The Roots and Years of Turmoil in Germany A German helmet, circa World War I, sitting atop the Imperial German Flag Holocaust PowerPoint #2
World War I Wars are often met with a surge of enthusiasm and patriotism. Hitler believed WW I would cleanse Germany of its impurities Hatred behind wars German Kaiser hated the Slavs France wanted revenge on Germany Belgians were against Germans War lost its charm—now a struggle for survival
Defeat and Germany By November 1918, German defeat in the war seemed certain. Mutinies broke out Communist-led uprisings Nov. 10th – Kaiser gave up his throne Germany signed armistice on Nov. 11th
Treaty of Versailles Officially ended WW I German colonies taken away Alsace and Lorraine returned to France Three Provisions German army reduced to 100,000 and they lost their navy and air force Germany was expected to pay heavy fines Germany signed War Guilt clause
Weimar Republic Replaced Imperial Germany Poor start Violent groups fought for control The fight for power went back and forth Germany’s economy suffered Money dropped in value from 4,500 marks to one U.S. dollar to 4.2 billion marks to the dollar Inflation in the Weimar Republic made it cheaper for this woman to burn money than firewood.
1924-1929: economy made a comeback Middle party took control of the Reichstag (German government) Great Depression came High unemployment Renewed Communist activity Many looked to Adolf Hitler and his Nazis for help
Adolf Hitler Born in Austria 1889 As a boy he hated anyone who tried to control him Only knew one Jewish boy and didn’t really have an opinion at that point Dropped out of school in 1915 Went to Vienna and painted postcards Read anti-Semitic books
Served in German army in WW I Sent to spy on The German Worker’s Party Joined as member 55 Soon became member 7 of the executive committee He really liked the group He changed the name to NSDAP (Nazis) Made Swastika the symbol and “Heil,” the greeting Organized a militia (brown-shirted SA) Formed bodyguards (the SS) Right: A Waffen-SS-42 helmet.
Adolf Hitler and Race Put in jail after “Beer Garden Putsch” (1923) Wrote Mein Kampf (My Struggle) blaming Jews and Communists for Germany’s troubles The book was considered rather boring and most people didn’t read it He was possessed by the idea of race Aryan Race No such thing; Aryan refers to certain languages spoke in some parts of the world, or to people mostly in northern Europe who tend to be tall, blond, and blue-eyed Wanted to create a pure, “Master” race