Weimar Republic

The democratic German government established after World War I in 1919. It faced political violence, economic crises, and opposition from extremists.

Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 peace treaty that ended the war between Germany and the Allied powers. It blamed Germany for the war, demanded reparations, reduced its military, and took away territory.

Kaiser Wilhelm

Germany's emperor during World War I. He abdicated in 1918 when Germany lost the war, helping bring an end to the monarchy.

Adolf Hitler

The leader of the Nazi Party who became Chancellor of Germany in 1933. He promoted dictatorship, extreme nationalism, antisemitism, and expansion.

Paul Von Hindenburg

Germany's president from 1925 to 1934. He appointed Hitler Chancellor in January 1933, believing Hitler and his allies could be controlled.

Reichstag

The German parliament, whose members were elected by voters and who debated and passed laws.

Article 48

A provision of the Weimar Constitution that allowed the President to take emergency measures and rule by decree under certain conditions.

Hyperinflation

A situation in which prices rise extremely rapidly and money loses its value. Germany experienced it dramatically in 1923.

George Grosz

A German artist who used satirical, critical artwork to expose corruption, inequality, militarism, and problems in German society.

The Bubbling Cauldron

A term that may refer to a specific artwork or image from your class. A bubbling cauldron can symbolize political tension, unrest, and conflict. Check your class notes for the exact reference.

Nazi Party Platform

The Nazi Party's political program, which included extreme nationalism, rejection of the Treaty of Versailles, antisemitism, opposition to communism, and territorial expansion.

Mein Kampf

"My Struggle," Hitler's book in which he described his racist ideology, antisemitism, extreme nationalism, and plans for German expansion.

"Living Space"

Hitler's idea of Lebensraum: acquiring territory, especially in Eastern Europe, for Germans to settle and expand into.

Nationalism

Strong identification with and pride in one's nation. Extreme nationalism can lead to hostility toward other nations and claims of national superiority.

Why did World War 1 begin?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 triggered the crisis. Alliances, militarism, imperialism, and nationalism helped turn it into a major European war.

Who won World War 1?

The Allied Powers, including Britain, France, and the United States, defeated Germany and the other Central Powers.

How did the Treaty of Versailles punish the Germans and reward the victors?

Germany accepted responsibility for the war, had to pay reparations, lost territory and colonies, and faced strict military limits. The victorious Allies gained territory, security measures, or influence.

What role did Germany play in the peace negotiations?

Germany had very little say in the negotiations. The Allies largely determined the treaty's terms and presented Germany with an agreement it was pressured to accept.

How did ordinary Germans feel after the Treaty of Versailles?

Many felt humiliated, angry, betrayed, and resentful. They believed the treaty was unfair and that Germany had been treated harshly.

What were the three parts of the German government?

The President, the Chancellor and cabinet, and the Reichstag (parliament).

How were the roles of Chancellor and President different?

The President was the head of state and had emergency powers. The Chancellor led the government and directed its policies and administration.

Who do you vote for in the German Reichstag?

Voters elected representatives to the Reichstag, Germany's parliament.

What is Article 48? What happens if it is invoked?

It allowed the President to take emergency measures to address serious threats. The President could issue emergency decrees, bypassing normal parliamentary procedures in certain circumstances.

Why was there so much violence in the Weimar Republic?

Possible causes included anger over Germany's defeat, the Treaty of Versailles, political extremism, economic hardship, clashes between left- and right-wing groups, and resentment toward the new democracy.

What problems did German art attempt to bring attention to?

Artists criticized poverty, inequality, corruption, militarism, political extremism, and the struggles of ordinary people.

What were the more radical beliefs of the Nazi Party?

Extreme nationalism, antisemitism, racism, opposition to democracy and communism, dictatorship, and territorial expansion.

What were the two main points Hitler believed would solve Germany's problems?

Reject the Treaty of Versailles and expand German territory to gain Lebensraum ("living space"). His broader ideology also relied on racist and antisemitic scapegoating.

What economic side effects did Germans experience from hyperinflation and the Great Depression?

Hyperinflation wiped out savings and made everyday goods extremely expensive. The Great Depression brought mass unemployment, business failures, poverty, and desperation.

Why did President Von Hindenburg choose Hitler as Chancellor? What did he and his friends believe would happen?

Hindenburg and conservative allies thought Hitler's popularity could be used to their advantage and that they could control him within the government. They underestimated Hitler's determination to seize power.