in politics, a deadlock happens when no party or group has a clear majority, so nothing can get passed or decided

authoritarian governments give most power to one leader or a small group, this can bring stability and quick decisions, but offers few rights or choices for ordinary people

someone who values tradition, social order, and gradual change; in 1930s Germany, conservatives wanted to protect the old institutions and were often opposed to democracy or radical movements

a wealthy aristocrat and former army officer; he had little popular support but moved easily in elite political and military circles

a senior army officer and political schemer who worked behind the scenes to influence government decisions and shape power from the shadows

How Hitler became Chancellor of Germany

History

Germany before the First World War

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

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

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

it caused the Nazis and Communists to form a joint government

it forced the government to rely on emergency decrees under Article 48

it led to immediate military rule across Germany

What was one major consequence of the Great Depression for the Weimar Republic’s political system?

someone who believed Germany should become a republic with no military

someone who supported rapid revolution and communist ideas

someone who valued tradition, social order, and protecting old institutions

In 1930s Germany, what did the term conservative most accurately describe?

{{}} introduced spending cuts and banned the SA, which angered conservative elites and led to his dismissal in 1932.

Hindenburg appointed a new chancellor immediately after the vote

Papen won a clear majority and strengthened his position

the Nazi Party became the largest party in the Reichstag

What was a key outcome of the July 1932 election in Germany?

Hindenburg feared Hitler’s extremism and lack of status

Schleicher blocked Hitler’s appointment

Why didn’t Hindenburg make Hitler chancellor after the July 1932 election?

Starting with the earliest, put the following chancellors in the correct order of their appointment:

the Great Depression caused mass unemployment and people lost faith in democracy

the Nazi Party had always been Germany’s most influential political group

the Weimar Republic successfully increased trust in democracy

Why did many Germans turn to the Nazi Party during the early 1930s?

many Germans saw Hitler as a necessary protector against the threats

the Nazi Party only gained votes from the working class

the Nazis ignored communism and focused only on economic policies

How did fear of communism and cultural decline influence Nazi support?

passionate speeches and use of modern campaign tactics like air travel.

focus only on detailed economic policies rather than emotional appeal.

presentation as a strong leader who could restore Germany’s greatness.

support gained in the election, showing his credibility as a leader.

Many Germans found Adolf Hitler appealing because of his ...

avoiding radio and film as campaign tools

ignoring middle class voters to focus only on the working class

using mass rallies, posters, and media to target different social groups

What was a key tactic of Nazi propaganda under Joseph Goebbels?

they focused only on charity work and social programmes

they had an image of order and intimidated opposition

they peacefully debated political opponents in public forums

How did the SA help the Nazi Party rise to power?

"we will break the power of big business"

"we will create jobs and end class conflict"

Match each Nazi promise to the group it was aimed at.

Starter Quiz