Topic 3: Germany (1918–48)

From 1918 to 1948 Germany experienced the demise of an empire, the birth of a republic, the rise and fall of a dictatorship, and its division into two nations. These events had a profound impact on both Germany and Europe.

A background study introduces students to the end of the First World War, when the catastrophic experience of Total War had caused horrific losses to peoples and nations and left Germany a devastated and divided nation.

The following are focus areas for study in this topic:

• the liberal experiment
• the creation and consolidation of a dictatorship
• Germany in war and defeat

Background study

The aftermath of defeat

• An overview of Germany at the end of the First World War, to highlight the main social, economic, and political consequences of defeat.
• The impact of the post-war settlements, particularly the Treaty of Versailles, on Germany.
• The nature, aims, and establishment of the Weimar Republic.

Focus areas

The liberal experiment 

• The changing economic conditions, including reparations, hyperinflation, and the Great Depression, and their impact across German society. 
• The Weimar Republic's responses to political threats from the left and right, which challenged its stability and legitimacy.
• The changing nature of German culture and society as reflected by developments in architecture, art, music, and cinema.

The creation and consolidation of a dictatorship

• The aims, methods, and appeal of the Nazi movement, which resulted in its move from political fringe to government.
• The role of key individuals and groups working for and against the Nazi accession to power culminating in the Enabling Act.
• The consolidation of the Nazi state including the institutionalisation of anti-Semitism.
• The experience of dictatorship for people and groups including women, minorities and those who resisted the Nazi state from within Germany.

Germany in war and defeat

• The impact of the Second World War on the German people.
• The radicalisation of violence and terror including the 'Final Solution'.
• External and internal opposition and the defeat of the Nazi State.
• The post-war division and de-Nazification of Germany.