PAPER 3 REVISION GUIDE

Weimar and Nazi Germany

1919 - 1939

2

Topics for revision Red Amber Green Ready?

1. Weimar Republic, 1918-1929:Legacy of WWI:

Abdication of the KaiserArmistice

Revolution 1918-19 Treaty of Versailles, 1919 Unpopularity of the Versailles TreatyPolitical threats:

The Sparacists Revolt The Freikorps Kapp Putsch, 1920

Challenges of 1923: Hyperinflation Invasion of the Ruhr Impact of the Treaty of Versailles Economic recovery: Stresemann’s ‘Golden Age’ Retentmark Dawes Plan Young Plan Changes in standard of living (Wages and housing etc)Cultural changes: Changes in position of women (politics and leisure) Architecture Art Cinema

2. Hitler’s Rise to Power, 1919-1923Early years of the Nazi Party, 1919-20: Early growth and features of the party The 25 point programme Role of the SAMunich Putsch, 1921: Causes of the Putsch Events of the Munich Putsch Consequences Limited support, 1924-28: Party reorganisation Mein Kampf Bamberg Conference, 1926 Growth of unemployment and Communism Weimar government reactionsSupport for the Nazi Party: Appeal of Hitler Nazi propaganda The work of the SAPolitical developments, 1932: Hindenburg Bruning Von Papen Von Schleicher

3. Nazi Control and Dictatorship, 1933-39 The Reichstag Fire The Enabling ActThreat from Rohm and the SA:

Timeline of key events:

1918 The Armistice is signedKaiser Wilhelm II abdicates

1919 Treaty of Versailles is signedWeimar Constitution established with Ebert as PresidentSpartacist Uprising

1920 Kapp Putsch 1923 French occupation of the Ruhr

Hyperinflation beginsMunich PutschStresemann becomes Chancellor

1924 Dawes Plan1925 Locarno Pact

Hitler’s autobiography ‘Mein Kampf’ is published1926 Bamberg Conference

Germany gains membership to the League of Nations1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact1929 Young plan

Wall Street Crash and start of the ‘Great Depression’1932 National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) becomes largest

political party in the Reichstag1933 Hitler becomes Chancellor

Reichstag FireEnabling Act passedThe Gestapo (secret police) is establishedConcordat with Catholic ChurchPeople asked to boycott Jewish shops

1934 Night of the Long KnivesDeath of Hindenburg – Hitler becomes Fuhrer

1935 The Nuremberg Laws passed1936 Berlin Olympics1938 Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass)

1. The Weimar Republic, 1918-1929

3

End of WWI:

WWI was long, bloody and expensive – Germany was left in a poor state. Between 1914-18, 2 million Germans died and over 4 million wounded. The German government’s debt tripled to 150 billion marks. A British blockade on German ports led to food shortages – 750,000 died. On 9th November 1918 – Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated.

The Treaty of Versailles, 1919:

28th June 1919 – the Treaty of Versailles was signed. Germany was not allowed to attend the meetings.

Terms of the treaty:o Article 231 (‘War Guilt Clause’) - Germany took blame for the waro Reduction in armed forces – army limited to 100,000 men, no aircraft or

submarines.o Reparations – set at £6.6 billion to pay for the damage of WWI.o Loss of colonies – colonies confiscated or given independence.o Rhineland demilitarised - placed under League of Nations control.o Saarland and Alsace-Lorraine returned to France.

Reactions to the Treaty:

Germans called the treaty a ‘Diktat’ and blamed Weimar government. Some felt Germany could have won WWI and it was a ‘stab in the back’. Payment of reparations and loss of industrial areas created economic problems in

Germany for years. Many Germans feared invasion due to reduction in the armed forces. International relations were low - they weren’t in the League of Nations. Treaty caused resentment to the new Republic and its politicians – the ‘November

Criminals’.

The Weimar Constitution:

The newly elected National Assembly met in Weimar to create a new constitution. Their new rules included:

o Everyone over the age of 21 could vote.o People voted for MPs who sat in the Reichstag.o The Reichstag could make laws.o Chancellor was head of the Reichstag and voted for every 4 years.o The President (elected every 7 years) was in charge of the country, controlled

the army and chose the Chancellor.

4

Head of State:

President

Elected by all people every 7 years

Chose the chancellor

Chancellor Cabinet

Head of Govt. Made all the decisions

Strengths WeaknessesVery fair, particularly the voting – most democratic country.

Proportional representation meant lots of different parties in the Reichstag.

Allowed people to have their say in State governments and local issues.

Article 48 – President could make laws without the Reichstag. President could abuse this power.

Checks and balances – doesn’t allow one person to have too much power.

State governments could pass laws that went against the Reichstag.

A poor Chancellor or President would be in office for a limited time.

Strengths and weakness of the Weimar Constitution:

Challenges to Weimar from the left and right:

The Spartacist Revolt, 1919:

When? - 1st January 1919 Who? - The Communist Party revolt (left-wing) Why? - They wanted Germany to be a communist country – they didn’t want a

democracy. What happened? - The communists took over the governments newspapers and

other important building. Response? - The government sent in the Freikorps (ex-WWI soldiers) – they stopped

the revolt and killed the leaders. Consequence? - This made the Weimar government look weak to the public – the

only reason they won was the Freikorps.

The Kapp Putsch, 1920:

When? - March 1920 Who? – The Freikorps (right-wing)

5

Parliament: Made up of two houses Reichstag and Reichsrat

Directly elected every four years. The Reichstag was more powerful.

Elected by all men and women over the age of 21.

Why? – The Weimar government was going to get rid of the Freikorps – they were not happy and thought they should run the country instead.

What happened? – 5,000 Freikorps took control of Berlin Response? – The government asked the army to stop them but they were too

scared. The German workers did not want the Freikorps to rule so they went on strike. Kapp ran away and the revolt failed.

Consequence? – This made the government look even weaker to the public – if the workers hadn’t gone on strike the Putsch would have been successful.

The Challenges of 1923:

Inflation and Hyperinflation:

The war had cost millions of marks and the Treaty of Versailles demanded reparations and Germany lost their industrial areas.

This led to many businesses closing, high unemployment and no way of Germany making money.

The government decided to solve the problem they would print more money which resulted in hyperinflation.

Positive effects Negative effectsFarmed benefitted as they were paid more for goods

Prices rose very quickly. Bread prices could double in the space of one day.

Wages rose (but not as much as prices) People could not afford food like bread – many people starved.

Poor people who had debts could easily pay them off

Businesses went bankrupt and people lost their jobs

Those with fixed rents for rooms or shops were much better off

Savings became worthless. People hated the Weimar government

At the end of 1923, Weimar faced many problems. However, by 1929, Germany’s problems all seemed to be solved and the economy was recovering.

6

The Recovery of the Republic, 1924-29:

Stresemann’s strategy:

Stresemann was appointed Chancellor and foreign secretary in 1923. What did he do?:

1) Hyperinflation – he stopped printing more money and created a new currency (Rentenmark) backed by Germany’s gold reserve.

o Did it work? The new German currency was trusted both at home and abroad. The

economy was stronger for recovery and hyperinflation ended. People had lost their savings and never got them back.

2) French occupation of the Ruhr– he ended passive resistance, met with French, British and American leaders: Dawes Plan, 1924 – reorganised reparation payments and USA loaned

Germany money. Young Plan, 1929 – reduced reparation amount owed by Germany.

o Did it work? French troops left the Ruhr and they could afford reparations Germany had to keep paying reparations until 1988. They relied heavily on USA – if they wanted their money back Germany

would be in a lot of economic trouble.3) Other countries didn’t trust Germany:

Locarno Pact, 1925 – Germany, Britain, France and Belgium promised not to invade one another.

1926 – Germany becomes a member of the League of Nations Kellogg-Briand Pact, 1928 – Germany (and 64 other countries) agree not to

go to war unless in self-defence.o Did it work?

Germany became a major European power again Some Germans said they should have asked for land back.

4) The Germany economy– he received loans from America (Dawes and Young plans), built new factories, housing, hospitals and schools, giving more jobs for Germans to earn money

o Did it work? Slowly, Germany became richer. Some called it a ‘golden age’. Berlin had new nightclubs, galleries and beer halls. Still relied on USA loans – could led to problems if they want their money

back.

Changes in Society, 1924-29:

Changes to Standard of Living:

7

Living standards suffered as a result of economic problems in 1918-23. However, there were gradual social improvements after 1924 – many funded by the

Weimar government:1. Unemployment Insurance Act, 1927- unemployment and sickness benefits.2. Work and wages – working conditions improved, the length of the working

week shortened and real wages rose by 25%. 3. Housing- in 1925, 15% rent tax introduced to fund building associations to

tackle housing shortages – crisis was eased by 1928.4. Other improvements – Help for veterans (1920 Reich Pension Law), education

improved with an increase of students in higher education.

Changes for women:

Cultural changes:

Criticism of the government – even songs and books mention sex were allowed. Berlin became a thriving centre of the arts – over 120 newspapers and 40 theatres. Throughout the 1920s – Berlin challenged Paris as cultural capital of Europe – with

new significant developments in paintings, cinema, architecture, design and theatre. This did not help the reputation of the Weimar Republic – in the eyes of the right-

wing (eg. Nazis), it was undermining traditional German values.

8

Women in politics:

Women were given the vote.

Article 190 stated women had equal rights.

Marriage was an equal partnership.

Women should be able to enter all professions.

Women at leisure:

Rise of ‘new women’. Young, unmarried women

living in cities with job opportunities.

Women had greater social independence.

Women in work:

Booming retain and service sectors produced lots of part-time jobs

Professions like education and medicine saw rise in numbers of female workers.

Women at work:

In some ways, back to pre-war conditions and didn’t get equal treatment.

Paid less on average. Expected to give up work once

married. Fewer entered high-status jobs.

Society divided:

Some women were frightened of the changes. Some men said that ‘new women’ threatened the role of men in

society. Conservatives said they should focus on being wives and mothers. Some blamed economic instability on women upsetting the labour

market.

2. Hitler’s Rise to Power, 1919-1933

Early years of the Nazi Party, 1920-22:

Setting up the NSDAP:

9

19th September 1919 – Hitler joins the German Worker’s Party (DAP) Hitler had begun to take control and opposed:

o The Weimar Politicians who accepted the Treaty of Versailleso Democracy as they believed it was weako The Jews as they were blamed for undermining the German economy

Party policies: the 25 Point Programme (examples):1) Union of all Germans in a ‘Greater Germany’2) Equality of rights for German people in its dealings with other countries3) Land and colonies to feed the German people4) Only those with German blood are members of the nation5) The State’s primary role is to encourage work and livelihood of its citizens

Hitler used five parts to take over the Nazi Party:1) Hitler’s personal appeal – Hitler’s appeal was vital to attracting support. His

speeches were very persuasive. He had publicity photos and paintings produced.

2) Party policies - The 25-point programme3) Party organisation – Hitler renamed the DAP to the NSDAP which helped gain

support. By 1920, the NSDAP brought a newspaper (the ‘People’s Observer).4) Party leadership – Rudolf Hess (Hitler’s Deputy), Hermann Goering (WWI

pilot), Julius Streicher (publisher of Nazi newspaper ‘The Stormer’) and Ernst Rohm (ex-army officer).

5) The Sturmabteilung (SA) – Hitler used them to keep control of the party. Formed in 1921, many members were unemployed ex-soldiers. By 1922, there was 800 SA members.

The Munich Putsch, 1923:

When? - 8th November 1923 Who? – Hitler and the Nazi Party Why? – Hated the Weimar Republic for the Treaty of Versailles, hyperinflation at

reached its peak in 1923, French troops had entered the Ruhr and Weimar appeared weak against foreign nations.

What happened? – Hitler and 600 SA members burst into the Bavarian League meeting. Hitler demanded the leaders of Bavaria support him (they agree reluctantly and withdrew support later). Hitler, Ludendorff, Goering, Rohm and Streicher marched on the town centre to declare Hitler as President of Germany.

Response? – The army officers remained loyal to Weimar and ended the Putsch. Consequences? – Hitler, Rohm, Ludendorff and Streicher were all arrested.

o 14 Nazi supporters were killed. o Hitler realised he need a new strategy to gain power - violent uprising failed.o Hitler wrote ‘Mein Kampf’ in prison, which contained his political ideas.o The ban on the NSDAP was lifted in Feb 1925.

10

o Hitler used his trial to get national publicity for his views.

The lean years of the Nazi Party, 1924-28:

Mein Kampf:

Hitler believed the Aryan race was superior and destined to rule the world. He believed Jews weaken the Aryan race by intermarriage and taking over German

industry and moderate political parties such as the SPD (Social Democrat Party) Hitler’s other views:

o Nationalism – reviving the power of Germany by abolishing the Treaty of Versailles and gaining Lebensraum (living space) for Germany.

o Socialism – wealth of industry and land should benefit German working people, not rich landowners.

o Totalitarianism – getting rid of democracy preferably one leader who organised everything for the benefit of the German people

o Traditional German values – strong family values, work ethic and traditional male/female roles

Party reorganisation, 1924-28:

Hitler released from prison in Dec 1924 after serving 9 months. The ban on the NSDAP was lifted in Feb 1925 – Hitler relaunched the NSDAP. To gain power legally through political means Hitler reorganised the party:

o Headquarters – party was organised like a mini state, with Hitler as the leader and all departments of government.

o Creation of a national Nazi Party – Strasser became powerful in North Germany, Goebbels rose prominence in the Rhineland.

o The SA – By 1930, it had 400,000 members. In 1925, Hitler replaced Rohm as leader and set up the SS.

Bamberg Conference, 1926:

By early 1926, local sections were creating a spilt in the Nazi Party:o The north areas supported socialism and focused on benefitting workers.o The southern areas emphasised nationalism wanting a strong German state.

Hitler called a national conference to address the spilt in Bamberg Impacts:

o Hitler’s control was now clear – Goebbels was promoted and Strasser pledged loyalty to Hitler.

o The ‘socialist’ principles were weakened giving Hitler more freedom.

Limited support, 1923-29:

11

By 1929, the Nazi Party had over 100,000 members but extreme parties had limited support as:

1) Stresemann’s new currency, the Dawes and Young Plan, inflation eased and employment increased. Leading to German economic stability.

2) The Locarno Pact, membership of the League of Nations and Kellogg-Briand Pact gave Germany higher status in the world.

3) In 1925, Hindenburg becomes President – increased support for Weimar.4) The NSDAP had little support from working classes. In 1928, the Nazi Party only

won 1% of votes in Berlin.

Growth in Nazi support, 1929-32:

The Wall Street Crash, 1929:

In October 1929, share prices began to fall in the stock exchange in America. This crash led to a banking crisis in Germany – German industries and farms had to

cut back production or close down which led to the economy collapsing. Effects in Germany:

o Unemployment – industry and farms closed leading to lack of jobs and unemployed became poorer.

By 1933, 6 million workers were unemployed. Government were unable to pay unemployment benefits Savings were lost so people couldn’t fall back on these Taxes were increased and employers cut wages Many people couldn’t afford their rent and homeless increased

o Rise in support for KPD and NSDAP - moderate parties failed to deal with the Great Depression, people turned to the extreme parties:

KPD gained support as unemployment kept increasing and wages were falling. The working-class saw the KPD as defending their jobs and wages against employers and landowners.

NSDAP support by the middle and upper classes as Hitler was seen as the best defence against the communists.

Why did people support the Nazis?

In Hitler, people saw a strong leader who promised to restore law and order and force other countries to abolish the Treaty of Versailles

Big business – Hitler persuaded businessmen that the Nazi Party was protection from the communists. Nazi finances benefitted businesses.

Working-class – the Nazis supported traditional German values to create a stronger Germany. The Nazis promised ‘work and bread’ to the working-class.

Middle-class – the Great Depression meant loss of savings, companies and pensions. Hitler was seen as a strong leader to recover the economy. Nazis offered protection from Communism.

12

Farmers – In 1928, Nazi policy of confiscating all private land from Jews. This reassured farmers as it was a change from the 25 point programmed.

Young people – the Nazi Party was seen as exciting – Hitler’s speeches were stirring and promised more than the traditional parties.

Women – propaganda claimed the NSDAP was best for the country and their families which increasing support from women.

Hitler becomes Chancellor, 1933:

As 1932 began, Weimar was crippled by economic problems. Chancellor Bruning was struggling to make the Republic work effectively.

However, Hitler only won 107 seats (out of 577) in the 1930 election.

Political developments in 1932:

Roles of Hindenburg, Von Schleicher and Von Papen:

Hindenburg never fully supported a republic. He used Article 48, which weakened the Reichstag.

Von Schleicher and Von Papen were right wing who wanted a stronger government. All three underestimated Hitler – they believed they could control the Nazi Party.

3. Nazi control and dictatorship, 1933-1939

From January 1933, Hitler was Chancellor of Germany but power was limited. The Weimar Constitution still controlled what they Chancellor could do

The Reichstag Fire, February 1933:

27th February 1933, a fire destroyed the Reichstag building.

13

A young Dutch Communist, van der Lubbe, was caught and executed. Hitler and Goering used the fire as an opportunity to attack the communists. 4,000 communists were arrested on 27th Feb 1933. Hitler pressured Hindenburg into declaring a state of emergency. Hitler used the March 1933 election to gain more seats in the Reichstag – Nazis now

had 288 seats – this was crucial, Hitler had enough votes to change the constitution.

The Enabling Act, March 1933:

Hitler proposed the Enabling Act to the Reichstag. The Enabling Act stated:

o The Reich Cabinet could pass news lawso These laws could overrule the constitution of the Weimar Republico The laws would be proposed by the Chancellor – Hitler

This changed the Weimar constitution, giving Hitler the right to make laws for four years without consent of the Reichstag.

March 1933 – Enabling Act was passed with 444 votes to 94.

Removing opposition:

Trade Unions:

Hitler believed that communists amongst working men were able to control their trade unions, they could undermine the government eg. Strikes

In May 1933:o Hitler broke into trade union offices all over Germany and arrested officialso Hitler used his new powers to ban trade unions and make strikes illegal

Political parties:

May 1933 – Hitler attacked the SPD (Social Democrat Party) and the KPD (communist) He destroyed their newspapers and confiscated all their funds. July 1933 – Hitler issued a decree making all political parties illegal except the NSDAP.

The Night of Long Knives:

Ernst Rohm and the SA were a threat to Hitler’s one party regime. By 1933, 60% of the SA were unemployed, which made them loyal to Rohm. Rohm opposed Hitler’s policies, as he wanted policies that are more socialist. In 1934 – leaders of the SA warned Hitler Rohm was planning to seize power.

o As a result, Hitler arranged to remove Rohm and the SA as a threat.o 30th June 1934 – Hitler held a meeting with Rohm and 100 other members

who were arrested, imprisoned and shot. Hitler was now acting illegal by murdering his rivals.

Death of Hindenburg:

14

2nd August 1934 – President Hindenburg died. Hitler took over supreme power. Hitler declared himself Fuhrer and forced an oath of loyalty from every soldier in the

army. A plebiscite (vote) was held – 90% of voters supported Hitler becoming Fuhrer

The Police State:

The German State which Hitler created after 1933 was a police state.

Fear of Hitler’s police forces was even more powerful than the forces themselves. There were never more than 30,000 Gestapo to 80 million population.

Concentration camps:

By 1939 - 150,000 people were ‘under protective arrest’ in prisons. To cope with large numbers new prisons were created called concentration camps.

The first concentration camp was opened in Dachau in 1933. Camps were located in isolated areas, away from cities and the publics gaze. The inmates of these camps were:

o ‘Undesirables’ eg. Prostitutes and homosexualso Minority groups eg. Jewso Political prisoners – people who the Nazis feared would undermine them.

Controlling the legal system:

Controlling judges:

Hitler set up the National Socialist League for the Maintenance of the Law – all judges must be members. This ensured that all judges supported Nazi ideas.

Controlling law courts:

Hitler abolished trial by jury – judges decided innocence, guilt and punishments. Hitler set up a new ‘People’s Court’ to hear all cases of treason against the State.

15

SDSecurity Services.

Spied on all people.

Led by Heydrich.

SS Protection Squad.

Black Uniform.Controlled all

Police by 1936.Led by Himmler.

GestapoSecret State

Police.Non uniform.

Persecuted anyone who was remotely

anti-Nazi.Led by Heydrich.

Between 1934 and 1939 – 534 people were sentenced to death for political offences.

Controlling religious views:

The Christian religion was another aspect Hitler set out to control. The Nazis glorified strength and violence and taught racial superiority – Christianity

preached tolerance and respect for all people. The Catholic Church:

o There was conflict between Catholicism and Nazism.o July 1933 – Concordat signed – Hitler agreed freedom of worship for

Catholics. The Church agreed not to interfere in politics.o However, Catholics priests were harassed, arrested and many ended up in

concentration camps. The Protestant Church:

o The Reich Church, 1936 – Protestant priests who supported Hitler were allowed to continue providing Church services.

o Nazis insisted Jews should not be baptised into the Reich Church. Churches in Germany became ‘Nazified’ – Germany was gradually becoming a

totalitarian state.

Controlling and influencing attitudes:

Nazi use of the media:

Newspapers flourished under the Nazis – journalists were told what they could publish. Any that opposed the Nazis were shut down (1,600 in 1934 alone).

After 1933 –all radio stations were under Nazi control and Nazi officials made frequent broadcasts. All were short ranged so they couldn’t pick up foreign stations.

Goebbels used mass rallies in election campaigns – they created a sense of unity and advertised the strength of the Nazi Party and Nazi Germany.

Berlin Olympics, 1936:

o All events were well-organised to demonstrate Nazi efficiency.o Germany won 33 medals – Goebbels hailed this as a success for Nazism.o There was also an element of censorship – The Reich Press Chamber warned

the press not to print information before the official press report.

Nazi control of Culture and the Arts:

September 1933 – Chamber of Culture set up to oversee art, architecture, literature, music, theatre and film to ensure consistency with Nazi ideas.

In 1936 – 12,000 paintings and sculptures were removed from art galleries. The Nazi Party encourage architecture that made Nazi Germany seem powerful.

16

o Albert Speer designed huge buildings to give the impression of power. Music was censored – jazz music was banned. While music which emphasised

German culture was promoted eg. Wagner, Beethoven etc Literature was also censored – no books could be published without permission.

o 2,500 writers were officially banned.o In May 1933 – 20,000 Jewish, communist and anti-Nazi books were burnt.

Opposition, resistance and conformity:

Opposition to the Nazis:

Secret trade union opposition:o KPD encouraged workers to oppose the Nazi.

Youth opposition: o Some young people (eg. Edelweiss Pirates) opposed Nazi youth groups and

Nazi social policies.o All young people were expected to attend Nazi youth groups.o Edelweiss Pirates – teenagers who resented the military discipline of the Nazi

Youth groups. If they came across the Hitler Youth they would taunt or attack them.

o Swing youth – wealthy middle-class who admired American culture. Secret political opposition:

o In 1933, the SPD printed a newspaper ‘Red Shook Troop’, the leaders were arrested and sent to concentration camps.

Church opposition:o Many religious leaders opposed Hitler’s attempt to control religion.o Catholic bishops swore allegiance to the Nazi Regime – Catholic schools and

Churches were closed. o The Pastors’ Emergency League (PEL) 1933 – Niemoller set up to oppose

joining of regional churches. Secret army opposition:

o General Beck led plots to kill Hitler in 1943 and 1944.

4. Life in Nazi Germany, 1933-1939

Nazi views on women and the family:

The Nazis believed women should adopt the traditional role of mother and housewife, while the man provided for the family.

17

Policies towards women:

Women, marriage and the family:

The birth rate was falling in Germany – in 1900, there had been 2 million births a year, by 1933 this had fallen to 1 million.

Nazis were concerned this would mean fewer workers later on, so they made several changes to the law to encourage marriage and childbirth:

o Law for the Encouragment of Marriage, 1933 – Loans worth 1,000 marks, for every child born 25% of the loan was written off.

o Divorce laws – in 1938, if a wife would not (could not) have children if was grounds for divorce

o The Mother’s Cross – Encouraged childbirth. It was an award for the number of children a woman had ( 4/5 children = bronze, 6/7 = silver and 8 = gold).

o Lebensborn (Fountain of Life) – in 1935, provided nurseries and financial aid for women who had SS member’s children.

Women and employment:

Nazi propaganda showed women as wives and mothers and Nazi speeches encouraged women to leave work and become housewives.

From 1933, women were banned from professional jobs (eg. Teachers, doctors). From 1936, no women could be a judge or a lawyer. In 1937, grammar schools for girls which prepared girls for university were banned.

Appearance of women in Nazi Germany:

The Nazis never forced women to look a certain way through legislation. HOWEVER, Nazi propaganda did encourage women to war modest clothes and

discouraged make-up.

18

Impact of Nazi policies towards women:

By the end of the 1930s – German industry was expanding so fast that women were needed to return to work.

Some policies were reversed. In 1937, women with marriage loans were allowed work. Some women were persuaded by Nazi views – fewer women went to university, birth

rate increased and unemployment amongst men fell.

Nazi policies towards the young:

Nazi aims for the young:

All young Germans should be brought up to be proud of Germany. All boys should be strong and healthy to do productive work for German economy. All girls should be strong and healthy to be strong wives and mothers. All young Germans should support the Nazi Party. In 1933, Hitler banned almost all youth groups apart from Nazi groups. March 1939 – it was compulsory for all German youths to join Nazi youth groups

from the age of 10, only ‘unwanted’ minority groups (eg. Jews) were omitted.

The Hitler Youth:

Nazi groups were segregated (separate groups for girls and boys). Primarily, the Hitler Youth was a political group:

o Members swore an oath of loyalty to the Fuhrer.o Hitler Youth members had to report anyone, even teachers and parents, who

were disloyal to the Nazis. o Hitler hoped to build a constant supply of citizens who support the Nazis.

Physical, character and military training: o Regular camping and hiking expeditions.o Members practised skills useful to troops, such as map-reading and signalling. o By 1938, 1.2 million boys in the Hitler Youth were being trained in small-arms

shooting. o Activities stressed the need for comradeship and loyalty, but also competition

and ruthlessness.

League of German Maidens:

Girls aged between 14 - 21 year olds were in the BDM (League of German Maidens) There were political activities, just like the boys, including rallies and oaths of

loyalty to Hitler. There were also physical and character building activities, eg. Camping. Unlike the boys, they didn’t receive any military training. Instead girls were trained

to cook, iron, make beds, sew and prepare to be a housewife.

19

Girls were also taught ‘racial hygiene’ – they should keep the German race ‘pure’ by only marrying Aryan men.

Nazi control over education:

Hitler wanted the young to be the long-term security of the Third Reich. Bernhard Rust (Education Minister) used schools to control German youths’ views. April 1933 – all teachers had to swear oath of loyalty to Hitler and joining the Nazi

Teachers’ League. The Nazi Teachers’ League ran educational course for teachers setting out the Nazi

ideas that teachers should support. By 1939, over 200,000 teachers had attended. Control over the curriculum:

o New subjects were added (Eg. Race studies) – taught that Aryans were superior and they should not marry inferior races such as Jews.

o The amount of PE and sport doubled to create strong soldiers and mothers. o Curriculum was different for boys and girls eg. Domestic sciences for girls.

Employment:

Reducing unemployment:

In 1933, about 25% (5 million) of Germans were unemployed so Hitler wanted to reduce it for two reasons:

1. Unemployment was a political threat to Hitler, they may support communists2. Nazis believed unemployed were a waste of resources and burden on society.

By 1939, unemployment had fallen to about half a million people.

The Labour Service (RAD):

The National Labour Service (RAD) provided work for the unemployed. RAD was focused on public works (eg. roads) – the projects were good for Germany. In 1935, it was made compulsory for all young men to serve 6 months in the RAD.

o Total number of RAD workers in 1935 was 422,000. The RAD was not popular, it was organised like the army – workers wore uniforms,

lived in camps and did military drill. o Rates of pay were low and some complained of working conditions.

Autobahns:

Nazis planned a 7,000 mile network of dual-carriageway roads to improve transport. By 1935 – 125,000 men were employed building the motorways. The autobahn project was just one example of Nazi public work schemes.

Rearmament:

20

The Treaty of Versailles had limited the army to 100,000 men. Hitler defied this and by 1939 - 1,360,000 men were in the German armed forces.

Government spending on arms increased to 26 million marks – this caused a big jump in employment. For example in 1933, 4,000 people were employed in the arms industry. By 1935, this had grown to 72,000.

Invisible unemployment:

Some historians argue the Nazis didn’t really reduce unemployment. The Nazis found ways to reduce the recorded number of people unemployed.

o Women and Jews who may have wanted jobs were forced to give up work. o Men who would have been unemployed were found jobs in the RAD.o People who worked part-time were counted as fully employed.

Living standards:

Wages:

The wages of German workers improved under the Nazis. In 1934, wages were 6% higher, by 1939, wages were 20% higher than in 1933. However, the price of goods rose – low earners had to use extra wages to cover the

higher costs of essentials, like food. o While high earners could afford the extra cost and buy luxury goods.

The Labour Front (DAF):

After Hitler banned trade unions in 1933, he set up the DAF. The DAF set out to protect workers’ rights by creating:

21

o Maximum length of the working week o Minimum pay level

The role of DAF was to control both employers and employees. This was to ensure businesses worked for the interest of the State, not the workers.

Strength through Joy (KdP):

In 1933, the Nazis set up the KdP to improve the standard of living of workers. KdP improved the benefits of work was to provide leisure activities including sports

events, films, theatre shows, outings and foreign travel. By 1936, there were 35 million members of the KdP.

Beauty of Labour (SdA):

Campaigned to get employers to provide better facilities for workers (eg. better canteens).

By 1938 – Nazi Party claimed nearly 34,000 companies had improved conditions. HOWEVER, it was common employers would expect workers to complete these

improvements after work and for no extra pay.

Persecution of minorities:

Nazis believed that the German population needed to be strong – this affected their policies in eugenics and racial hygiene.

Eugenics – the Science of selective breeding – encouraged reproduction by the ‘best’ Germans and prevented those considered ‘unsuitable’.

Racial hygiene – the idea that Aryan Germans should only reproduce with other Aryans. They also passed laws to prevent mixed-race marriages.

Hitler’s views:

In 1925 – Hitler set out his racial views in ‘Mein Kampf’. He believed the Aryans were a superior race, while other races (eg. slavs) were sub-

human. These beliefs affected Nazi policies.

Treatment of minorities:

Slavs – the Nazis threatened to invade Slav countries for Lebensraum (living space). Gypsies – after 1933, they were arrested as social nuisances and sent to

concentration camps. In 1939, orders were given to prepare gypsies for deportation from Germany.

Homosexuals – Nazis believed they had lower moral standards and spoiled the purity of the German race. 5,000 German homosexuals died in concentration camps.

Disabled – Nazis believed they were a burden on society. In 1933, Hitler passed the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring, making it compulsory for disabled people to be sterilised. By 1939 – 400,000 people were sterilised.

22

Persecution of the Jews:

Persecution begins (1933):

From April 1933 - Jews were banned from government jobs and Jewish civil servants were sacked.

Sept 1933 - Jews were banned from inheriting land. May 1935 – Jews were banned from the army. Nazis who controlled local councils began to follow the lead of the Nazi government:

o From 1934, some councils banned Jews from parks and swimming pools. o Others provided separate yellow park benches for Jews.

Boycott of Jewish shops and businesses (1933) – 30th March 1933 – Nazi Party announced that an official boycott of all Jewish businesses, doctors and lawyers.

The Nuremberg Laws (1935):

The Reich Law of Citizenship – Jews became German ‘subjects’, not citizens. Jews lost their rights of citizenship, voting and hold a German passport.

The Reich Law for the Protection of German Blood and Honour – banned Jews from marrying German citizens.

From 1938, Jews had to register all their possessions to make it easier for the government to confiscate them.

July 1938 onwards, Jews had to carry identity cards, making it easier to be persecuted.

Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass):

When? - 9-10th November 1938 Who? – Polish Jew (Herschel Grynszpan) shot a German (Ernst von Rath) in Paris.

Goebbels used this to stir up trouble against the Jews in Germany. Why? – Grynszpan was angry at the Germans for how they had treated his parents. What happened? – Goebbels ordered local papers to condemn the shooting. He also

used the SA, SS and Gestapo to attack synagogues and Jewish houses.o Gangs smashed and burned Jewish property and attacked Jews. o The SA and Hitler Youth didn’t wear uniforms so they looked like the general

public. o Official figures – 814 shops, 171 homes and 191 synagogues were destroyed. o The damage was so bad it became known as the Night of Broken Glass.

Consequence? – Goebbels blamed the Jews for starting the trouble and announced they would be punished:

o Jews were fined 1 billion marks to pay for the damage. o By 12th Nov 1938 – 20,000 Jews had been sent to concentration camps.

23

How to get top marks in Paper 3 - structuring your answers:

Assessment Objectives:

AO1: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods studied

A02: Explain and analyse historical events and periods using second-order historical concepts (change and consequence, similarities and differences etc)

A03: Analyse, evaluate and use sources to make substantiated judgements, in the context of historical events

A04: Analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations (including how and why interpretations may differ)

Question structure:

Q1. Give two things you can infer…………….. (4 marks):

One thing I can infer is….

Detail in the source that tell me this is…….

Q2. Explain why............ (12 marks):

Q3(a). How useful are Sources A and B for an enquiry into…………….(8 marks):

24

x 2

(A01/A02) Explain why something has happened

Explain why using the second stimulus point. Use PEEL to structure this paragraph

Explain why using the first stimulus point. Use PEEL to structure this paragraph

Explain why using your own knowledge. Use PEEL to structure this

paragraph

(AO3) Supported evaluation of source material“How useful is source A”

Detailed and specific own knowledge of the historical period and context of the sources

Nature/Origin/Purpose/ Audience of source material – source provenance

Q3(b). Study Interpretations X and Y, what is the main differences between these views…………….(4 marks):

Q3(c). Suggest one reason why interpretation X and Y give different views….. (4 marks):

Q3(d): How far do you agree with Interpretation 1…….. (16 marks + 4 SPaG)

25

How far do you agree with interpretation 1? Explain your reasons.

2-3 line introduction – What do both interpretations say? Which do you agree with most?

Content of the source - Well selected quotations/details of the source x 2

Identify a difference between two

interpretations.

Detail and quote from Interpretation 1 to show a difference.

Identify a difference in emphasis, opinion, view between the two

interpretations

Detail and quote from Interpretation 2 to show a difference.

(AO3) Supported evaluation of source material“How useful is source A”

Detail and quote from one source to show support for one interpretation.

Detail and quote from second source to show support for the other interpretation.

Top tips for revision!

1. Planning – be organised, make a realistic plan/timetable and stick to it!2. Be realistic – split revision in sections of 45 minutes, and allow yourself a

10 minute break in between (you will be more productive than if you try to do it in solid blocks of time)

3. Be purposeful – don’t give up – even a mountain of work gets smaller once you get started!

4. Support each other – if you can find someone to revise with and test each other it can be a big help.

5. Ask your teacher for advice – they will have questions you can have a go at or just for general tips and suggestions

26

PEEL paragraph that explains why the other interpretation

was not chosen (using detailed own knowledge)

PEEL paragraph that compares the two interpretations to show why one was chosen (using detailed knowledge)

PEEL paragraph that supports the given interpretation (you

MUST use your own knowledge)

Conclusion: answer the question and make your overall judgement on how far you agree (somewhat, not at all, completely) and explain why