The Weimar Republic
Task 1 - The Context for Democracy and attempted Revolution
Read pages 299 to 303 of the text book.
Start to make study notes for your exam under the following headings:
Read pages 6-8 of Webb's Red Book and make further study notes:
Read pages 299 to 303 of the text book.
Start to make study notes for your exam under the following headings:
- German Society in early 1919 (Give specific examples of how chaotic things were)
- The Ebert - Groener Pact (Explain why Ebert agreed and what the long term significance would be)
Read pages 6-8 of Webb's Red Book and make further study notes:
- Conservative Elites (Make sure you know who these people are what they are likely to do to democracy when they get the chance)t
Task 2 - The Treaty of Versailles
Read pages 13-16 of Webb's red book.
Make study notes on the following topics:
Read pages 13-16 of Webb's red book.
Make study notes on the following topics:
- Why the Treaty pleased no one.
- The political impact of the treaty.
- The economic impact of the treaty.
Task 3 - The constitution
Read pages 304, 305 and the document study of the White Text book. Also check the notes on this website:http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan
Study notes:
Read pages 304, 305 and the document study of the White Text book. Also check the notes on this website:http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan
Study notes:
- Article 22 of the Constitution - Explain how this created the need for coalitions, how these often broke down and how that made democracy look to the people. (note also Evans' comments though they don't undermine the major point)
- Article 48 of the Constitution - Explain the power that this would give someone and how this would be a problem for democracy if it was misused.
Task 4 - The Kapp Putsch
Read page 305 of the white text book and http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan
Study notes
Read page 305 of the white text book and http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan
Study notes
- Show how the Kapp Putsch is an early example of the selective nature of the help that the army would give to the democratic government.
Task 5 - The economic problems - particularly 1923
Read pages 307 and 308 of the textbook, pages 16-19 of the red book (particularly second half of 18) and http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan
Study notes:
Read pages 307 and 308 of the textbook, pages 16-19 of the red book (particularly second half of 18) and http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan
Study notes:
- The specific events of the Ruhr are not crucial though a general idea will be helpful. Focus your notes on the discontent and lack of faith in the government that was created by these events.
Task 6 - The Stresemann Era
Read pages 309-312 of your white text book.
and http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan
Study Notes:
Read pages 309-312 of your white text book.
and http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan
Study Notes:
- Note the things that Stresemann did to get the German economy out of the problems that it had.
- Note the various things that are evidence of a much improved society and international standing for the Germans. Locarno treaties, Dawes Plan, Young Plan and the cultural revolution.
- Make a note that not everyone was happy with this situation and that it had some significant flaws.
Task 7 - The Depression
Read pages 313 - 314 of your text book, 33-37 of the red book plus my notes.
Study notes:
Read pages 313 - 314 of your text book, 33-37 of the red book plus my notes.
Study notes:
- Have some notes on the basics of what happened - stock market crash, unemployment, etc.
- Then, longer notes on both the short term impact and long term impact of the Depression.
- Lastly, you should try and make a decision about how significant the Depression was to the downfall of the Weimar Republic. This may change as you gain more knowledge but it's good to start forming an opinion.
Task 8 - The Army and Conservative Elites
Read pages 314-318 of the white text book, 39-45 of the red book and this outline of events from 1929-1933
Study notes:
Read pages 314-318 of the white text book, 39-45 of the red book and this outline of events from 1929-1933
Study notes:
- Have a reasonable knowledge of the events that transpired. You won't be able to (and shouldn't) list all these events in an essay but having a decent knowledge of this will help you to write effectively about what did happen.
- Create a sentence or two that sums up all of these events that you could use in an essay. There is one in my previous notes on the Depression (2nd paragraph)
- Understand that the Nazi popularity and numbers in the Reichstag made them an appealing option to be used by the conservative elites even if these elites didn't agree with everything about the Nazis.
- Understand that ultimately, Hitler was put into power by the conservative elites, for reasons that are often far from noble. They thought they could control him... they were wrong.
Task 9 - Other factors to consider
Read through the various dot points on this page that you have not dealt with specifically already. (note it is on the old Wiki and needs the password)
Topics we haven't specifically dealt with yet include:
For each of these you should make notes on how they would undermine the Weimar Democracy.
Read through the various dot points on this page that you have not dealt with specifically already. (note it is on the old Wiki and needs the password)
Topics we haven't specifically dealt with yet include:
- German belief in strong authoritarian rule by one leader – Bismarck legend.
- Fear of communism
- Nationalism
For each of these you should make notes on how they would undermine the Weimar Democracy.
Task 10 - The Debate
Have a read of the top of this page http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan.
Study Notes:
Copy or summarise the information that is there and then come up with a point of view of your own on both the major debate topics mentioned.
Have a read of the top of this page http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956127/Weimar%20Repulic%20Essay%20Plan.
Study Notes:
Copy or summarise the information that is there and then come up with a point of view of your own on both the major debate topics mentioned.
The rise of the nazi party
Task 1 - The Munich Putsch
Read pages 321 and 322 of your white textbook and my notes at http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956084/Rise%20of%20the%20Nazi%20Party%20Essay%20Plan
Make study notes but not too long. You should note the following:
Read pages 321 and 322 of your white textbook and my notes at http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956084/Rise%20of%20the%20Nazi%20Party%20Essay%20Plan
Make study notes but not too long. You should note the following:
- A very short and basic outline of what happened.
- Note the lightness of Hitler's sentence and consider what this showed about how people on the Right side of politics were treated compared to people on the left. What does this tell you about the conservative elites (judges in this case) who still held their positions of power?
- Explain how jail redefined Hitler's views and changed his approach on how to gain power.
Task 2 - Nazi Party Policies
Read page 321 of your textbook, page 57 of the Red book plus my notes at http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956084/Rise%20of%20the%20Nazi%20Party%20Essay%20Plan
Make some study notes that include the following:
Read page 321 of your textbook, page 57 of the Red book plus my notes at http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956084/Rise%20of%20the%20Nazi%20Party%20Essay%20Plan
Make some study notes that include the following:
- A list of the major policies of the Nazi Party
- An acknowledgement that these policies are vague, sometimes contradictory but could appeal to a broad range of people
- Note Evan's excellent quote about their policies - it's in my notes.
Task 3 - Hitler's Public Speaking
Read my notes at http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956084/Rise%20of%20the%20Nazi%20Party%20Essay%20Plan
Make some brief study notes on the power of Hitler's public speaking and write down at least one quote that you think you can use to show just how powerful his public speaking was.
Read my notes at http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956084/Rise%20of%20the%20Nazi%20Party%20Essay%20Plan
Make some brief study notes on the power of Hitler's public speaking and write down at least one quote that you think you can use to show just how powerful his public speaking was.
Task 4 - 1924-1929
Read pages 57 and 58 of the Red Book.
Make some notes that include the following:
Read pages 57 and 58 of the Red Book.
Make some notes that include the following:
- What negative things happened to the party at this time. Make particular note of Gregor Strasser and the left wing aspects of the party. This is evidence of the confusing nature of the party itself.
- Make a note of what happened with the Young Plan and Alfred Hugenberg and how this played into the hands of Hitler.
Task 5 - Campaigning for Elections
There are a number of reasons why the Nazis deserve Credit for becoming as popular as they did. One of those reasons is the energy that went into campaigning during the elections from 1930 to 1932.
Read the following information - Nazi Party Campaigning 1930-1932
Study Notes:
There are a number of reasons why the Nazis deserve Credit for becoming as popular as they did. One of those reasons is the energy that went into campaigning during the elections from 1930 to 1932.
Read the following information - Nazi Party Campaigning 1930-1932
Study Notes:
- Make a note of some of the things the Nazi's did to make their campaigning so successful.
- Make a note of just how well they did in the various elections between 1930 and 1932.
- Make the point, that if they had not been so popular, the conservative elite would never have wanted to make a deal with them.
Task 6 - The SA (Storm Troopers)
It is unlikely that you will specifically need this information but it is helpful to understand both why the SA existed and what they did in the beginning and also how they came to be a liability to Hitler.
Read the following information - The SA
Make some very brief study notes on the following:
It is unlikely that you will specifically need this information but it is helpful to understand both why the SA existed and what they did in the beginning and also how they came to be a liability to Hitler.
Read the following information - The SA
Make some very brief study notes on the following:
- Outline the initial role of the SA
- In what ways did the SA become a liability to Hitler
Task 7 - Consolidation of Nazi Power - 1933 to 1934 (This is a big task)
Read pages 326 to 331 of the White text book, pages 65 to 69 of the Red book and http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/51110964/Initial%20Consolidation%20of%20Nazi%20Power%201933-34
While there are so many events here that you could mention (as seen in the table of the Red Book) we need to concentrate on a few key ones, however, if you read something that I have not included and think it is worth mentioning then by all means include it in your notes.
You should make study notes under the following headings:
Note that many of these things should be seen as the D of DESK in NEVADACCNDESK. It is the destruction of the apparatus of democracy.
Read pages 326 to 331 of the White text book, pages 65 to 69 of the Red book and http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/51110964/Initial%20Consolidation%20of%20Nazi%20Power%201933-34
While there are so many events here that you could mention (as seen in the table of the Red Book) we need to concentrate on a few key ones, however, if you read something that I have not included and think it is worth mentioning then by all means include it in your notes.
You should make study notes under the following headings:
- 27-28 Feb 1933 - The Reichstag fire and the Decree that follows it - The decree for the protection of people and state.
- 21 Mar 1933 - Potsdam Ceremony
- 23 Mar 1933 - The Enabling Act
- May - July 1933 - the dissolving, either voluntarily or forcefully, of all real elements of opposition including political parties, the Catholic Church and Trade Unions.
- June 1934 - The Night of the Long Knives - specifically done to eliminate the threat of the SA and get the army onside.
- 2 Aug 1934 - With the death of Hindenburg, Hitler combines the role of Chancellor and President.
Note that many of these things should be seen as the D of DESK in NEVADACCNDESK. It is the destruction of the apparatus of democracy.
Nazism in power
This section aims to look at what Germany was like under the Nazi party.
Wide reading
The following short chapter from David Welch will provide you with something of a context and examination of the period we are looking into. http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/f/Hitler+Profile+of+a+Dictator+David+Welch+chapter++on+the+Fuhrer+state.pdf
The following short chapter from David Welch will provide you with something of a context and examination of the period we are looking into. http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/f/Hitler+Profile+of+a+Dictator+David+Welch+chapter++on+the+Fuhrer+state.pdf
Task 1 - Hitler's role in the Nazi State
This an awkward little section but like everything else needs to be done. It tends to not be big enough for an essay on it's own but having said that there was an essay question on this section recently in the HSC. It also has links to the next section which means you can use information from here for an essay on that section so here we go...
Read pages 77-80 of the Red Book. Make dot point study notes on each of the 4 different views of Hitler's role in the Nazi State. Having done that decide which one you believe to be the most credible and have a clear 1-2 line statement of why you believe this one to be the most credible.
This an awkward little section but like everything else needs to be done. It tends to not be big enough for an essay on it's own but having said that there was an essay question on this section recently in the HSC. It also has links to the next section which means you can use information from here for an essay on that section so here we go...
Read pages 77-80 of the Red Book. Make dot point study notes on each of the 4 different views of Hitler's role in the Nazi State. Having done that decide which one you believe to be the most credible and have a clear 1-2 line statement of why you believe this one to be the most credible.
Task 2 - Totalitarianism - The Debate
One of the favourite Essay questions for this section is to engage the debate about whether or not Nazi Germany was in fact a Totalitarian state. I suspect most of you would have felt there was probably no debate here but actually, there is. There are numerous ways of coming to this argument but to start with, lets get a sense of the arguments for and against.
Please note, the Totalitarian question is not over. Much of the coming information relates to the whole debate over whether or not Nazi Germany was totalitarian.
One of the favourite Essay questions for this section is to engage the debate about whether or not Nazi Germany was in fact a Totalitarian state. I suspect most of you would have felt there was probably no debate here but actually, there is. There are numerous ways of coming to this argument but to start with, lets get a sense of the arguments for and against.
- Read the following information, http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/f/Totalitarian+argumanets+for+and+against.pdf, to get a sense of the differing arguments regarding whether or not Nazi Germany was Totalitarian.
- Read page 81 of your Red Book. Explain how the definition of Totalitarianism is not set and has shifted depending upon the interests of those creating the definition.
- Find a definition of Totalitarianism that you are comfortable with. There is one at the bottom of p. 81 (last 2 lines) but you may want to search the internet for a definition that you feel a little more happy to use. This will be important because if you have an essay on this debate topic, the first thing you will need to do (after your big thesis statement) in your essay is define the term totalitarian for the purpose of your essay.
- Read through pages 84-85 and make a summary of what you believe to be the most convincing arguments on both sides of the debate. Probably choose 4-5 on each side. At the end of this, write 1-2 lines explaining your belief about whether or not Nazi Germany was in fact a Totalitarian state. These will be your stand alone study notes for an essay on this topic so consider this time to be making study notes specifically for an essay on whether or not Nazi Germany was totalitarian.
Please note, the Totalitarian question is not over. Much of the coming information relates to the whole debate over whether or not Nazi Germany was totalitarian.
Task 3 - Propaganda
These are the methods used to enforce the will of the Nazi Party, if you like, they are the tools of a totalitarian society. Propaganda is there to convince people that the Nazi way is the right way and terror and repression are then used for those who don't conform of their own volition (free will).
Read Chapter 11 (87-90) of your Red Book and answer the following questions:
These are the methods used to enforce the will of the Nazi Party, if you like, they are the tools of a totalitarian society. Propaganda is there to convince people that the Nazi way is the right way and terror and repression are then used for those who don't conform of their own volition (free will).
Read Chapter 11 (87-90) of your Red Book and answer the following questions:
- What point is made in the first paragraph about the popularity of the Nazi regime and one of the key reasons for this?
- Who was the minister for Enlightenment and Propaganda?
- Make a 2-3 line summary of the aims and attitude toward propaganda as presented in the diagram on p. 87.
- Read the dot points on pages 87 and 88 and make a list of 4 points which most significantly highlight the methods of propaganda used by the Nazi Party (in your opinion)
- The Fuhrer Myth - This could easily be a body paragraph of an essay on it's own so take the time to summarise 4 of the most significant points on p. 89 that show you the elements that made up the Fuhrer myth. This paragraph could be used in a number of different places so it is worth knowing. There is a diagram on p. 92 that summarises all these points.
- There are 3 great quotes on p. 90. Pick your favourite and add it to you notes. (Personally I like Evans)
Task 4 - Terror and Repression
Wide Reading - Read the following article about the Gestapo - I can be downloaded from here
http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/file/64701300/gestapo%20and%20terror%20in%20nazi%20germany.pdf
Read chapter 12 of the textbook and answer the following questions:
Wide Reading - Read the following article about the Gestapo - I can be downloaded from here
http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/file/64701300/gestapo%20and%20terror%20in%20nazi%20germany.pdf
Read chapter 12 of the textbook and answer the following questions:
- Explain the difference between the perception and the reality of Nazi surveillance of their people.
- Make your own summary of the various branches of the Nazi terror machine using the diagram on p. 93.
- How did the Reichstag Fire decree of 1933 help to legalise the terror system of the Nazis?
- Read pages 94-96 and explain the reality of the Gestapo.
- Despite this, Webb writes, "it is not the truth that counts but what people believe is the truth". What does he mean by this?
Task 5 - Opposition to Nazism
Read pages 99-101 of Ken Webb's book.
For each of the following groups, answer the question, why did they choose not to or were unable to provide any substantial resistance to the Nazis in 1933-1939.
Read pages 99-101 of Ken Webb's book.
For each of the following groups, answer the question, why did they choose not to or were unable to provide any substantial resistance to the Nazis in 1933-1939.
- The Army
- The Church
- The Youth
- The left wing of politics
- The Conservatives
Task 6 - Social and cultural life in the Nazi state
Wide Reading: http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/f/chapter+on+support+and+opposition+to+the+nazi+party+Stephen+Lee+Hitler+and+Nazi+Germany.pdf
Read pages 338-339
Wide Reading: http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/f/chapter+on+support+and+opposition+to+the+nazi+party+Stephen+Lee+Hitler+and+Nazi+Germany.pdf
Read pages 338-339
- What was Volkgemeinschaft and what was the slogan that accompanied it? What does this suggest about the socialist aspect of Nazism? How is it different to communism?
- What was achieved via the welfare measures introduced by the Nazis?
- What happened to employments between 1933 and 1939? What impact do you think this had on people's attitude to Hitler and the Nazis?
- List some other aspects of Volksgeneimschaft that would have made the people more content?
Task 7 - Women
Read pages 339-341 of your white book plus the information to the right and answer the following questions (or make study notes in preparation for your exams)
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Task 8 - The Youth
Read pages 105-106 of your red book, 341-344 of your white book including all the source material. Read the information to the right and then answer the following questions (or make study notes)
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Task 9 - Religion
Read the information to the right and answer the following questions or make notes:
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Task 10 - Notes on the Jews and Antisemitism
Read the information to the right and Chapter 15 of the Red Book.
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Nazi foreign policy
The Debate
The great debate that comes out here that you should be looking for in all your reading is the extent to which and Hitler and Nazis were driven in the foreign policy by their ideology or whether they were simply driven by the opportunities that presented themselves. Most likely, it will be somewhere in between or a combination of both with a different significance at different times.
The great debate that comes out here that you should be looking for in all your reading is the extent to which and Hitler and Nazis were driven in the foreign policy by their ideology or whether they were simply driven by the opportunities that presented themselves. Most likely, it will be somewhere in between or a combination of both with a different significance at different times.
Task 1 - Nazi Ideology
Read through the information to the right and make your own notes on what these three aspects of Nazi ideology are and how they might relate to foreign policy. |
Task 2
Good information to know before you read Webb who will take that information and explain the debate around it.
http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956052/Foreign%20Policy%20Notes
Just looking at my foreign policy page on the wiki site, there are a few good links there also. The "foreign policy debate essay found on the internet" is actually well worth a read. As is Stephen Lee article. Underneath is a link to the foreign policy page of the wiki.
http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956057/Germany%20Between%20the%20Wars
Then read the red book. Webb will explain the debate in his own way but it will help for you to have some background knowledge before you jump into that.
Good information to know before you read Webb who will take that information and explain the debate around it.
http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956052/Foreign%20Policy%20Notes
Just looking at my foreign policy page on the wiki site, there are a few good links there also. The "foreign policy debate essay found on the internet" is actually well worth a read. As is Stephen Lee article. Underneath is a link to the foreign policy page of the wiki.
http://ccsyear12modern.pbworks.com/w/page/7956057/Germany%20Between%20the%20Wars
Then read the red book. Webb will explain the debate in his own way but it will help for you to have some background knowledge before you jump into that.