Weimar & Nazi Germany Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Exam | Fully Updated 2025/2026| Questions and Complete Answers

Weimar & Nazi Germany Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Exam | Fully Updated 2025/2026| Questions and Complete Answers Explain how the Weimar Republic faced economic challenges in its early years. It was hit by hyperinflation in 1923, partly caused by the government printing money to pay war reparations. The economy was unstable, and people’s savings were wiped out. How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to political instability in Weimar Germany? The harsh terms (war guilt clause, reparations) angered Germans. Many felt humiliated, which led to resentment and political extremism like the Nazis and Communists. What impact did the Kapp Putsch (1920) have on the Weimar Republic? It showed that the Weimar government was weak and couldn’t control the military or stop right-wing extremists. It made the Republic look unstable. How did the Weimar government respond to the Munich Putsch (1923)? The Weimar government put Hitler in prison for a short time, but the event also gave him national attention, which helped him later gain support. Why did the Weimar Republic struggle with political extremism? The government had lots of enemies on both the left (Communists) and the right (Nazis), and the political system was fragmented, making it hard to form strong coalitions. 2 What was the role of the Nazi Party in the early 1920s? The Nazis were a small extremist party that used violence and propaganda to try and overthrow the Weimar government. They failed early on but built up their influence. How did the Great Depression affect Nazi support? The economic crisis left millions unemployed, and people were desperate for change. Hitler promised jobs, stability, and a strong Germany, which attracted more followers. Explain how the Reichstag Fire (1933) helped Hitler’s rise to power. Hitler used the fire as an excuse to push through the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties and allowed him to arrest political opponents, giving him more control. What was the Enabling Act (1933), and why was it important for Hitler? It gave Hitler the power to make laws without the Reichstag’s approval, essentially giving him dictatorial powers. This marked the end of democracy in Germany. How did Hitler use propaganda to strengthen his control over Germany? Hitler used newspapers, radio, films, and rallies to spread Nazi ideas, glorify his leadership, and promote unity. It helped make the regime popular and maintain control. Why was the SS (Schutzstaffel) important to Nazi control? 3 The SS, led by Himmler, was responsible for enforcing Nazi laws, running concentration camps, and eliminating enemies. It was a key tool for terror and control. How did the Nazis use the Hitler Youth to control young people? The Hitler Youth indoctrinated children with Nazi ideals, preparing boys for military service and girls for motherhood, making sure the next generation supported the regime. What were the Nuremberg Laws (1935), and what impact did they have? These laws stripped Jews of citizenship and banned intermarriage between Jews and Germans. They legally discriminated against Jews and laid the foundation for more severe persecution. Why did Hitler launch the Night of the Long Knives (1934)? He wanted to eliminate the SA (Sturmabteilung) leaders who were becoming too powerful and a potential threat to his rule, consolidating power within the Nazi Party. What was the role of the Gestapo in Nazi Germany? The Gestapo (secret police) hunted down opponents of the Nazis, used surveillance, and controlled people’s lives through fear and intimidation. They were a major part of the terror state.