Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Popular support, 1919–89: the nature of support for the Weimar government,…
Full specification wording
Opposition, control and consent, 1918–89: Popular support, 1919–89: the nature of support for the Weimar government, 1919–32; support for the Nazi regime, 1933–45; the nature of support for democracy 1945–89.
This theme examines popular support, 1919–89, exploring why people supported, tolerated or withdrew support from three different political orders.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This theme examines popular support, 1919–89, exploring why people supported, tolerated or withdrew support from three different political orders. For the nature of support for the Weimar government, 1919–32, backing rested on the new constitution, democratic parties and early achievements, but was eroded by economic crisis and anti-democratic movements. Support for the Nazi regime, 1933–45, came from genuine ideological commitment, economic recovery, foreign policy success and propaganda, alongside fear and conformity. The nature of support for democracy 1945–89 in West Germany grew from the Basic Law, the economic miracle and generational change, consolidating democratic values.
What earns the marks
- Explains the nature of support for the Weimar government, 1919–32, including the constitution, democratic parties and early stability, and the reasons for its erosion.
- Analyses support for the Nazi regime, 1933–45, distinguishing ideological commitment, economic and foreign policy success, propaganda and coercion.
- Evaluates the nature of support for democracy 1945–89, including the Basic Law, economic recovery and generational change in the Federal Republic.
- Compares the extent to which support in each period was genuine, passive or manufactured, using evidence of elections, membership and dissent.
- Judges change over time, for example the shift from Weimar fragility to later democratic stability in the FRG.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Equating electoral success with genuine support.
Put it right: Consider intimidation, propaganda and restricted choice.
Treating Nazi support as uniform across 1933–45.
Put it right: Note decline in morale during the war and variation between social groups.
Assuming post-1945 democracy was immediately popular.
Put it right: Trace its consolidation through the 1950s and 1960s.
Exam tips
- Use specific evidence such as election results, party membership or the 1968 protests to support claims about support.
- Distinguish between active support, passive acceptance and coerced compliance in your analysis.
- Link each period back to the question's focus on the nature of support rather than narrating events.
Try the lesson
The start of the Opposition, control and consent, 1918–89: Popular support, 1919–89: the nature of support for the Weimar government, 1919–32; support for the Nazi regime, 1933–45; the nature of support for democracy 1945–89. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
How did the nature of popular support for democracy in West Germany change between the 1950s and the 1980s?
Listen
This theme examines popular support, 1919–89, exploring why people supported, tolerated or withdrew support from three different political orders. For the nature of support for the Weimar government, 1919–32, backing rested on the new constitution, democratic parties and early achievements, but was eroded by economic crisis and anti-democratic movements. Support for the Nazi regime, 1933–45, came from genuine ideological commitment, economic recovery, foreign policy success and propaganda, alongside fear and conformity. The nature of support for democracy 1945–89 in West Germany grew from the Basic Law, the economic miracle and generational change, consolidating democratic values. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains the nature of support for the Weimar government, 1919–32, including the constitution, democratic parties and early stability, and the reasons for its erosion. Analyses support for the Nazi regime, 1933–45, distinguishing ideological commitment, economic and foreign policy success, propaganda and coercion. Evaluates the nature of support for democracy 1945–89, including the Basic Law, economic recovery and generational change in the Federal Republic. Compares the extent to which support in each period was genuine, passive or manufactured, using evidence of elections, membership and dissent. A common slip: Equating electoral success with genuine support. Instead, consider intimidation, propaganda and restricted choice. Exam tip: Use specific evidence such as election results, party membership or the 1968 protests to support claims about support.
See it
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Opposition, control and consent, 1918–89: Popular support, 1919–89: the nature of support for the Weimar government, 1919–32; support for the Nazi regime, 1933–45; the nature of support for democracy 1945–89.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge