How to Revise Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship — AQA GCSE History
This depth study focuses on the evolution of German political authority and social identity from the late 19th century to the end of the Second World War. It encompasses the transition from the authoritarianism of Kaiser Wilhelm II to the democratic instability of the Weimar Republic, and the subsequent consolidation of power by the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP). Key areas of investigation include the socio-economic impact of the Treaty of Versailles, the mechanisms of totalitarian control, and the radicalization of state policy leading to total war and genocide.
Examiner Tips for Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship
- Ensure you can explain how interpretations differ and why they might differ, even if they are not historiographical.
- Use specific examples to support your narrative accounts of key events.
- Focus on second-order concepts like causation, consequence, and change when constructing arguments.
- Structure your essays to provide a sustained line of reasoning rather than just listing facts.
Common Mistakes in Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship
- Confusing the different stages of the Weimar Republic's economic recovery.
- Failing to distinguish between the various forms of opposition to the Nazi regime.
- Generalising the impact of Nazi policies without referencing specific groups (e.g., women, youth, or religious groups).
- Overlooking the role of key individuals like Papen or Hindenburg in the collapse of Weimar democracy.
Key Marking Points
- Kaiser Wilhelm and the difficulties of ruling Germany (parliamentary government, Prussian militarism, industrialisation, social reform, socialism, Navy Laws).
- Impact of the First World War (war weariness, economic problems, defeat, end of monarchy, post-war problems including reparations, Ruhr occupation, hyperinflation).
- Weimar democracy (political change and unrest 1919–1923, Spartacists, Kapp Putsch, Munich Putsch).
- Stresemann era (economic developments, new currency, Dawes Plan, Young Plan, international agreements, Weimar culture).
- Impact of the Depression (growth of Nazi/extremist support 1928–1932, role of SA, Hitler's appeal).
- Failure of Weimar democracy (election results, role of Papen and Hindenburg, Hitler's appointment as Chancellor).