2.3 Germany from democracy to dictatorship (1)

• Geschiedenis
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

For today

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.

What do you already know about how Hitler rose to power?

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