Oxford AQA History for A Level: Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945 Revision Guide

228 Pages·2017·27.9 MB·English

by  Robert Whitfield

A Oxford
Approved by AQA

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Written and checked by subject experts E
AQA History
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Fully revised and updated for the new 2015 specification A
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Democracy and Nazism:
The Oxford AQA History series has been developed by a
A LEVEL
team of passionate history teachers and authors with Series editor O
x Germany 1918–1945
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examining experience. Written to match the new AQA Sally Waller is a respected o
r AS
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specification, this new edition covers AS and A Level author, enthusiastic History A
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content together. many years of examining H Component 2
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This textbook explores in depth a period of German r
teaching History at the y

history during which a newly developed democratic form
Cheltenham Ladies’ College.
of government gave way to a dictatorial Nazi regime.
It focuses on key ideas such as nationalism, radicalism,
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anti-Semitism and Social Darwinism, and covers events m
What’s on the cover? o
and developments with precision. c
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Adolf Hitler and senior Nazi c
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n Retains well-loved features including Timeline and army officers arrive at the an
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A Closer Look 1938 Nuremberg Rally. The N
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event for the Nazi Party and m
n Practice Questions and Study Tips prepare you for the
was held annually between : G
new exam questions with support for essay writing and e
1933-38. rm
analysing primary sources a
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1
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n Helps you assess the value of sources that are primary 1
8
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or contemporary to the period 1
9
4
5
n A wide range of activities allow you to develop
analytical skills and understanding through individual,
group discussion and research work.
To see the full range of Breadth and Depth History
textbooks available in this series, including eBooks, visit
www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/aqahistory eBook eBook eBook eBook
Available Available Available Available
1 4 Robert
How to get in touch: ISBN 978-0-19-835457-4
Whitfield
web www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk
email [email protected]
2
tel [phone] SERIES EDITOR
fax [phone] 780198 354574 Sally Waller
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Untitled-5 1 16/01/2015 14:46
Oxford
AQA History
Democracy and Nazism:
A LEVEL
Germany 1918–1945
AS
and
Component 2
Robert Whitfield
1
SERIES EDITOR
Sally Waller
835457 FM_pi-xiv.indd 1 23/04/2015 13:34
3 We are grateful for permission to reprint from the following
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Wibke Bruhns: My Father’s Country: The story of a German family translated
by Shaun Whiteside (Wm Heinemann, 2004), reproduced by permission of The
Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, United Kingdom Random House Group Ltd; Richard J Evans: ‘Song of the Storm Columns’ in
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Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford.
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Hitler: Mein Kampf translated by Ralph Manheim (Hutchinson, 1974/Pimlico,
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Martin Jay, and Edward Dimendberg: The Weimar Republic Sourcebook
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Acknowledgements Allan Gillingham, Chris Rowe, Sally Waller, Roy Whittle
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Contents
Introduction to features v 7 Political developments and the working of
AQA History specification overview vi democracy, 1924–28 52
Introduction to the Oxford AQA History series viii Reichstag elections and coalition governments 52
Timeline x The development of political parties 54
The election of Hindenburg as President in 1925 57
Introduction to this book xii
Attitudes to the Republic from the elites and
other social groups 58
Summary: The extent of political stability by 1928 59
PART ONE: AS AND A LEVEL
THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC 1918–33 8 Germany’s international position, 1924–28 60
SECTION 1 Gustav Stresemann and the policy of fulfilment 60
The establishment and early years of the Weimar The Locarno Pact, 1925 61
Relations with the USSR 62
Republic, 1918–24 1
The extent of disarmament 63
1 Impact of war, the political crises of October to The end of allied occupation 64
November 1918, and the establishment of the Summary 65
Weimar Constitution 1
The abdication of the Kaiser 1 SECTION 3
The establishment of the Weimar Constitution in 1919 6 The collapse of democracy, 1928–33 66
Summary 11
9 The impact of the Depression of 1929 66
2 The Impact of the Versailles Settlement
The economic impact 66
on Germany 12
The social impact 67
The Peace Settlement of Versailles, 1919 12 The political impact 70
The political impact of the Versailles Treaty in Germany 15 Summary 73
Summary 18
10 The appeal of Nazism and communism 74
3 Economic and social problems in Germany,
Electoral support for Nazism and communism up
1919–24 19
to June 1932 74
Financial problems in the aftermath of the war 19 The appeal of Nazism 75
The impact of reparations 20 The appeal of communism 80
The hyperinflation crisis of 1923 21 Summary 81
Social welfare 23
Summary 25 11 The appointment of Hitler as Chancellor 82
The appointment of Hitler 82
4 Political instability and extremism,
The political and economic crisis 83
1919–24 26
The role of ‘backstairs intrigue’ 86
The problems of coalition government 26 Summary 88
The growth of political extremism 27
The establishment of the Nazi Party and 12 The establishment of the Nazi dictatorship,
the Beer Hall Putsch 31 January–March 1933 90
Summary: The state of the Republic by 1924 34 The Hitler cabinet 91
Nazi use of terror 92
The use of legal power 94
SECTION 2
The end of democracy 95
The ‘Golden Age’ of the Weimar Republic, 1924–28 35
Summary: The state of Germany in March 1933 97
5 Economic developments 35
The stabilisation of the currency 35
PART TWO: A LEVEL
The reparations issue and the Dawes Plan 36
NAZI GERMANY 1933–1945
The extent of economic recovery 37
The reparations issue and the Young Plan 40 SECTION 4
Summary 41 The Nazi Dictatorship, 1933–39 99
6 Social and cultural developments in Germany,
13 Hitler’s consolidation of power, March 1933 to
1924–28 42
August 1934 99
Social welfare reform 42
Government and administrative changes 100
Living standards and lifestyles 43
The Night of the Long Knives 102
The development of arts and culture in the
The impact of President Hindenburg’s death, August 1934 105
Weimar Republic 49
Summary 106
Summary 51
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Contents
(continued)
14 The ‘Terror State’ 107 19 The development of anti-Semitic policies,
1938–40 155
The Nazis and the law 107
The police system in the Third Reich 107 The effect of the Anschluss with Austria, March 1938 155
The courts and the justice system 110 Reichkristallnacht, 9–10 November 1938 157
The extent and effectiveness of opposition and Emigration 159
non-conformity 111 The impact of the war against Poland 161
The use of propaganda 116 The Madagascar Plan 163
The effectiveness of propaganda 118 Summary 164
The extent of totalitarianism in Nazi Germany 119
20 Policies towards the Jews, 1940–41 165
Summary 120
The spreading war and the development
15 Economic policies 121
of anti-Semitic policy 165
Nazi economic policies 121 Deportations and ghettoisation 165
The roles of Schacht and Goering in the implementation The Einsatzgruppen (‘Special Groups‘) 168
of Nazi policies 121 Summary 170
Nazi policy towards management
and the industrial elites 124
SECTION 6
The degree of economic recovery achieved by 1939 125
Summary 127 The impact of war, 1939–45 171
16 Social policies 128 21 The impact of war on German society 171
Nazi policies towards young people 128 The impact of rationing 171
Nazi policies towards women 132 The impact of propaganda and indoctrination on morale 172
Nazi policies towards workers 133 The changing impact of the war on German society 178
Nazi policies towards the Churches 135 Summary 181
Summary: the benefits and drawbacks of Nazi rule 139
22 The wartime economy and
the work of Speer 182
SECTION 5
The mobilisation of the German economy for war 182
The Racial State, 1933–41 140
The work of Albert Speer 183
The economic impact of Allied bombing 183
17 The radicalisation of the State 140
Mobilisation of the labour force 184
The radicalisation of the State 140 The use of foreign labour 184
Nazi racial ideology 140 Summary 186
Policies towards the mentally ill and physically
23 The ‘Final Solution’ 187
disabled 143
Nazi policies towards asocials and homosexuals 145 The origins of the ‘Final Solution’ 187
Policies towards religious sects 147 The Wannsee Conference, January 1942 187
Policies towards the Roma and the Sinti 147 The ‘Final Solution’ 188
Summary 148 Responsibility for the Holocaust 193
Summary 194
18 Nazi policies towards the Jews, 1933–37 149
24 Opposition and resistance in wartime 195
The boycott of Jewish shops 149
The Civil Service Laws in 1933 150 Opposition from young people 195
Further anti-Semitic legislation in 1933 151 Opposition from the Churches 197
The Nuremberg Laws, 1935 152 Communist opposition 198
Discrimination 153 Army and civilian critics among the elites 198
Summary 154 Summary 200
Conclusion: An overview of the Nazi state by 1945 201
Glossary 204
Bibliography 206
Index 207
iv
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Introduction to features
The Oxford AQA History series has been developed by a team of expert
history teachers and authors with examining experience. Written to match
the new AQA specification, these new editions cover AS and A Level
content together in each book. 
How to use this book
The features in this book include:
TIMELINE ACTIVITY
Key events are outlined at the beginning of the book to Various activity types to provide you with opportunities
give you an overview of the chronology of this topic. to demonstrate both the content and skills you are
Events are colour-coded so you can clearly see the learning. Some activities are designed to aid revision or
categories of change. to prompt further discussion; others are to stretch and
challenge both your AS and A Level studies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

CROSS-REFERENCE
At the beginning of each chapter, you will find a list of
learning objectives linked to the requirements of the Links to related content within the book to offer you more
specification. detail on the subject in question.

SOURCE EXTRACT A CLOSER LOOK
Sources introduce you to material that is primary or An in-depth look at a theme, event or development to
contemporary to the period, and Extracts provide you deepen your understanding, or information to put further
with historical interpretations and the debate among context around the subject under discussion.
historians on particular issues and developments.
The accompanying activity questions support you in  
KEY CHRONOLOGY
evaluating sources and extracts, analysing and assessing
their value, and making judgements. A short list of dates identifying key events to help you
understand underlying developments.
A AS
PRACTICE QUESTION
LEVEL LEVEL  
KEY PROFILE
Focused questions to help you practise your history skills
for both AS and A Level, including evaluating sources and Details of a key person to extend your understanding and
extracts, and essay writing. awareness of the individuals that have helped shape the
period in question.

STUDY TIP

KEY TERM
Hints to highlight key parts of Practice Questions or
Activities, and to help prepare you for success. A term that you will need to understand. The terms
appear in bold, and they are also defined in the glossary.

v
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AQA History specification overview

m
Part One content Part Two content
a
x
e The Weimar Republic 1918–1833 Nazi Germany 1933–1945 m

S 1 The establishment and early years of the 4 The Nazi dictatorship 1933–39 a
A x
Weimar Republic 1918–24 5 The racial state 1933–41 e
2 The ‘Golden Age’ of the Weimar Republic 6 The impact of war 1939–45 l
e
1924–28
v
3 The collapse of democracy 1928–33 e
L

A
AS examination papers will cover content from Part One only (you will only need to
know the content in the blue box). A Level examination papers will cover content
from both Part One and Part Two.
The examination papers
The grade you receive at the end of your AQA AS History course is based entirely on your
performance in two examination papers, covering Breadth (Paper 1) and Depth (Paper 2). For
your AQA A Level History course, you will also have to complete an Historical Investigation (Non-
examined assessment).
Paper 2 Depth Study
This book covers the content of a Depth Study (Paper 2). You are assessed on the study in depth
of a period of major historical change or development, and associated primary sources or sources
contemporary to the period.
vi
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Exam paper Questions and marks Assessment Timing Marks
Objective
(AO)*
AS Section A: Evaluating primary sources AO2 Written 50 marks

Paper 2: One compulsory question linked to two primary sources or exam: 1 (50% of
Depth Study sources contemporary to the period (25 marks) hour 30 AS)
• The compulsory question will ask you: ‘with reference to minutes
these sources and your understanding of the historical
context, which of these sources is more valuable in
explaining why…’
Section B: Essay writing AO1
One from a choice of two essay questions (25 marks)
• The essay questions will contain a quotation advancing a
judgement and could be followed by: ‘explain why you agree
or disagree with this view’.
A Level Section A: Evaluating primary sources AO2 Written 80 marks
Paper 2: One compulsory question linked to three primary sources or exam: 2 (40% of A
Depth Study sources contemporary to the period. The sources will be of hours 30 Level)
different types and views (30 marks) minutes
• The compulsory question will ask you: ‘with reference to
these sources and your understanding of the historical
context, assess the value of these three sources to an
historian studying…’
Section B: Essay writing AO1
Two from a choice of three essay questions (2 x 25 marks)
• The essay questions require analysis and judgement, and
could include: ‘How successful…’ or ‘To what extent…’ or
‘How far…’ or a quotation offering a judgement followed by
‘Assess the validity of this view’.
*AQA History examinations will test your ability to:
AO1: Demonstrate, organise and communicate knowledge and understanding to analyse and
evaluate the key features related to the periods studied, making substantiated judgements
and exploring concepts, as relevant, of cause, consequence, change, continuity, similarity,
difference and significance.
AO2: Analyse and evaluate appropriate source material, primary and/or contemporary to the
period, within the historical context.
AO3: Analyse and evaluate, in relation to the historical context, different ways in which aspects of
the past have been interpreted.
Visit www.aqa.org.uk to help you prepare for your examinations. The website includes specimen
examination papers and mark schemes.
vii
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Introduction to the Oxford AQA History series
Depth studies
The exploration of a short but significant historical ideas within a relatively short period of time. Through an
period provides an opportunity to develop an ‘in-depth’ ‘in-depth’ study, a strong awareness of complex historical
historical awareness. This book will help you to acquire processes is developed, permitting deeper analysis, greater
a detailed knowledge of an exciting period of historical perception and well-informed judgement.
change, enabling you to become familiar with the Whilst this book is therefore designed to impart a full
personalities and ideas which shaped and dominated and lively awareness of a significant period in history,
the time. In-depth study, as presented here, allows you far more is on offer from the pages that follow. With the
to develop the enthusiasm that comes from knowing help of the text and activities in this book, you will be
something really well. encouraged to think historically, question developments
However, ‘depth’ is not just about knowledge. in the past and undertake ‘in-depth’ analysis. You will
Understanding history requires the piecing together develop your conceptual understanding and build up
of many different strands or themes, and depth studies key historical skills that will increase your curiosity and
demand an awareness of the interrelationship of a variety prepare you, not only for A Level History examinations,
of perspectives, such as the political, economic, social but for any future studies.
and religious – as well as the influence of individuals and
Key Term, Key Chronology and Key Profile help you to consolidate historical knowledge about dates, events, people and places
SECTION 1 | The establishment and early years of the Weimar Republic, 1918–24 CHAPTER 1 | Impact of war, the political crises of October to November 1918, and the establishment of the Weimar Constitution
ACTIVITY KEY CHRONOLOGY a new constitution as quickly as possible. His priority, after agreeing the KEY TERM
Summarise the main reasons why 1918 29 September Ludendorff called for armistice negotiations armistice with the Allies on 11 November, was to organise elections for a Constituent Assembly: an elected body
t9h Ne oKvaeimsebre wr a1s9 1fo8r.ced to abdicate on 31 0O Scteopbteerm ber KP raiinsceer pMraoxm oisf eBda dpeonlit ficoarml reefdo rnmew government CSoOnUstRitCuEe n3t Assembly. waaf intteherw mth caeot shnp soetfic taiufi rtceio vtnao,s luukst oiuofan dllrya iwni nthge u p
3 October P rince Max’s letter to President Wilson asking for an armistice Philipp Scheidemann was a leading figure in the SPD. It was he who announced
24 October W ilson replied to Prince Max’s request tohne 9 a Nbdoviceamtiobne ro 1f 9th18e ,K haei sdeerc, lianr ae ds:p eech from the steps of the Reichstag building, CROSS-REFERENCE
26 October L udendorff resigned and fled to Sweden The enemies of the people are finished forever. The Kaiser has abdicated. Speagee b 7el otow s atunddy A t Chleo sdeiffr eLroeonkt on
28 October K aiser introduced further reforms making the Chancellor He and his friends have disappeared; the people have won over all of them, political parties.
accountable to the Reichstag in every field. The new government may not be interrupted in their work to
30 October N aval mutiny at Wilhelmshaven pofr ethseer hvies tpoeraicc eim apnodr ttaon ccaer eo ff othr wiso draky a. nGdre barte aandd. W inocrakelcrusl aabnlde staosldkise rasr,e b we aaiwtianrge
3 November N aval mutiny spread to Kiel for us. Everything for the people. Everything by the people. Be united, faithful
8 November R evolt in Bavaria led to declaration of Bavarian Socialist Republic amnady c loivnes. cLioenngti oliuvse. tThhee G oeldrm aannd Rroetpteunb,l itch!e monarchy, has collapsed. The new
9 November D eclaration of a German Republic in Berlin and abdication of
10 November tEhbee rKta–isGerorener Pact WALiEtVShEL re fPeRreAnCcTeI CtoE S QoUurEcSeTsI 2O Nand 3, and your understanding of the historical SAlTl UsoDuYr cTeIPs have some value for
11 November Armistice signed with Allies context, which of these sources would be more valuable to an historian studying historians but their specific value
the events of November 1918 in Germany? depends on their provenance and the
context in which they were written. It
is also important to consider the tone
SOURCE 2 Prior to the creation of a new constitution, Ebert urged Germans to keep and the emphasis of each source.
In 1922 Kaiser Wilhelm II wrote his memoirs, in which he gave his version of the essential services running, to avoid street demonstrations and to maintain These two sources have very different
events of November 1918: law and order. His problem was that his authority did not extend much tones which reflect their provenance
beyond Berlin where disorder and violence were becoming the norm. and the audience for whom they were
I went through a fearful internal struggle. On the one hand I, as a soldier, was After the armistice and the demobilisation of much of the army, bands of intended.
outraged by the idea of abandoning my still-faithful troops. On the other hand, our angry, disillusioned and workless ex-soldiers roamed the streets. Street
foes had declared that they were unwilling to work with me to conclude any peace demonstrations, strikes and armed clashes became regular occurrences.
endurable to Germany; and there was my own government’s statement that civil
war was to be prevented only by my departure for foreign lands. In this struggle A CLOSER LOOK
I set aside all that was personal. I consciously sacrificed myself and my throne Socialist groups and parties in 1918
in the belief that, by so doing, I was best serving the interests of my beloved
Fatherland. The sacrifice was in vain. My departure brought us neither better Spartacist League (later KPD) USPD The Social Democratic Party (SPD)
KEY PROFILE acormntirsatricye, ict ohnadsitteionnesd, annodr binettetenrs pifieeadc eth tee rdmissin; nteogr rdaitdio itn p orfe tvheen at rcmivyil wanadr –th oen n tahteio n. Fmoiunnodrietyd :g 1ro9u1p6 ,f rboym a tmheo rSeP rDe.v Tohleu tnioanmaery w as Fgorouunpd ferdo:m 1 9th17e, lbeyft a o fb trheaek SaPwDa.y minority Fcoomunmdeitdte: d1 8to7 5re, vaosl uat Mioanr.xist socialist party
General Wilhelm Groener (1867– changed to German Communist Party (KPD)
1h9a3d9 h)a cda ma leo fnrgo man Wd düirstttienmgubiesrhge adn d ACTIVITY iLne Jaadneursa:r Ky a1r9l 1L9ie.bknecht and Rosa Leaders: Hugo Hasse. Leaders: Friedrich Ebert and Philipp
military career. During the First Evaluating primary sources Luxemburg. Scheidemann.
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Sweden in October 1918, Groener winning a majority in parliamentary elections and then introducing reforms. Support: a throng of workers would often Support: grew in strength during 1918 as Support: Appealed largely to working-class
succeeded him as Quartermaster But, even though he had been chosen by Prince Max as the new Chancellor join them on their rallies and demonstrations war-weariness grew. voters and, in 1912, became the largest party
General and Deputy Chief of the because he was the leader of the majority party in the Reichstag, he had come in the streets. in the Reichstag.
General Staff. to power through a revolutionary act. He was conscious of the fact that his Membership: c. 5,000 Membership: c. 300,000 Membership: c. 1 million
government lacked legitimacy. He was, therefore, determined to establish
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▲ Democracy and Nazism:
Germany 1918–1945 Source features support you with assessing the value of primary materials
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