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Germany Part 3(End of Y10) #1 - Coggle Diagram
Germany Part 3(End of Y10) #1
Monarchy(1888 - 1918)
Under the totalitarian rule of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Germany became a major colonial and military power. This was mostly due to the Kaiser's Weltpolitik policy and "place in the sun" ideology. The Kaiser's unrealistic Naval laws also exacerbated naval tension within Europe.
Before the Germany had faced the detriments of WW1, monarchical Germany was financially stable and an industrial powerhouse within Europe (biggest producer of steel and electrical goods).
There were some major issues faced by Kaiser Wilhelm II's Germany however:
An autocratic rule meant that the German populace had little to no say in legislative affairs. The Reichstag would often be ignored or dismissed by the Kaiser also.
The Kaiser essentially had control of all major political figures and henceforth all governmental decisions made in Germany; he appointed the Chancellom, whom (as demonstrated with Bismarck) was able to be dismissed by the Kaiser if any ideological clashes were encountered.
Mass poverty due to accelerated industrialisation and urbanisation was incredibly common at the time. Any "cries for help" in relation to this matter were largely ignored by the Kaiser and his aristocratic acolytes.
The Kaiser's tenure would eventually end in abdication on 9th November 1918 as a result of an ultimatum from the social democratic party (led by Freidrich Ebert).
World War One(1914 - 1918)
Social issues:
Mass poverty ensues as a result of the British blockade on the North Sea, preventing food imports.
Guilt clause (Article 231) of the ToV; humiliated German nationalists especially, beginning the "Novermber Criminals" concept and a desire for reprisal.
The Turnip Winter of 1916-1917; an estimated 750k Germans dead as a result.
Political Issues:
Germany's constitution was reformed to create a democratic republic led by Ebert. This allowed Germany's constituents to finally have some form of governmental power, though some still yearned for a monarchical dictatorship.
Such events as the Spartacist uprising were still prominent after the formation of the Weimar Republic and political unrest was ever present.
Economic Issues:
Extortionate reparations demanded by the ToV; 6.6 Billion demanded by the allies. This would eventually lead to the hyperinflation crisis of the early 20's.
Trading was made exceptionally difficult for Germany, the Anchluss was ended as a result of the ToV, Germany's reputation was marred and Germany was forbidden to join the League of Nations until 1926.
Germany lost some of its most bountiful regions including Alsace Lorraine and the Saar, hindering industry to a substantial degree.
Hyperinflation(1910's - 1923)
The extremely large reparation sum crippled the German economy completely, they were unable to pay off the second set of these reparations and as a result. The Ruhr (a major source of Germany's income) was occupied by France. Workers there were coerced into striking through an offer by the Wiemar government to continue to pay wages of the workers, necessitating the printing of more notes. Over 100 German workers were killed as a result of this resistance.
Savings that were possessed by an individual were made worthless because of depreciating values of the mark.
Hyperinflation was instigated largely by articles 45-50 of the ToV which forced Germany to give up lucrative regions such as Silesia (a coal powerhouse).
Some "benefited" from the hyperinflation crisis however; those with possessions were, for the most part, safe from increasing prices, farmers benefited from the value of their imports rising and those with loans were able to pay them off very easily. A "blackmarket" and bargaining system was also popularised amongst the working class, allowing them to "get by" through comprimises.
Political Unrest(1918 - 1924)
The Spartacist uprising occurred in 1919 as a result of KPD members (led by Luxemburg and Liebknecht) challenging the newly reformed Wiemar Government. Ebert responded to this attempt by using his paramilitary group (the Freikorps) to subdue the threat; they ultimately killed the two leaders.
The Kapp Putsch took place on March 1920 and was lead by right-wing nationalist Wolfgang Kapp; aided by the Freikorps themselves. Ebert ordered the military to subdue the threat but they would not fire on the Freikorps. A passive resistance/strike is instead ordered, this results in Kapp fleeing but eventually being arrested.
376 political murders occured in Germany from 1919-1922
Adolf Hitler wished to coerce political figures within Bavaria (namely the Bavarian Triumvirate) in hopes of gaining support for his intended revolution. On 8th November 1923, Hitler marched into the Burgerbraukeller accompanied by General Ludendorff and the SA. Those who didn't accompany Hitler occupied telecommunication stations. Hitler held the triumvirate at gunpoint but was eventually able to dragoon those in the beer hall by appealing to their nationalistic beliefs. Once Ludendorff arrived, the triumvirate reluctantly agreed but were later released, informing authorities and resulting in 14 Nazis being killed and Adolf Hitler being imprisoned.
During Hitler's imprisonment, he was able to finish and publish his anti-semetic, autobiographical work "Mein Kampf"; this would later be hailed as a "Nazi holy book" in many ways.
The Golden Age(1924 - 1929)
Streseman first posited the Rentenmarke into circulation, this was later replaced by the Reichmarke in 1924.
The Dawes plan was agreed to in August 1924, it involved Germany receiving a substantial loan of 800 million gold marks from the US. This had been allowed to occur because of Streseman's actions to strengthen relations with the US. Germany was now able to pay off the second set of reparations; ending the French occupation of the Ruhr.
The Locarno Pact declared Germany's borders to prevent another occupation like that of the Ruhr, all countries involved denounced the potentiality of invasion or occupation unless as an act of self defence.
Germany was allowed to join the League of Nations in 1926, showing that their international relations really has been improved massively.
August 1928 - The Kellogg-Briand Pact is signed; over 60 nations agree that they will not settle international disputed with war.
The Young Plan is agreed to in January 1930, this decreased the reparations demanded in the ToV by a substantial degree, giving Germany an additional 59 years to pay them. The demanded sum was now 112 Billion gold Marks.
The Great Depression(1929 - 1933)
The Wall Street crash occurred in October of 1929. This was majorly detrimental to Germany as a crash in the US' stock market meant that loans from the US could no longer contribute to Germany's income.
From an economic standpoint, the Depression was especially impactful as this increases unemployment figures by a great degree. By 1930, there were 2 million unemployed Germans and this would only increase, reaching 6 million by 1933. Because of this unemployment, less income was made through industrial means and more income was being spent on employment insurance and benefits.
As a result of the depression, political turmoil had arose; extremist parties were gaining popularity as the German populace desired a quick solution to the crisis.
The Nazi Rise to Power(1930's - 1934)
1924 - Hitler releases Mein Kampf, the Hitler Youth and Nazi Student League are established (beginning indoctrination through Nazi ideals), several Nazi offices were established throughout Germany (this cemented Germany as a genuine, veritable party.
1928 - Nazi policies are altered to better benefit the rural population. This was done so in an attempt to "win over" this portion of the population(35%). This was done through the insurance of protection for farmers against competition. This likely very effective as farmers would tend to deviate from Communist parties anyway.
Negative cohesion was a major factor in the "Nazi arsenal"; many did not agree with Nazi policies but did share similar disdains as the party, therefore supporting them because of this.
1929 - The Nazis often subdued the rising popularity of communism through physical mediums in the form of the SA. They exploited the German people's growing distaste for democracy. The SPD was the most popular and revered party leading up to 1932, after their withdrawal from the government however; it was clear that reforming the constitution itself was necessary.
Hitler's Rise to Power(1930's - 1934)
Hitler was eventually appointed chancellor as a result of secret talks of former chancellor Von Papen. Von Papen agreed to aid Hitler in acquiring the position but only if he was made vice chancellor as a result. Eventually, Von Papen convinced Hindenburg that Hitler would be easier to control if he was made chancellor; Hindenburg conceded in January 1933.
Threats to Hitler's Tenure Were:
Hindenburg ultimately held a greater amount of power than Hitler did in his position as chancellor; this limited him but these limits were eventually revoked through Article 48.
The German army were in favour of Hindenburg rather than Hitler due to the President's military background.
Communism was, of course, a major concern of the Nazi party; this would eventually dissipate after Communist party conferences were forbidden through the Enabling Act.
In the 1933 election, the Nazis still did not have the 2/3 majority necessary. This would be undermined by the Enabling Act and Article 48 however.
February 1933 - The Reichstag Fire takes place, this acts as a scapegoat for Hitler. It allows him to capitalise on the resounding feeling of panic, acting as an excuse to invoke Article 48. The Nazi's also hold the Communists culpable for the fire; popularising the pretence of a potential communist revolution.
The Enabling Act is invoked in March of 1933; this statute essentially gave the Nazi party unconditional power over Germany. The SS and SA were positioned in and around the Berlin Opera House to ensure compliance through intimidation. Parties and their constituents that would undoubtedly oppose the Act were arrested beforehand (the Communists and the SPD being the most notable). The Catholic Centre party agreed to support the act under the Reichkonkordat's terms.
The Night of the Long Knives took place on June of 1934; Hitler feared that the SA was a potential threat to his tenure as Fuhrer (SA has 3 million members at the time), he believed that the SA was becoming too independent and needed to be subdued along with their leader: Ernst Rohm.