1. The Weimar Republic and the Rise of Hitler
Children playing with stacks of worthless money during the Weimar Republic, Germany, 1922

2. The End of WW1 and its Impact on Germany
November, 1918  Germany signs armistice
June, 1919  Treaty of Versailles signed
Germany gave up/back territories
Demilitarize
Pay reparations
Germany creates a democratic republic =
The Weimar Republic
Weimar Republic =
Chancellor (President) elected by the people
Women could vote
Bill of Rights created
Political parties allowed
Painting depicting the signing of the Armistice in a German railcar

3. Political Problems in the Weimar Republic
Proportional representation in Parliament 
Each party gets a number of representatives in proportion to the # of votes it received
32 parties  instability!!!!!
376 political assassinations between
Conservative: Weimar too weak
Leftists/Communists wanted similar to Russia
Many Germans angry 
Nationalism ↑ 

4. Economic Problems in the Weimar Republic
 major inflation
Inflation = prices ↑, value of $$↓
Money became worthless
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Germany fell behind in payments
France occupied industrial region of Germany
Germans looked for scapegoats
??? Who did they blame?
Lost faith in Weimar Republic
Looked to extremist leaders
US loaned Germany $$
: prosperity

5. Causes of the Great Depression
1929: American stock market crash
US can't continue loans to Germany
Can't pay reparations to France and Britain 
Global trade and industry slows
Unemployment increases
Many Europeans rely on government assistance 

6. Governments couldn’t handle the crisis
Who do people turn to during times of crisis?
Totalitarian leaders
Totalitarianism: political system in which all authority is in hands of the state

7. 2 Forms of Totalitarianism
1. Totalitarian Communist: 
Stalin
No private ownership of property
2. Totalitarian Fascist
Private property and free enterprise allowed
Severe restrictions
2 Forms of Totalitarianism

8. Characteristics of Fascist Governments
Extreme militaristic nationalism
Rejection of democracy
Limitation of individual rights
Belief in natural social hierarchy
Use violence, intimidation, propaganda