Key Words:

GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – How strong was the Weimar Constitution?
President –
figurehead of the
government.

Chancellor – head of
the government on
a day-to-day basis.

Reichstag and
Reichsrat – the two
chambers of the
German Parliament.

Constitution – a set
of laws that sets out
how a country is
governed.

Proportional
Representation – a
method of electing
representatives
where the
proportion of seats a
party gains in
Parliament is equal
to its share of the
vote (ie: 10% of the Strengths of the Weimar Constitution Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution
vote would give that
party 10% of seats in • Democratic – everyone 21+ could vote • PR led to unstable coalition government
Parliament). • Proportional Representation is very democratic • Weakness in crisis led to over-reliance on Article 48
• Checks & Balances meant no one person had too much power • Government had used force in order to establish it –
legitimate?
• Unpopular with the establishment (civil service, judiciary and
the army)
Key Dates: GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – Why was the Weimar Republic unpopular?
11 Nov 1918 –
Armistice Day The Weimar Constitution made the
republic a democracy – this was
unpopular with the right who The Treaty of Versailles imposed
June 1919 – preferred an authoritative leader. severe terms on Germany including
Treaty of Article 231 (war guilt clause) – this
Versailles Proportional Representation led to was a humiliation for Germany.
signed many parties represented in the
Reichstag – it was therefore Treaty of
August 1919 – difficult to achieve political Versailles
stability.
Weimar
Constitution The idea that the
formally German civilian
adopted Criticisms of the Why was the Weimar Dolchstoss government sought
Weimar Republic unpopular (‘Stab in the an unnecessary
Constitution Back’) surrender –
1923 - from the beginning? stabbing the army in
Hyperinflation the back.

Failure to deal
‘November
with economic
Criminals’
problems
The legacy of WWI and then
The nickname given to
hyperinflation in 1923 were issues
those members of the
that successive German
civilian government that
governments struggled to deal with
signed the Treaty of
– therefore angering many in
Versailles.
Germany who suffered as a result.
Key Words: GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – What challenges did the Weimar Republic face from
Polarisation –
the left-wing and right-wing between 1919 and 1923?
when a country
divides into two 1919-1923: Huge political divisions in Germany between left- and right-wing
sharply groups (polarisation) – extremes of both sides unhappy with the Republic.
contrasting sets of
beliefs.

Spartacists – a Challenges from left and right

communist group
led by Karl
Challenges from the left Challenges from the right
Liebknecht and
Wanted Germany controlled by the people. They opposed Wanted a return to strong government led by a powerful leader,
Rosa Luxemburg. capitalism and wanted to abolish private ownership of land and a strong army. Supported capitalism. Tended to be
business. nationalist.
Freikorps – a
large paramilitary Spartacist Uprising (1919) – communist rising led by Kapp Putsch (1920) – 5,000 Freikorps soldiers occupied Berlin
Luxemburg and Liebknecht defeated by the Freikorps. and invited the Kaiser to return. Weimar Government urged
group made of
people not to cooperate which led to the putsch’s failure.
mostly disbanded Various communist risings across Germany
German soldiers including Hamburg and Saxony in 1923 Munich Putsch (1923) – Hitler attempted to take over Bavarian
after WWI. government and then march on Berlin. Ended in failure and
Attempts to establish regional socialist governments in Hitler’s arrest and trial.
Putsch – a Saxony and Thuringia
German word for Ongoing political violence – approx. 376 murders mainly carried
out by the right-wring. Two leading Weimar ministers
an uprising.
assassinated (Erzberger and Rathenau)

Weimar Republic plagued by constant fighting and challenges to its

authority. Moderate Reichstag parties struggled to form coalitions while
being constantly attacked by extremist politicians.
Key Words:
GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – Why was 1923 a ‘crisis year’ for the Weimar Republic?
The Ruhr – an
industrial region of
Germany that
generated lots of
wealth.

Reparations –
compensation paid
by the defeated in January 1923 1923 August 1923 8-9 November 15 November
war to the victor. 1923 1923

Passive resistance The French Hyperinflation Stresemann becomes Munich Putsch Rentenmark
– a tactic employed Invasion of the Chancellor (until December) Introduced
by Germans in the Ruhr and Foreign Minister
Ruhr where the
workers refused to
cooperate with the An occupation of the The strike meant less In August Gustav Hitler seized on the By November 1923 the value
French and industrial Ruhr region goods being produced. Stresemann became chaos that had taken of the German mark had
employed non- by French and Belgian The extra money in both Chancellor and hold of Germany in 1923 been destroyed.
violent opposition. troops took place when circulation plus the Foreign Minister. and attempted to
Germany failed to pay collapse in production overthrow the Stresemann introduced a
Hyperinflation – reparations to those caused hyperinflation His government would government in Bavaria temporary currency – the
rapid and
countries. (money lost its value). collapse by November (southern Germany). Rentenmark – which was
uncontrollable
devaluation of but he continued on as based on property values.
currency leading to Occupation was met People with savings or Foreign Minister until his The putsch was foiled This aimed to restore
huge price rises. with passive resistance those on a fixed income death in 1929, playing a and Hitler was arrested confidence in German
with the German found themselves big role in securing and tried for treason. currency.
Rentenmark – a workers going on strike. penniless. American help in However the trial gained
temporary Weimar’s recovery. Hitler publicity After approximately a year
currency To support the strikers, In November 1923, nationwide. the Rentenmark was
introduced in the government £1 = one-thousand, six- converted into the
Germany to printed more money to hundred and eighty Reichsmark, a new currency
replace the old pay them a wage. trillion marks. backed by gold reserves.
papiermark.
1,680,800,000,000,000 After this, the republic began
to see the signs of recovery.
Key Dates:
Nov 1923 –
GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – Why did the Weimar Republic recover after 1923?
Introduction of
the Rentenmark Although Stresemann was only Chancellor for a few Stresemann played a role in negotiating several
months of 1923, in that time he introduced the agreements with the USA to help recovery:
Sept 1924 – Rentenmark which ended hyperinflation.
Dawes Plan goes Dawes Plan (1924) – reparations would begin at 1bn
into effect Between 1923-29, as Foreign Minister, he was marks and increase to 2.5bn marks per year over the
instrumental in regaining Germany’s place on the world following four years. The USA would loan 800m marks to
1924 – stage and helping the economy to recover Germany plus another $3bn by 1929.
Reichsmark Role of Gustav
introduced as Stresemann as Young Plan (1929) – reparations reduced to £1.85bn and
The economic recovery
Germany’s new Germany given 59 years to pay the amount – an average
permanent
coupled with successes Foreign Minister
abroad led to growing of 2.05bn marks per year.
currency
political stability after 1924.
Support for moderate
1925 – Locarno
parties grew whilst support
Why did the Weimar
Pact Growing Political American
for extremist parties
Stability Republic recover after Assistance
dwindled. Furthermore the
1925 –
election of WWI hero
1923?
Hindenburg
Hindenburg as President in
elected President Locarno Pact (1925) – agreement with Britain,
1925 seemed to show the
old conservative France, Belgium and Italy to keep existing
1926 – Germany borders between Germany, Belgium and France.
establishment now accepted Currency Reform Foreign
joins the League Began a period of cooperation between the
the Weimar Republic.
of Nations Ended Policy European powers.
Hyperinflation Achievements
1927 – Allied In November 1923 Stresemann introduced a Germany joins League of Nations (1926) –
troops withdrew temporary currency – the Rentenmark – Germany given a permanent seat on the Council.
from the west which was based on property values.
bank of the Rhine, After approximately a year the Rentenmark Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928) – agreement with 64
five years early. was converted into the Reichsmark, a new other nations to use armies for self-defence only
currency backed by gold reserves. As a result and solve all international disputes ‘by peaceful
1929 – Young Plan hyperinflation came to an end. means.’
agreed
Key Words:
GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – How far did Weimar German society change for the
Unemployment better?
Insurance Act
(1927) – a scheme
where employers How far did Weimar German society change for the better?
and employees
paid into a
scheme which
Standard of Living Women Culture
provided money if
a person became
unemployed or Evidence of improvement Evidence of little Evidence of improvement Evidence of little Evidence of improvement Evidence of little
sick. change change change

Neue Sachlichkeit Increase in real wages of Middle-classes saw Weimar Constitution Proportion of women Strict pre-war censorship on art There were
over 10% by 1928 (on little benefit – did introduced votes for in work remained was removed and government some
– ‘New average) which mainly not experience a women over 20, equality in largely unchanged provided financial support. reactionary
Objectivism’ held benefitted the working noticeable rise in education, equal pay in the compared to pre-war Therefore: attitudes still
that the arts classes. wages professions. levels – 36% in 1925. prevalent in
should show life Weimar artists try to portray Germany. Some,
as it really is. Unemployment generally Unemployment still By 1926 there were 32 After WWI, the everyday life in their paintings largely on the
fell (only 1.3m by 1928) high in the female deputies in the ‘better paid’ jobs (Neue Sachlichkeit) – Grosz and political right,
professions. 184,000 Reichstag. were largely Dix. criticised these
Bauhaus – a 2m new homes built 1924- unemployed middle- reclaimed by men changes and
movement that 1931 class workers in Apr Growing number of women coming back from Bauhaus architecture believed they
stressed the 1928 in new areas of the war. flourished. seriously
beauty in By 1928 homelessness employment and public weakened
reduced by more than 60%. services (civil service, Attitudes did not Golden age for German cinema. German society
technology, simple teaching, etc). By 1933 change much – Fritz land produced the film and values. For
lines and careful The government extended there were 100,000 women married women in Metropolis (1926). these people,
craftsmanship. the reforms introduced by teachers and 3,000 women work (‘double- cultural changes
Used basic shapes Bismarck in the 1880s by doctors. earners’) often There were discussions about only increased
and colours. introducing the criticised for war in 1920s German literature. their opposition
Unemployment Insurance Women enjoyed more neglecting their Remarque wrote All Quiet on to the Weimar
Act (1927). social freedom, going out homes. the Western Front (1929). Republic.
Reactionary – unescorted, able to drink
conservative;, and smoke in public. Emergence of Zeittheater and
opposing political Zeitoper
or social progress
or reform
Key Words:
Nationalism –
GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – How did the Nazi Party develop under Hitler, 1919-29?
political ideas that
emphasise the
importance of the
nation. September
How did Hitler establish November 1923 – How did Hitler develop
1919 – his leadership of the Hitler leads the failed the NSDAP during the
Socialism –
Hitler joins the NSDAP by 1923? Munich Putsch ‘Lean Years’ (1924-29)?
political idea that
all people are German
equal and should Workers’ Party
share in a (DAP) Party Policy – Hitler realised he Ideas in Mein
country’s wealth. Twenty-Five Point needed a new Kampf form basis
Programme strategy – needed to of Nazi policy
Volkischer build legitimate
Beobachter – the national support
Nazi newspaper, Hitler’s Personal Party HQ based in
People’s Observer Appeal Munich
Sturmabteiling Hitler used his time
(SA) – the Nazi’s in prison to write
paramilitary group Mein Kampf – the
made of largely Party Organisation book that became Creation of a
ex-soldiers and the inspiration of the national Nazi Party
students. They Nazi Party
dressed in brown
shirts.
Party Expansion of the
Schutzstaffel (SS) - Leadership Hitler’s trial earned SS to 3,000
a paramilitary him national publicity
group that acted for his views
as Hitler’s The Bamberg
bodyguard. They The SA Conference (1926)
dressed in black (Brownshirts) shifts the NSDAP
uniform. towards nationalism
Key Words:
GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – Why did support for the Nazis grow after 1929?
KPD – The
German
Communist German banking system collapsed. Banks recalled loans from
Party Although Hindenburg defeated Hitler, it ensured that German businesses, leading to a collapse of the German
Hitler was recognised as a national political figure because economy. This led to widespread unemployment – approx. 5m by
Industrialists – he used modern campaigning strategies such as flying 1932. Successive governments failed to deal with this problem.
wealthy factory between cities to give speeches. This contributed to
owners greater success in the Reichstag elections of July 1932.
As the government failed to deal
Propaganda - with unemployment, German voters
information, Impact of the Wall switched to extremist parties like the
especially of a Street Crash NSDAP and KPD.
biased or
misleading The Presidential The KPD had gained 1m extra voters
Rise in support for by 1932 – this terrified the German
nature, used to Election of 1932 Why did support for the the KPD middle- and upper-classes who
promote a Nazis grow after the Wall feared their land and companies
political cause
or point of view.
Street Crash in 1929? would be confiscated by a
communist government. As support
for the KPD grew among the working
Middle-class - class, more middle-class voters
the social group switched to the Nazis because they
between the felt Hitler was their best defence
upper and Goebbels’ Appeal of the Nazis
against the communists.
working classes, Propaganda to different sections
including of society
professional and Hitler’s personal
business people appeal
and their The NSDAP’s propaganda chief, Josef
Goebbels has mastered the art of The Nazis had policies that appealed to particular sections
families. In Hitler the people saw a strong leader who
propaganda, making sure that the Nazi of German society. This meant there was something for
promised to restore law and order, and to everyone. Support from big business in particular was key
message was everywhere, and that
scrap the Treaty of Versailles. His strong because it brought in huge amounts of money, without
Hitler was seen as a the face of the
skills as a public speaker helped increase which Goebbels could not have conducted his nationwide
NSDAP.
membership of the party. propaganda campaign.
Key Words:
GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – How did Hitler establish a dictatorship, 1933-1934?
Dictatorship - A
dictator is a
political leader 288
who possesses
absolute power. A
dictatorship is a
state ruled by one
dictator.
Feb 1933 March 1933 March 1933 May 1933 July 1933 June 1934 Aug 1934 Aug 1934
Constitution –
the laws that set
Reichstag Fire Nazis win 288 Enabling Act Trade Unions Political Parties ‘Night of the Long Death of Army Oath
out how a banned banned Knives’ Hindenburg –
seats in Reichstag
country is Reichstag building Hitler proposed a Hitler becomes The Night of the
governed. burned down. A The Nazis law that would Hitler believed The SA destroyed Hitler perceived Fuhrer Long Knives had
Dutch communist, increased their give Hitler the that communists the newspapers the SA’s leader, already eased
Trade Unions – van der Lubbe, Reichstag right to make laws controlled the of the SPD and Rohm, as a rival. President some fears the
organisations that caught and members to 288. for four years unions then they KPD, and Rohm leaned Hindenburg died army had about
represent and executed. Having banned without the could undermine confiscated their towards the in August 1934. the SA and meant
defend workers’ the KPD from Reichstag’s the government funds in May. socialists aspects Soon after, Hitler they would now
interests. Hitler used the taking up its 81 consent. through strikes. of National combined the support Hitler.
fire as an seats, and with In July he issued a Socialism. The SA offices of
opportunity to the support of Under In May 1933, the decree making all numbered 3m Chancellor and Upon
Decree - an
attack the nationalist threatening Nazis arrested political parties, men who were President, making Hindenburg’s
official order that communists, trade union except the NSDAP, loyal to Rohm, himself Fuhrer. death, Hitler had
parties, Hitler circumstances,
has the force of having 4,000 now had a crucial the Enabling Act officials, banned illegal. putting him in a the army swear
law arrested. two-thirds was passed by trade unions and position to Hitler was now an oath of
majority allowing 444 votes to 94. made strikes challenge Hitler. without rival as allegiance to him
Oath – a promise He then used his him to make This marked the illegal. In June 1934, the leader of personally.
powers to stop constitutional end of democracy Rohm and leading Germany.
Fuhrer – German the KPD taking up changes. in Germany and members of the
word for leader. their 81 seats in the Weimar SA were arrested By the end of 1934, Hitler was in a
the Reichstag. Constitution. and shot. The SA
very secure position because of his
was now firmly
under Hitler’s
new title, the support of the army
control. and the removal of opposition.
Key Words:
GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – How did the Nazis control attitudes in the Third Reich?
Propaganda -
information,
especially of a
biased or misleading The SS The SD The Gestapo Sent people Concentration
nature, used to to camps
promote a political
cause or point of
view.

Judiciary – the legal Newspapers The Nazi

system: judges and
courts.
Police State
Judges had to be
Radio
member of the National
Concordat – an
Socialist League for the
agreement between
Maintenance of the
the Nazi regime and
the Pope that the
Posters Goebbels's How did the Nazis Law.
Control of the
Catholic Church Ministry of control attitudes in Judiciary Abolition of trial by jury
would not interfere Propaganda
in German politics in Literature
the Third Reich? and founding of the
return for religious People’s Court
freedom for
Catholics in Rallies Nazi Policies Nazi Control of
Germany. Hitler Towards the the Arts and
soon broke this
agreement.
Church Sport

Gestapo – plain-
clothed secret Sport encouraged. Art should stress ‘Monumental style’ Jazz banned,
Catholic Church Protestant Church
police led by romantic ideas of buildings German folk music
Concordat
Heydrich from 1936. Berlin Olympics about Germany’s encouraged and music by
(1933)
(1936) was a major past German composers
Concentration Catholic youth Formation of the showcase event. promoted.
camps – large activities banned Reich Church
prisons for political (1936)
prisoners
Key Words:
GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – How effective was opposition to the Nazi regime
Opposition – between 1933-1939?
resistance or
dissent to
something.
How effective was opposition to the Nazi regime between 1933-1939?
High Command –
the senior staff of
the army.

Hitler Youth – the The Army The Youth The Church

Nazi youth
organisation for
boys 14-18. Evidence of Evidence of Evidence of Evidence of Evidence of Evidence of
Membership was opposition conformity opposition conformity opposition conformity
compulsory from
1936.
Chief of German High Plan to overthrow Edelweiss Pirates – Membership of the Pastors’ Emergency Pope Pius XI and
The League of Command, Ludwig Hitler in 1938 copied American Hitler Youth by 1939 League (1933) and Hitler agreed the
Beck, resigned in abandoned after his fashion trends and was around 8m. Confessional Church Concordat in 1933
German Maidens protest at Hitler’s successes in taunted Hitler Youth (1934) set up in
– the Nazi youth plans. Czechoslovakia. members. Many young people opposition to the Many Protestants
organisation for were enthusiastic and Reich Church joined the Reich
girls 14-18. The Swing Youth – committed Hitler Church
admired American Youth members. Pope’s message, With
culture and music. Burning Concern, read Attendance of non-
Pastors’ They organised illegal in all Catholic Reich Church services
Emergency dances. Churches in 1937 did not become open
League – a group opposition
of Protestant
pastors led by
Martin Niemoller
who opposed the
treatment of There was some opposition to the Hitler and Nazi regime but it was never coordinated or unified. The
Protestant
churches in young, the Church and the army did present some challenges to Hitler but they were never enough to
Germany.
threaten the regime in the years 1933 to 1939.
Key Terms:
Curriculum – what GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – How did life in Germany change under the Nazis by 1939?
is taught in
schools.
How did life in Germany change under the Nazis by 1939?
Law for the
Encouragement of
Marriage (1933) –
gave loans to help
young couples Young People Women Employment and
marry. Living Standards
Mothers’ Cross – a Bring up the young as proud Germans, Women should adopt a traditional role To reduce unemployment through
medal given to make them strong and healthy, teach and stay at home rather than go to work. providing work for the unemployed and
women who had a them to support Nazi ideas. Boys should They should adopt a ‘natural’ look with expanding public works.
certain number of learn to do productive work for the simple plaited hair and long skirts. The
children. German economy and fight in the armed Nazis wanted women to marry and have
forces. Girls should learn how to be good Nazi policies towards unemployment
many children to make Germany bigger
Lebensborn – a wives and mothers. and stronger.
programme where National Labour Service (RAD)
unmarried women
Nazi policies towards the young Nazi policies towards women
could become
pregnant by Hitler Youth (political, physical Autobahns (motorways)
‘racially pure’ SS Law for the Encouragement
and military training) of Marriage (1933)
men.
Rearmament
Rearmament – League of German Maidens Change in divorce laws
when a country (preparation for marriage and (1938)
motherhood) Nazi policies towards living standards
begins to rebuild The Mother’s Cross
its armed forces.
Nazi Teachers’ League Strength Through Joy (KdF) &
Invisible Lebensborn (1935) Beauty of Labour
Unemployment –
using dubious Volkswagen Scheme
Nazification of the curriculum
methods to keep Reduction of women in work
unemployment
figures low. Although many young people joined the Nazi Not all workers benefitted from Nazi policy.
organisations, it was not always popular with As German industry grew alongside rearmament, the Unemployment figures are dubious due to
its members. needs of the state brought more women back into work. ‘invisible employment.’
Key Words:
GCSE History Knowledge Organiser: Weimar & Nazi Germany – How did persecution of the Jewish people escalate?
Civil Service –
government
employees.
Apr-May 1933 Apr 1933 1934 Sept 1935 1938 9-10 Apr 1939 1942-1945
Boycott – refusing
Nov 1938
to buy or take
part in something
as a protest. Jews banned Boycott of Jewish Growth of Nuremberg Laws Escalation of Kristallnacht Formation of the The Final
from certain jobs businesses segregation measures Reich Office for Solution
The Reich Law on In response to the Jewish
Segregation –
Jews could no For one day (1 Apr)
st Local councils Citizenship stripped Jews had to murder of a Emigration German
keeping two
longer work in Germans were controlled by the Jews of their register all of German official by conquests
groups apart. a Jew, the Nazis during WWII
the civil service or encouraged to Nazis began to citizenship and their possessions The SS became
teaching. boycott Jewish ban Jews from required them to and carry identify organised an anti- responsible for brought
Synagogue – the businesses. parks and wear a yellow Star of cards. Jewish driving the Jews millions more
Jewish place of Jews were swimming pools. David on their demonstration out of Germany Jews under
worship. banned from the The SA stood as an Others provided clothes. involving attacks on through forced Nazi control
army. intimidating presence separate park Jewish property, emigration. which led to
Forced at the entrance to benches for Jews. The Reich Law for shops, homes and the ‘Final
emigration – business premises. the Protection of synagogues. However the Solution’ (the
forcing or strongly German Blood and outbreak of use of death
pushing people to Honour forbade 100 Jews were World War II camps) from
marriage and sexual killed, 7500 forced the Nazis 1942 onwards.
leave a country.
relations between businesses and 191 to change their
Germans and Jews. synagogues plans.
The ‘Final destroyed.
Solution’ – the
plan by the Nazis Which minorities were persecuted by the Nazi regime?
to exterminate
Europe’s Jewish Jews Roma Slavs Homosexuals The Disabled Afro-Germans
population using
death camps and
gas chambers.