2.3 Germany from democracy to dictatorship (1)

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• Leerjaar 3

2.3 Germany, Democracy to Dictatorship

The Weimar Republic

Goals

• In this paragraph you will learn which political problems formed in Germany.
  
• In this paragraph you will learn which economic problems formed.
  
• In this paragraph you will learn how Hitler rose to power.
  
• In this paragraph you will learn how Germany became a totalitarian dictatorship.
  
• Characteristic aspect: the racist and totalitarian character of national socialism.

Word Duty

KEY WORDS

Interbellum: the period between the two world wars (i.e. between 1918 and 1939) 

fascism: nationalist and authoritarian political ideology founded by Mussolini 

censorship: prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.

totalitarian state: a state with a centralized government that is dictatorial and controls every part of people's lives

Weimar Republic: name now used for Germany from 1919 to 1933 

Universal suffrage: every citizen above the age of 18 is allowed to vote (algemeen kiesrecht)

Nazi Party: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, abbreviated NSDAP; German political party led by Hitler 

National Socialism: political ideology of the Nazi Party 

Brownshirts: private militia of Hitler, officially called the S.A. (Sturm Abteilung)

coup: overthrowing the government, seizing power by force (German: Putsch)

anti-semitism: hatred towards jews

Germany: The Weimar Republic

After the war, Germany faced many problems. It had to deal with reparations, the fact that the emperor had fled to the Netherlands and that the country was on the brink of chaos. In 1919, an uprising was led by the Spartakists. They were supported by Lenin and wanted to turn Germany into a communist state. Though the government broke up the rebellion using the Freikorps (see next video), this uprising revealed Germany’s vulnerability.

In July 1919, Germany became a democracy with universal suffrage, a parliament and a president. The name of the State was still Deutsches Reich, but was unofficially called Weimar Republic. But the leaders of the young republic could not end the political unrest. The main cause for it was that many Germans, including politicians, hated the Treaty of Versailles. They felt humiliated because of the loss of territory, the high amount of reparations and the derogation of the army. Some believed that Germany should have continued to fight and that its politicians had betrayed the army. Many believed this stab-in-the-back myth. Among them was Adolf Hitler.

two cartoons about the so-called "Dolchstoss-legende", the 

"stab-in-the-back myth"

What do you see here?

Political Problems in the Weimar Republic

• After WWI: soldiers and sailors rebel, emperor Wilhelm II flees to the Netherlands.
• Socialists create a democratic government → Weimar Republic.
• 1919: communist revolt → crushed by the army
• More than 1,200 killed by violence between left-wing and right-wing groups

What do you see here?

Political Problems in the Weimar Republic

• Treaty of Versailles → many lose trust in democracy.
  
• "Stab-in-the-back" myth → many Germans believe democrats betrayed the army.

"In the Shoes of..."

• Take on the role of one of the following:

1. A soldier returning from WWI
2. A communist opposing the new government
3. A social democrat supporting the republic
4. A right-wing nationalist blaming the democrats for Germany's defeat

• Task: In 2-3 sentences, describe how your character feels about the political situation in Germany.
  
• Done? Share your character’s thoughts with a classmate. Discuss the different perspectives and why there was so much political conflict.

Goals

• In this paragraph you will learn which political problems formed in Germany.
  
• In this paragraph you will learn which economic problems formed.
  
• In this paragraph you will learn how Hitler rose to power.
  
• In this paragraph you will learn how Germany became a totalitarian dictatorship.
  
• Characteristic aspect: the racist and totalitarian character of national socialism.

What was the main reason for the political violence in the early years of the Weimar Republic?

1. The popularity of the Weimar Republic
2. Clashes between left-wing and right-wing groups
3. The success of the Treaty of Versailles
4. Economic prosperity

What did many Germans believe about the Weimar government after World War I?

1. They thought the government helped Germany win the war
2. They believed the government had "stabbed the army in the back"
3. They supported the government's decision to stay neutral
4. They were pleased with the government's handling of the economy

Goals

• In this paragraph you will learn which political problems formed in Germany.
  
• In this paragraph you will learn which economic problems formed.
  
• In this paragraph you will learn how Hitler rose to power.
  
• In this paragraph you will learn how Germany became a totalitarian dictatorship.
  
• Characteristic aspect: the racist and totalitarian character of national socialism.

What do you see here?

What do you see here?

Economic Problems in the Weimar Republic

• 1923: Hyperinflation → Deutsche Mark lost value quickly.
• Recovery (1924-1929): American loans → economy grows, prosperity.
• --> Dawesplan

Economic Problems in the Weimar Republic

• Economic crisis (1929): End of loans → 30% unemployment by 1932.
• People turned to Hitler, who promised recovery and to undo the "dictate of Versailles."

What do you see here?