the process of bringing separate states together into a single, united country

the belief that people who share the same language, culture, history or ethnicity should unite in one country; many believe this would create greater unity, strength and harmony within the nation

the head of government in Germany, appointed by the Kaiser; similar to a Prime Minister but not elected

the belief that a strong military and military values should dominate society and government

the national parliament of Germany where elected politicians debated laws, but had limited power to control government decisions

Germany before the First World War

History

Industrialisation, social reform and the growth of socialism

Germany’s naval ambitions before the First World War

The First World War and the German Revolution

The Weimar Republic

Early unrest and the Treaty of Versailles

The putsches of 1919-23

1923, the Ruhr and hyperinflation

Economic recovery under Stresemann

Stresemann's international achievements

Weimar culture 1924-29

The growth of unemployment and rise in support for the Communist Party

The growth in support for the Nazi Party

How Hitler became Chancellor of Germany

The Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act

Hitler's creation of a dictatorship

The Nazi police state

The Nazi Party and religion

Goebbels and propaganda in Nazi Germany

Opposition and resistance to Hitler and the Nazi Party

Women in Nazi Germany

Young people in Nazi Germany

Employment in Nazi Germany

Work and life in Nazi Germany

The Nazi economy and WW2

Nazi racial ideology and the treatment of minorities

The persecution of Jews

The Final Solution

In this unit pupils undergo a period study that provides an unfolding narrative which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the chosen period.

Period Studies

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

they feared the rise of a powerful new country next door

they were concerned about Germany’s weak economy

Why did other European countries feel threatened by German unification?

belief that people with a shared identity should unite in one country

the process of bringing separate states together into a united country

Match each term to its correct definition.

{{}} is the belief that strong armies and military values should dominate society and government.

By 1912, voter turnout was high among men.

Parliament had full control over foreign policy,

The chancellor was elected by the people.

The SPD became the largest party in the Reichstag,

Which of the following statements about democratic change in Germany before 1914 are true?

It could not control the government or the military.

It was chosen by the Kaiser, not the public.

What was the main limitation of the Reichstag in the German Empire?

Germany had existed as a single, united country for hundreds of years.

Germany was part of the British Empire before gaining independence.

Germany was ruled by a single king called the Kaiser since medieval times.

There was no country called Germany, just many different German-speaking states.

Which of the following statements best explains Germany’s status before 1871?

What major global event began in 1914 and had a huge impact on Germany?

What was the name of the democratic government that took over in Germany after World War I?

{{}} Hitler became the leader of Germany in 1933.

What major event began in 1939 and involved Germany invading other countries?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Germany before the First World War

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.