5. Germany At the end of WWI, Germany was plagued by various riots, strikes, and rebellions Numerous groups were vying for power Communists Social Democrats Nazis (Hitler’s political debut) When Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated, Germany was declared a republic
6. New German Republic First order of business: to sign peace treaty Many Germans (including Hitler) saw this as an act of treason Still, elections took place and the Reichstag (German parliament) was able to create a new constitution that was very democratic in nature
7. Weimar Republic This new, democratic government was called the Weimar Republic It would stay in power for 14 years
8. Financial Hardship Germany was unable to pay the reparations By 1922, they defaulted on their payments Result = France & Belgium occupied the Ruhr region (industrial heartland) with intent to use the products as reparation
9. Economic Disaster Occupation led to economic disaster: Production decreased Unemployment increased Prices rose dramatically --> more money printed --> hyperinflation
11. (More) Hard Times for the Germans Germans lost life savings Workers paid with worthless money Literally cost millions for groceries - hunger riots
12. Check for Understanding Discuss with your partner the Weimar Republic’s status: 1. Politically 2. Economically 1 minute
13. On the Brink of Chaos Economic hardships led to further political discord Things got worse when the WR resumed reparation payments Germans now furious with government and wanted something done…
14. Hitler’s Plan Hitler & Nazis plotted to: Kidnap Bavarian leaders force them (at gunpoint) to accept Hitler as their new leader Win over the Army Declare national revolt Overthrow democratic government
15. From Beer Hall Putsch… Munich, Germany November 8-9, 1923 - 8:30 pm Hitler & posse stormed beer hall = leaders freaked out “The National revolution has begun!”
16. To Beer Hall Putz… Comedy of errors… Result - Hitler arrested - charged with treason 5-week trial - guilty verdict Sent to Landsberg Prison (where he wrote his famous book, Mein Kampf)
17. Did Hitler Really Lose? Ultimately, no (it helped him!) Trial made him a national figure Platform to make his views known to those outside the Nazi party His defense gave him the opportunity to attack those he hated (Jews, communists, etc.)
19. Check for Understanding What was the “Beer Hall Putsch?” How did it ultimately work in Hitler’s favor? 30 seconds
20. Back on Track New chancellor/foreign minister (Stresemann - 1923-1929) Introduced new currency that ended hyperinflation Negotiated reduction in reparations This upswing gave way to great cultural advances (Brecht, Weill, Dietrich, Einstein, etc.)
22. The Roaring 20s Prosperity Optimism Liberal attitudes VS. Flappers Speakeasies Gangsters Jazz Conservative attitudes Prohibition 18th Amendment Red Scare
38. Underlying Causes of the Great Depression Stock market crash did not cause the GD Main Causes: Unstable Economy Over-speculation Government Policies
40. The Ripple Effect At first, crash only affected those heavily invested in stock market It did not take long for a ripple effect to occur
41. Impact on World International banking, manufacturing and trade made the world dependent upon the US US demanded France & Britain pay wartime debts while keeping taxes on imports high Created a situation in which the Allies had to rely on Germany’s reparations
42. Collapse of Weimar Republic Great Depression Financially crippled Germany Weak Government President von Hindenberg Elderly Too weak to fight Hitler Tries to outsmart Hitler…backfires
43. Closure List the circumstances that led to the collapse of the Weimar Republic 1 minute