Introduction to WWII Germany: A Case Study, 1918 - 1932
1. Treaty of Versailles American President Woodrow Wilson wanted the defeated countries to be treated with honour and justice
1. Treaty of Versailles Other major leaders, Br. PM Lloyd George, Fr Premier Georges Clemenceau wanted to avoid another war, however, wanted Germany to pay for the damages done and the lives lost. They wanted to ensure that Germany would remain weak militarily so they could never wage war
1. Treaty of Versailles GERMANS Germans felt humiliated Resented the loss of their colonies, territories, and reparation payments unjust. On the morning of the signing of the Treaty, German newspapers called for vengeance – Deutsche Zeitung See page 214 for highlights of Treaty of Versailles
2. Economic Problems: Inflation Had borrowed large sums to finance war Had to pay reparations Began printing money Industries and businesses were not expanding Severe inflation results and prices for goods and services rose astronomically. See page 214 for examples of inflation Who would suffer most from inflation? Why?
3. Depression and Unemployment Once Germany started getting their economy under control, the US experiences a stock market crash! The crash leads to a worldwide depression – including Germany. Germans lost jobs, had declining wages, more than 6 million unemployed! People deliberately getting arrested and going to prison.
Hitler and the Nazi party, “Believe me, our misery will increase! The government itself is the biggest swindler and crook. People are starving on millions of marks! We will no longer submit! We want a dictatorship.”
4. Political Instability Germany had a weak political system after WWI More than 12 political parties – meaning no one strong enough to rebuild a war-torn country 3 groups of parties: Communists, Social Democrats, and National Socialists (Nazis)
4. Political Instability As conditions in Germany worsened, Germans were willing to listen to the extremist voices of the Nazi party because believed: Governments should be run by the army and wealthy Industry should be privately owned The power of the military should be increased Democratic government should be out-lawed Activities of Jews and foreigners should be severely restricted (because they were the two groups responsible for Germany’s economic problems)
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