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GCSEHistoryEdexcelExam QuestionsWeimar & Nazi Germany, 1918-1939Exam Questions: Weimar & Nazi Germany, 1918–39

Exam Questions: Weimar & Nazi Germany, 1918–39 (Edexcel GCSE History): Exam Questions

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Exam Questions: Weimar & Nazi Germany, 1918–39

1a4 marks

Study Interpretations 1 and 2. They give different views about the reasons why Hitler became Chancellor in 1933. 

What is the main difference between these views?
Explain your answer, using details from both interpretations.

Interpretation 1 is by H A Turner (1996). It argues that Hitler did not seize power, it was handed to him by von Papen and Hindenburg. It argues that Hindenburg did not trust von Schleicher and had to choose Hitler over him. Interpretation 2 is by I Kershaw (1991), highlighting Nazi mass support. By 1932, Hitler had achieved 13 million voters and 800,000 Party members. It argues that mass support was vital for Hitler gaining power.

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1b4 marks

Suggest one reason why Interpretations 1 and 2 give different views about the reasons why Hitler became Chancellor in 1933. 

You may use Sources B and C to help explain your answer

Source B is from Albert Speer's autobiography detailing a 1932 rally. It states how loud the applause in the stadium was after Hitler's speech. The large crowd had waited for hours. Source C is Joachim von Ribbentrop's 1933 diary discussing Hitler's appointment as Chancellor. It documents the discussions between von Papen, Hindenburg and Hitler about how Hitler could become Chancellor. Ribbentrop was a supporter of the Nazi Party.

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2a4 marks

Study Interpretations 1 and 2. They give different views about support for the Nazi Party in the years 1924–28. 

What is the main difference between these views? 

Explain your answer, using details from both interpretations.

Interpretation 1 cites G Layton, stating Hitler gained power through elections, restructured the party, and increased support after the Munich Putsch. It states that in 1928, the Nazis gained votes in rural areas and with the middle classes. Interpretation 2, from Spartacus Education, highlights the economic recovery under Weimar. This shows that people were not interested in Hitler's ideas. In the 1928 election, the Nazi Party only won 12 seats.

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2b4 marks

Suggest one reason why Interpretations 1 and 2 give different views about support for the Nazi Party in the years 1924-28. 

You may use Sources B and C to help explain your answer.

Source B is an extract from a book written by an American journalist in 1960 who visited Germany from 1925 to 1928. They state how unpopular Hitler was as people made jokes and did not vote for them in elections. Source C is a black-and-white photograph of Hitler at a 1928 Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg. Hitler stands with an arm raised, surrounded by a large crowd and Nazi officials also doing the Nazi salute.

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3a4 marks

Study Interpretations 1 and 2. They give different views about into the extent of support for the Nazi regime in the years 1933–39

What is the main difference between the views? 

Explain your answer, using details from both interpretations.

Interpretation 1 is by C Epstein. He argues that many Germans resisted the Nazi regime by refusing to do the Nazi salute or protesting against Nazi control of schools and churches. Interpretation 2 is by R Gellately. He claims widespread conformity and support for Nazis. He states that so many people tried to join the Nazi Party in 1933 that the Party struggled to cope with the numbers.

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3b4 marks

Suggest one reason why Interpretations 1 and 2 give different views about the extent of support for the Nazi regime in the years 1933–39

You may use Sources B and C to help explain your answer.

Source B is an account written by an opponent of the Nazi regime in December 1936. He details how factory workers spoke over the radio broadcasting one of Hitler's speeches. The SA had to force the workers to be quiet. Source C is a photograph showing a crowd greeting Hitler with raised arms at a railway station in 1936, with him standing in a train car door.

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4a4 marks

Study Interpretations 1 and 2. They give different views about Nazi policies towards women. 

What is the main difference between the views? 

Explain your answer, using details from both interpretations.

Interpretation 1 is by J Hite and C Hinton. It notes the increase in female employment due to economic needs. By 1936, more workers were needed in agriculture and industry in Germany and by 1939, this became serious enough to force women back into employment. Interpretation 2 was written by the History Learning Site. It emphasises Nazi encouragement of women to leave work for homemaking and motherhood. It says that 800,000 couples accepted loans offered as part of the Law for the Encouragement of Marriage.

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4b4 marks

Suggest one reason why Interpretations 1 and 2 give different views about Nazi policies towards women

You may use Sources B and C to help explain your answer.

Source B is a speech made by Joseph Goebbels in March 1933. It states how the birth rate was in decline and how women should leave their jobs to become wives and mothers. Source C is a photograph of a woman in a 1938 textile factory working on large industrial weaving machines, with spools of thread and machinery. The photographer is unknown.

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5a4 marks

Study Interpretations 1 and 2. They give different views about the challenges facing the Weimar Republic in the years 1919-1923. 

What is the main difference between the views? 

Explain your answer, using details from both interpretations.

Interpretation 1 is written by M Rathbone. It highlights political opposition to the Republic. He states that both Left and Right were prepared to destroy the Weimar Republic by force. Their actions made it difficult for the government to maintain order. Interpretation 2 is written by Alpha History. It describes hyperinflation and economic collapse in 1923. It states that the events of 1923 show that the government could not find a solution instead of printing money. It was at this point that people began to speak of a popular revolution or a military putsch,

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5b4 marks

Suggest one reason why Interpretations 1 and 2 give different views about the challenges facing the Weimar Republic in the years 1919–1923 

You may use Sources B and C to help explain your answer.

Source B is a black and white photograph of Freikorps soldiers with a cannon near the Reichstag building in Berlin during the Kapp Putsch. The photographer is unknown. Source C is an interview with a German woman in 1974 about hyperinflation. She talks about getting paid every day, how people lost their savings and how this made the people distrust the government.

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