1
IGCSE Edexcel History: Germany 1918-
1945| Exam Finals 2024/2025| Questions
and Answers [GRADED]
How did the Treaty of Versailles create problems for the Weimar Republic?
It made people feel betrayed—they blamed the new government for signing it, even though
they had no choice. It also wrecked Germany's economy and pride.
In what ways did the Weimar Constitution weaken stable government?
It used proportional representation—so loads of tiny parties, no strong governments. Article
48 also let the president rule by decree in a crisis.
Why was the Weimar Republic unpopular in the early 1920s?
Blamed for losing WWI and the Versailles Treaty, plus the economy was a mess—
hyperinflation hit hard in 1923.
How far did the Spartacist Uprising threaten the Weimar Republic?
Not that much—it was quickly crushed. But it showed how divided Germany was and that
the Republic was under real pressure from the left.
Explain how the Kapp Putsch showed weaknesses in the Weimar government.
The army refused to stop the rebels. The government had to run away and rely on workers’
strikes to survive.
, 2
What was the impact of hyperinflation in 1923 on everyday Germans?
People’s savings became worthless. Wages couldn’t keep up with prices. Only people with
debts or loans gained from it.
Why did Stresemann help restore some stability in Germany after 1923?
He ended passive resistance in the Ruhr, introduced the new currency (Rentenmark), and
negotiated better deals with other countries.
How did the Dawes Plan improve Germany’s economy?
It gave Germany US loans and spread out reparations—this helped industry recover and
improved international trust.
Why was there a “Golden Age” in Weimar Germany between 1924–1929?
Culture thrived, the economy recovered, and life felt more modern—especially in cities. But
not everyone liked the changes.
How did the Wall Street Crash damage Weimar Germany?
US loans were recalled, businesses failed, and unemployment shot up. It wrecked the fragile
recovery and boosted extremist parties.
, 3
What made Hitler appealing to many Germans during the Depression?
He promised jobs, national pride, and to smash communism. His speeches gave people hope
when they were desperate.
How far was the SA important in the Nazis’ rise to power?
Pretty important—they protected Nazi meetings and beat up opponents. It made them look
strong and disciplined.
Explain how Nazi propaganda helped gain support in the early 1930s.
It was everywhere—posters, films, speeches. It made Hitler look like Germany’s saviour and
blamed problems on scapegoats.
Why did the Nazis gain support from some big businesses?
Hitler promised to stop communism and protect private property—so business owners
backed him with money and support.
What were the key terms of the Enabling Act and why was it so significant?
It let Hitler make laws without the Reichstag. It basically gave him total power and ended
democracy in Germany.
How did Hitler deal with opposition within the Nazi Party by 1934?
He used the Night of the Long Knives to kill SA leaders like Röhm and other rivals. It scared
everyone and won the army’s support.
, 4
Why did Hitler become Führer in August 1934?
After Hindenburg died, Hitler combined Chancellor and President roles into one. A vote
confirmed it—under pressure.
What methods did the Nazis use to control people’s opinions?
Propaganda and censorship were everywhere—radio, film, education. The Gestapo made
people scared to speak out.
How did the Nazis use education to shape young people’s views?
Subjects were rewritten to push Nazi ideas. History blamed Jews and communists, PE was
about being strong for war.
Why was the Hitler Youth important for Nazi control?
It trained boys to be soldiers and girls to be mothers. It also replaced other youth groups so
kids only heard Nazi messages.
How were women expected to behave in Nazi Germany?
Stay at home, have babies, cook, and obey husbands. They were rewarded for having lots of
kids—medals and loans.
IGCSE Edexcel History: Germany 1918-
1945| Exam Finals 2024/2025| Questions
and Answers [GRADED]
How did the Treaty of Versailles create problems for the Weimar Republic?
It made people feel betrayed—they blamed the new government for signing it, even though
they had no choice. It also wrecked Germany's economy and pride.
In what ways did the Weimar Constitution weaken stable government?
It used proportional representation—so loads of tiny parties, no strong governments. Article
48 also let the president rule by decree in a crisis.
Why was the Weimar Republic unpopular in the early 1920s?
Blamed for losing WWI and the Versailles Treaty, plus the economy was a mess—
hyperinflation hit hard in 1923.
How far did the Spartacist Uprising threaten the Weimar Republic?
Not that much—it was quickly crushed. But it showed how divided Germany was and that
the Republic was under real pressure from the left.
Explain how the Kapp Putsch showed weaknesses in the Weimar government.
The army refused to stop the rebels. The government had to run away and rely on workers’
strikes to survive.
, 2
What was the impact of hyperinflation in 1923 on everyday Germans?
People’s savings became worthless. Wages couldn’t keep up with prices. Only people with
debts or loans gained from it.
Why did Stresemann help restore some stability in Germany after 1923?
He ended passive resistance in the Ruhr, introduced the new currency (Rentenmark), and
negotiated better deals with other countries.
How did the Dawes Plan improve Germany’s economy?
It gave Germany US loans and spread out reparations—this helped industry recover and
improved international trust.
Why was there a “Golden Age” in Weimar Germany between 1924–1929?
Culture thrived, the economy recovered, and life felt more modern—especially in cities. But
not everyone liked the changes.
How did the Wall Street Crash damage Weimar Germany?
US loans were recalled, businesses failed, and unemployment shot up. It wrecked the fragile
recovery and boosted extremist parties.
, 3
What made Hitler appealing to many Germans during the Depression?
He promised jobs, national pride, and to smash communism. His speeches gave people hope
when they were desperate.
How far was the SA important in the Nazis’ rise to power?
Pretty important—they protected Nazi meetings and beat up opponents. It made them look
strong and disciplined.
Explain how Nazi propaganda helped gain support in the early 1930s.
It was everywhere—posters, films, speeches. It made Hitler look like Germany’s saviour and
blamed problems on scapegoats.
Why did the Nazis gain support from some big businesses?
Hitler promised to stop communism and protect private property—so business owners
backed him with money and support.
What were the key terms of the Enabling Act and why was it so significant?
It let Hitler make laws without the Reichstag. It basically gave him total power and ended
democracy in Germany.
How did Hitler deal with opposition within the Nazi Party by 1934?
He used the Night of the Long Knives to kill SA leaders like Röhm and other rivals. It scared
everyone and won the army’s support.
, 4
Why did Hitler become Führer in August 1934?
After Hindenburg died, Hitler combined Chancellor and President roles into one. A vote
confirmed it—under pressure.
What methods did the Nazis use to control people’s opinions?
Propaganda and censorship were everywhere—radio, film, education. The Gestapo made
people scared to speak out.
How did the Nazis use education to shape young people’s views?
Subjects were rewritten to push Nazi ideas. History blamed Jews and communists, PE was
about being strong for war.
Why was the Hitler Youth important for Nazi control?
It trained boys to be soldiers and girls to be mothers. It also replaced other youth groups so
kids only heard Nazi messages.
How were women expected to behave in Nazi Germany?
Stay at home, have babies, cook, and obey husbands. They were rewarded for having lots of
kids—medals and loans.
