and myths Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Hitler's view on Christianity?

He believed it was weak and combined sects into a single church Signup and view all the answers

What action did Hitler take after signing the Nazi-Soviet Pact?

Invaded Poland within a week Signup and view all the answers

Which country did Germany conquer early in WWII, leading to a rapid advancement of Axis powers?

Norway Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Western powers' policy of appeasement?

Strengthened Hitler’s resolve to expand German territory Signup and view all the answers

Which event directly preceded the start of WWII?

Invasion of Poland by Nazi forces Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main objectives of the Nazi-Soviet Pact?

To divide Eastern Europe between Germany and the Soviet Union Signup and view all the answers

What significant territorial claim did Hitler achieve in 1938?

Unification with Austria Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant action taken by the United States in response to Axis aggression in 1941?

Passed the Lend-Lease Act to aid Axis foes Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the beginning of Germany's significant military campaign against the Soviet Union?

June 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the total war effort implemented by the Allies?

Regulation of wages and prices Signup and view all the answers

What resulted from the Battle of Stalingrad?

Encirclement and defeat of German troops Signup and view all the answers

Which conference involved leaders Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin discussing post-war plans?

Yalta Conference Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor?

It prompted the U.S. to declare war on Japan Signup and view all the answers

How did women's roles change during the war?

They took on roles in factories and military operations Signup and view all the answers

What led to the internment of Japanese descent citizens in the U.S. and Canada during the war?

Racial prejudice and security fears Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Weimar Republic

Germany established a parliamentary democracy after WWI
Included women's suffrage and a bill of rights
Faced severe economic problems (war reparations, hyperinflation, worthless currency)
Middle class savings were wiped out

Rise of Nazi Germany

Adolf Hitler became German chancellor in 1933
Quickly became dictator of a fascist state
Promised to end reparations, create jobs, and rearm Germany
Accomplishments:
- Called his government the Third Reich
- Implemented public works programs
- Rearmed Germany, violating the Treaty of Versailles
- Established a totalitarian regime
- Suppressed opposition using the Gestapo (secret police)
- Implemented anti-Semitic policies (Nuremberg Laws, deprivation of Jewish citizenship, restrictions on Jews)
- Indoctrinated German youth
- Rewrote textbooks to reflect Nazi racial views
- Limited women's roles
- Encouraged "pure-blooded Aryan" women to have many children
- Purged German culture of "corrupt influences" (denounced modern art, jazz)
- Glorified German artists and myths

Hitler's View on Christianity

Considered Christianity "weak"
Combined Protestant sects into a single state church
Clergy responses varied; some supported the regime, others remained silent, and some opposed it.

World War II

Many events occurred in the lead up to WWII.
The Nazi-Soviet Pact was a peace agreement between Hitler and Stalin
September 1939: Germany invaded Poland, marking the beginning of WWII
Nazi forces launched a blitzkrieg (lightning war) against Poland in September 1939
Stalin invaded Poland from the east
Germany conquered several European countries (Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, France) in early 1940.
Britain, under Winston Churchill, resisted Hitler's bombing raids.
Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941; the US declared war on Japan four days later.
The Allies controlled production, government rationed goods, and increased press censorship.
Allies won battles of the Coral Sea and Midway using aircraft carriers.
General Dwight Eisenhower led Allied forces trapped Rommel's army, leading to Rommel's surrender in May 1943.
The Soviet Union fought against Germany
The Battle of Stalingrad was a major turning point
The Battle of the Bulge was a final German attack that marked the decline of German resistance.
The Yalta Conference was a meeting of Allied leaders to plan the post-war world
Allied Forces invaded Sicily. Mussolini was overthrown
The Soviet Union pushed through Eastern Europe.
Allied armies invaded Western Europe.

Acts of Aggression and Responses

Key events of acts of aggression and responses are included in the provided study guide.

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Description

Explore the significant events that shaped Germany during the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazi Germany. This quiz covers the establishment of democracy post-WWI, economic struggles, and the transformation into a totalitarian regime under Adolf Hitler. Test your knowledge on key policies, societal changes, and the impact of fascism.