Test: Nazism & The Rise of Hitler- 1 - UPSC MCQ

Nazism is best defined as a system, a structure of ideas about the world and politics. Nazism, also known as National Socialism, was the ideology of the Nazi Party in Germany that led to and sustained World War II. It was an extreme form of fascism that incorporated fervent antisemitism, anti-communism, and totalitarianism. Other aspects such as Hitler's determination to make Germany a great nation, the extermination of Jews, and ambition of conquering the world were components or consequences of this ideology, but not comprehensive definitions of Nazism itself.

The four major Allied powers—France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—set up the International Military Tribunal (IMT) in Nuremberg, Germany, to prosecute and punish “the major war criminals of the European Axis.” 

The German-Soviet Pact of August 1939, which stated that Poland was to be partitioned between the two powers, enabled Germany to attack Poland without the fear of Soviet intervention. On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. The Polish army was defeated within weeks of the invasion.

Background:
During Nazi Germany, ordinary people were influenced by Nazi propaganda and faced various pressures to conform to the ideals of the regime. However, it is important to note that not all Germans were active supporters of the Nazi party.
Explanation:
The statement "Every German was a Nazi" is not true of ordinary people in Nazi Germany. While the Nazi party gained significant support, not all Germans were members or supporters of the party. Many Germans either opposed or were indifferent to the Nazi regime.
True statements:
A: Majority genuinely believed Nazism would bring prosperity and well-being.
- Nazi propaganda convinced many Germans that the party's policies would lead to economic prosperity and an improved quality of life.
C: They were scared to act, to differ, to protest.
- The oppressive nature of the Nazi regime instilled fear in ordinary Germans, making them hesitant to take actions that went against the regime or express dissenting opinions.
D: Majority of Germans were passive onlookers.
- While some Germans actively supported the Nazi regime, the majority of the population were passive observers who did not actively resist or challenge the regime.
Conclusion:
In summary, while the majority of Germans in Nazi Germany may have believed in the promises of Nazism, not all Germans were members or supporters of the Nazi party. The statement that "Every German was a Nazi" is not true.

The first world war had a devastating impact on the entire Europe both psychology and financially. From a continent of creditors, Europe turned into one of debtors. unfortunately the infant Weimar republic was being made to pay for the sin of the old empire. The republic carried the burden of war guilt and national humiliation and way financially crippled by being forced to pay compensation. Those who supported the weimar republic, mainly socialist, Catholic and democrats, became easy target in the conservative nationalist circle. They were mockingly called November criminals.  

Jews topped the list of undesirables. At first, the Nazis boycotted Jewish businesses for one day in April 1933. Then legislation excluded Jews from certain professions. The Nuremberg Laws created very detailed Nazi definitions of who was Jewish. Many people who never considered themselves Jewish suddenly became targets of Nazi persecution.

Hitler's racism borrowed from thinkers like Charles Darwin (1809-1882) and Herbert Spencer (1820-1903). Darwin was a natural scientist who tried to explain the creation of plants and animals through the concepts of evolution and natural selection.

- The rise of Hitler to power was influenced by multiple factors:
- Birth of Weimar Republic: Created political instability and dissatisfaction among Germans.
- Nazi Propaganda and Hitler's Leadership: Used to gain mass support and manipulate the public.
- Years of Depression and Economic Crisis: Weakened the economy and increased desperation among the populace.
- Death of President Hindenburg was not a factor in Hitler's rise but rather a key event that solidified his power, allowing him to become Führer.

The Treaty ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers. It was signed on 28 June 1919 in Versailles, exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand which directly led to World War I. The other Central Powers on the German side of World War I signed separate treaties.

The Wall Street Crash of 1929 was the greatest stock market crash in the history of the United States. It happened in the New York Stock Exchangeon Tuesday October 29, 1929, now known as Black Tuesday. Bank failures followed, resulting in businesses closing, which started the Great Depression.

Three features of the new style of politics:

i) placed a lot of emphasis on rituals, propagand, spectacles to mobilise people.

ii) rallies and public meeting held were held to support for hitler and instill a sense of unity among people.

iii)red banners with swastika nazi salute rounds of applause after speeches were part of spectacle of power.

Hitler's Attempt to Seize Control of Bavaria and Capture Berlin

In his quest for power, Adolf Hitler made an unsuccessful attempt to seize control of Bavaria and capture Berlin in 1923. This event is known as the Beer Hall Putsch and played a significant role in Hitler's rise to power. Here is a detailed explanation of the event:

• Background: Germany was facing economic and political instability in the aftermath of World War I. Hitler, who was an army veteran and had joined the German Workers' Party (later renamed as the National Socialist German Workers' Party or Nazi Party), saw an opportunity to overthrow the government.


• The Putsch: On November 8, 1923, Hitler and his supporters, including General Erich Ludendorff, planned to overthrow the Bavarian government in Munich. They believed that by seizing control of Bavaria, they could eventually take over the entire country.


• Beer Hall March: Hitler and around 2,000 Nazi supporters marched to the Bürgerbräukeller beer hall in Munich, where Bavarian government leaders were holding a meeting. The plan was to force them to support Hitler's coup.


• Failed Coup: However, the coup failed when the police and the military confronted Hitler's forces. A short gunfight ensued, resulting in the deaths of 16 Nazis and 4 police officers. Hitler managed to escape but was later arrested and charged with treason.


• Trial and Imprisonment: Hitler's trial gained him national attention and provided him with a platform to spread his extremist ideology. During the trial, he delivered passionate speeches, which further enhanced his popularity among right-wing nationalists. He was convicted of treason and sentenced to five years in prison, of which he served only nine months.


• Significance: Despite the failure of the Beer Hall Putsch, it had a profound impact on Hitler's political career. It allowed him to gain publicity and attract more followers to the Nazi Party. During his imprisonment, Hitler wrote his influential book, "Mein Kampf," which outlined his political ideology and future plans for Germany.

Therefore, Hitler's attempt to seize control of Bavaria and capture Berlin occurred in 1923, making option C the correct answer.

Charity is considered one of the highest virtues in Hinduism. Hindus are advised to cultivate generosity to overcome their selfish nature and cultivate detachment and dispassion. The scriptures suggest that generosity or charitable nature leads to removal of sinful karma and thereby to self-purification.

The Deutsches Jung volk in der Hitler judged was a separate section for boys aged 10 to 14 of the Hitler youth organization in Nazi Germany.

In order to control and maintain the German society, along with the existing general police force and e SA or Storm Soldiers, the special surveillance and defense units like the Gestapo (secret state police), the criminal police, the Security Service (SD) and SS (the protection units)were formed. But the most feared protection unit of the Nazi state was the Gestapo. This unit had the power to review cases of treason, spying, sabotage and illegal attacks on the Nazi Party and Germany.