The document outlines the tumultuous period following World War I in Germany, highlighting the transition from the Weimar Republic, established after the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in November 1918, to Hitler's dictatorship. It discusses the societal crises that contributed to the rise of political unrest, including food shortages and revolts, culminating in the German Revolution. This lays the groundwork for the emergence of Nazi Germany, known as the Third Reich, which ultimately collapsed in 1945.

1. DEPTH STUDY
NAZI GERMANY
GERMANY EMERGING
FROM THE DEFEAT
01

2. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – DEPTH STUDY: GERMANY
INTRODUCTION
• During the early years of the Weimar Republic, the German
Government experienced problems which threatened its
existence.
• After the end of World War One, it struggled from crisis to
crisis.
• Many Germans blamed the new German Government for
Germany’s defeat in World War One, as did Hitler.

3. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – DEPTH STUDY: GERMANY
THE END OF THE WAR
• The Government needed to end the war and make peace for
a number of reasons:
• Germany’s allies had surrendered.
• The USA had entered the war in 1917 against Germany.
• Many German civilians were starving and there were
severe food shortages.
• Germany was running out of raw materials.
• Revolts had broken out across Germany amongst sailors,
soldiers and workers.
• German officials agreed a truce on 11 November 1918.
• This was the Armistice.

4. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – DEPTH STUDY: GERMANY
TIMELINE
• Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated on 9 November 1918, 2 days
before signing of the Armistice.
• His autocratic system was replaced with a democracy, later
known as the Weimar Republic.
• This Republic will last for 14 years, being destroyed by
Hitler’s dictatorship.
• The Third Reich intended to last for 1000 years, collapsed in
1945, following the suicide of its creator, Adolf Hitler and
the military defeat of Germany.
• The Third Reich was the term used to describe the Nazi
Germany from 1933-1945.

5. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – DEPTH STUDY: GERMANY
THE “GERMAN REVOLUTION”
• The events of October to November 1918 are called “the
German Revolution”.
• Following the naval mutiny at Kiel and soldiers’ and
workers’ rebellions spreading to other German ports and
cities, the German Kaiser was persuaded to abdicate.
• He fled to exile in Holland.
• Political power was assumed by Friedrich Ebert, the leader
of the Social Democratic Party, the largest party in the
Reichstag (Parliament).
• The social unrest, violence on the streets and political chaos
were normal.