Class 9 History Chapter 3 HOTS Questions - Nazism and the Rise of Hitler

Q1. What was 'Political Radicalism'?

Ans: Political Radicalism was an uprising led by the Spartacist League against the Weimar Republic. Key points include:

• The Spartacist League sought a Soviet-style government, inspired by Bolshevik ideals.
• The Weimar Republic suppressed this uprising with assistance from the Free Corps, a group of war veterans.
• Following the uprising, the Spartacists established the Communist Party of Germany.
• Both Communists and Socialists aimed for political radicalism to oppose Hitler's regime.

Q2. Describe the events leading to the economic crisis in Germany.

Ans: Germany faced a severe economic crisis due to a series of events following World War I:

• Germany financed its war efforts largely through loans and was required to pay significant reparations in gold.
• This led to a depletion of the country's gold reserves.
• In 1923, when Germany refused to pay reparations, France occupied the industrial region of Ruhr to seize coal.
• In response, Germany printed excessive amounts of paper currency.
• This overproduction caused the value of the German mark to plummet.
• By December 1923, the exchange rate soared to 98,860,000 marks for one US dollar.
• As the mark collapsed, prices skyrocketed, leading to a situation where people needed cartloads of money just to buy a loaf of bread.
• This phenomenon became known as hyperinflation.

Q3. How did the economic crisis begin in the USA?

Ans: The economic crisis in the USA began with the Wall Street Exchange crash in 1929. Key events included:

• Inability to recover loans led to widespread panic.
• On one day, 13 million shares were sold as people rushed to sell.
• Factories closed, banks failed, and exports declined.
• Farmers suffered greatly, resulting in high unemployment.

This marked the start of the Great Economic Depression. Over the next three years, from 1929 to 1932:

• The national income of the USA fell by half.
• Many workers lost their jobs or faced reduced wages.
• Despair and criminal activities increased among the youth.

The crisis created deep anxieties, especially among the middle classes, who saw their savings diminish as the currency lost value. Small businesses and retailers also suffered significantly.

Q4. What were the weaknesses of the Weimer Republic?

Ans: The Weimar Republic faced several significant weaknesses that contributed to its instability:

• Proportional representation made it difficult for any single party to gain a majority, resulting in frequent coalition governments.
• Article 48 granted the President the power to impose emergency measures, suspend civil rights, and rule by decree, undermining democratic processes.
• In its brief existence, the Republic experienced over twenty different governments, averaging just 239 days each, leading to widespread public disillusionment.
• This instability eroded confidence in the democratic parliamentary system, which appeared unable to provide effective solutions to pressing issues.

Q5. Describe the formation of the Nazi Party.

Ans: The formation of the Nazi Party was influenced by several key events:

• Economic Crisis: The backdrop to Hitler's rise was the severe economic turmoil in Germany.
• Early Life: Born in 1889 in Austria, Hitler experienced poverty during his youth.
• World War I: He served as a soldier, earning medals for bravery, but was deeply affected by Germany's defeat.
• Treaty of Versailles: This treaty angered Hitler and many Germans, contributing to a desire for change.
• German Workers' Party: In 1919, Hitler joined this small group, which he later transformed into the National Socialist German Workers' Party, or Nazi Party.
• Failed Coup: In 1923, Hitler attempted to seize power in Bavaria but was arrested and later released.
• Great Depression: The economic collapse in 1929 allowed the Nazis to gain significant popular support.
• Electoral Success: The party grew from 2.6% of the vote in 1928 to 37% by 1932, becoming the largest party in the Reichstag.

Q6. How did Hitler capture power in Germany?

Ans: In 1923, Hitler attempted to seize control of Bavaria and march to Berlin but failed. He was arrested for treason and later released. The Great Depression transformed Nazism into a mass movement as economic hardship struck Germany.

• By 1928, the Nazi Party received only 2.6% of the votes in the Reichstag.
• By 1932, they became the largest party with 37% of the votes.
• On 30 January 1933, President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor.

Once in power, Hitler dismantled democratic structures. A fire at the German Parliament in February 1933 allowed him to suspend civic rights through the Fire Decree, leading to the repression of his opponents, particularly the Communists.

Nazi propaganda portrayed Hitler as a saviour, appealing to a populace in crisis. His promises included restoring national pride, providing jobs, and securing a future for the youth, all while rejecting foreign influences.

Q7. What promises did Hitler make to the Germans when he came to power?

Ans: Promises made by Hitler to the Germans:

• He pledged to create astrong nation and reverse the injustices of the Treaty of Versailles, restoring the dignity of the German people.
• He assured employment for those seeking work.
• He committed to protecting Germany from foreign influences and ensuring a secure future for the nation.

Q8. Give a brief account of Hitler's entry into World War II.

Ans: In September 1939, Germany invaded Poland, marking the start of the Second World War with France and England. Key events include:

• In September 1940, Germany signed the Tripartite Pact with Italy and Japan.
• By the end of 1940, Hitler had achieved significant military successes.
• In June 1941, he launched an attack on the Soviet Union, but faced a devastating defeat at Stalingrad.
• The United States entered the war after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
• The war concluded in May 1945 with Hitler's defeat and the US dropping atomic bombs on Japan.

Q9. What was Hitler's ideology?

Ans: Hitler's ideology revolved around the concept of Lebensraum, or living space. He believed that:

• New territories were essential for settlement.
• This expansion would increase the resources and power of the German nation.
• It aimed to concentrate all Germans in one geographical area.

Hitler's vision included:

• Extending German boundaries, particularly towards the east.
• Using Poland as a testing ground for these ideas.

He argued that the right to land and resources belonged to those with the strength to conquer and maintain them.

Q10. How did the Nazis develop a hatred for the Jews?

Ans: The Nazis developed a strong hatred for Jews due to a combination of historical and ideological factors:

• They believed Jews were responsible for the death of Christ.
• Traditionally, Jews were barred from owning land and survived through trade and money lending.
• They lived in designated areas known as ghettos.
• Hitler's animosity was rooted in pseudoscientific racial theories, which claimed that the "Jewish problem" could only be solved through their total elimination.
• From 1933 to 1938, Jews faced terror, segregation, and were forced to leave Germany.
• During World War II, many were killed in gas chambers in Poland.

Q11. Which youth organisations were formed?

Ans: Youth organisations were established to educate German youth in the principles of National Socialism. Key points include:

• At age 10, children joined Jungvolk, a Nazi youth group for those under 14.
• By age 14, boys were required to join the Hitler Youth, where they learned to glorify war and aggression.
• Education included instilling hatred towards Jews, communists, and other groups deemed undesirable.
• The Youth League of the Nazis was founded in 1922 and later renamed Hitler Youth.
• To consolidate control, all other youth organisations were dissolved and banned.

Q12. How did common people react to Nazism?

Ans: Many ordinary people viewed the world through Nazi ideology and expressed their hatred towards Jews. They:

• Marked the homes of Jews.
• Reported neighbours they deemed suspicious.
• Believed that Nazism would lead to prosperity and improve their lives.

However, not all Germans supported the Nazis. Many:

• Organised active resistance against the regime, risking their lives.
• Were passive onlookers, too afraid to act or protest.

Pastor Niemoeller noted the silence among ordinary Germans in the face of Nazi crimes, highlighting the danger of indifference:

'First they came for the Communists,

Well, I was not a Communist -

So I said nothing.

Then they came for the Social Democrats,

Well, I was not a Social Democrat -

So I did nothing.

Then they came for the trade unionists,

But I was not a trade unionist.

And then they came for the Jews,

But I was not a Jew - so I did little.

Then when they came for me,

There was no one left who could stand up for me.'

Erna Kranz, a teenager during the 1930s, reflected on the period, stating:

'The 1930s offered a glimmer of hope... I thought it was a good time. I liked it.'

This illustrates that many Germans felt a sense of purpose under Nazism, despite the regime's brutal actions against others.

Q13. How did Hitler and his minister Goebbels' end come after World War II?

Ans: In May 1945, Germany surrendered to the Allies. Anticipating the consequences, Hitler, his propaganda minister Goebbels, and their families committed suicide in his Berlin bunker in April.

After the war, an International Military Tribunal was established in Nuremberg to prosecute Nazi war criminals for:

• Crimes Against Peace
• War Crimes
• Crimes Against Humanity

Germany's actions during the war, particularly those termed Crimes Against Humanity, raised serious ethical concerns and drew global condemnation.

Q14. How was German Parliament established after First World War?

Ans: The defeat of Imperial Germany and the abdication of the emperor allowed parliamentary parties to reshape German politics.

A National Assembly convened in Weimar to create a democratic constitution with a federal structure. Key points include:

• Deputies were elected to the German Parliament (Reichstag) based on equal and universal votes.
• All adults, including women, were eligible to vote.

However, the new republic faced significant challenges:

• Many Germans blamed the Weimar Republic for the defeat in the war and the harsh terms of the peace treaty.
• The political system struggled with coalition governments, making it hard for any one party to gain a majority.
• Article 48 allowed the President to impose emergency measures, undermining democracy.

During its brief existence, the Weimar Republic experienced instability, with numerous cabinets and a lack of public confidence in the democratic system.

Q15. What do you understand by 'Hyperinflation'?

Ans: Hyperinflation occurs when a country experiences an extreme increase in prices, often due to excessive money printing.

• In Germany, the value of the mark plummeted as too much currency was printed.
• By December 1923, the exchange rate reached trillions of marks for one US dollar.
• Prices for basic goods soared, leading to dramatic scenes of people carrying cartloads of cash to buy essentials like bread.
• This crisis was widely reported and evoked global sympathy.

The term hyperinflation describes this situation where prices rise uncontrollably.

Q16. What was Hitler's propaganda to gain power?

Ans: Hitler created a new approach to politics, recognising the importance of rituals and spectacle in rallying mass support. Key elements of his propaganda included:

• Massive rallies and public meetings to showcase support for Hitler.
• Use of red banners featuring the Swastika and the Nazi salute.
• Ritualised applause following speeches to enhance the sense of unity.

Nazi propaganda effectively portrayed Hitler as a messiah, a saviour who would rescue the people from their struggles. This image resonated with a population facing severe economic and political crises, restoring their sense of dignity and pride.

Q17. What do you know about Enabling Act?

Ans: On 3 March 1933, the Enabling Act was passed, establishing a dictatorship in Germany. Key points include:

• It granted Hitler the power to bypass Parliament and rule by decree.
• All political parties and trade unions were banned, except for the Nazi Party and its affiliates.
• The state took complete control over the economy, media, army, and judiciary.

Special security forces, such as the Gestapo and the SS, were created to enforce Nazi control, leading to severe repression of opposition.

Q18. How was economic recovery made in Germany?

Ans: Hitler tasked economist Hjalmar Schacht with leading Germany's economic recovery. His strategy focused on:

• Achieving full production and full employment.
• Implementing a state-funded work-creation programme.
• Constructing the renowned German superhighways and the Volkswagen car.

Q19. What was Hitler's foreign policy?

Ans: Hitler's foreign policy achieved rapid successes, characterised by key actions:

• Withdrew from the League of Nations in 1933.
• Reoccupied the Rhineland in 1936.
• Annexed Austria in 1938, promoting the slogan, "One people, one empire, one leader."
• Seized the German-speaking Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia and subsequently took over the entire country.

These actions were largely supported by England, which viewed the Versailles Treaty as overly harsh. This series of victories seemed to restore Germany's fortunes. Hitler's ambitions did not stop there. He ignored advice against heavy rearmament and chose war as a solution to the economic crisis. In September 1939, Germany invaded Poland, igniting conflict with France and England.

In September 1940, the Tripartite Pact was signed with Italy and Japan, enhancing Hitler's international influence. By late 1940, he had established puppet regimes across much of Europe. Hitler aimed to conquer Eastern Europe for resources and living space. He invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, a decision that ultimately led to significant defeats for Germany.

Q20. What was the impact of World War I on Germany's politics and society?

Ans:

Effect on political life

• The young Weimar Republic faced blame for the failures of the old empire.
• It was financially burdened, forced to pay significant war reparations.

Effect on society

• Soldiers were often viewed as superior to civilians.
• The media romanticised trench warfare, despite the harsh realities faced by soldiers.
• National pride and aggressive propaganda became central to public life.

Q21. What were the effects of the economic crisis on Germany?

Ans: The economic crisis had severe effects on Germany, including:

• Industrial production fell to just 40% of its 1929 level.
• Unemployment soared, reaching six million people.
• Many men took to the streets with signs stating, "Willing to do any work".
• Desperate youths engaged in criminal activities as jobs vanished.
• A significant drop in agricultural prices left many women unable to feed their children.
• Salaried workers saw their savings diminish, and the currency lost its value.

Q22. What efforts were made by Hitler to establish dictatorship?

Ans: Destruction of Democracy: Hitler's rise to dictatorship involved several key actions:

• On 30 January 1933, President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor, marking the beginning of his control.
• A fire at the German Parliament in February 1933 allowed Hitler to push through the Fire Decree, suspending civil rights such as freedom of speech and assembly.
• He targeted the Communists, sending many to newly established concentration camps.
• On 3 March 1933, the Enabling Act was passed, granting Hitler the power to rule by decree and effectively sidelining Parliament.
• All political parties and trade unions, except the Nazi Party, were banned, consolidating his power.
• The state took control of the economy, media, army, and judiciary.
• New security forces, including the Gestapo and the SS, were created to enforce Nazi rule and suppress dissent.

These actions dismantled the democratic structures of the Weimar Republic and established a totalitarian regime.

Q23. How was a 'Racial State' established by Hitler in Germany?

Ans: The Nazis aimed to create a racially exclusive community of pure Germans. They sought a society composed solely of healthy Nordic Aryans, viewing them as the only desirable members of society. This ideology led to the exclusion and elimination of those deemed undesirable, including:

• Jews, who were widely persecuted.
• Gypsies and Black individuals, considered racially inferior.
• Russians and Poles, classified as subhuman and forced into slave labour.

Many of these individuals suffered greatly, facing starvation and harsh conditions. The Nazis implemented policies that aimed to physically eliminate those who did not fit their vision of a pure society.

Q24. How did Hitler treat the Polish?

Ans: Hitler treat the Polish in following way:

• Poles were forced to abandon their homes and properties for ethnic Germans brought in from occupied Europe.
• They were herded like cattle to other areas of Poland, designated as the destination for all 'undesirables'.
• A large number of Polish intelligentsia were murdered to suppress the population's intellectual and spiritual growth.
• Polish children resembling Aryans were forcibly taken from their mothers, examined by race experts, and if deemed suitable, raised in German families; those who failed were sent to orphanages, where many died.
• This region of Poland became infamous for its large ghettos and gas chambers, serving as killing fields for the Jews.

Q25. What kind of education was given in Nazi schools?

Ans: The education provided in Nazi schools was heavily influenced by the regime's ideology. Key aspects included:

• Jewish teachers were dismissed from schools.
• Children were segregated; Germans and Jews could not sit or play together.
• Undesirable children, including Jews, the physically handicapped, and Gypsies, were expelled.
• School textbooks were rewritten to reflect Nazi beliefs.
• Racial science was introduced to support Nazi ideas about race.
• Children were taught to be loyal, submissive, and to hate Jews while worshipping Hitler.
• Boxing was promoted as a means to develop strength and masculinity.

Q26. Explain the status of women in the German society.

Ans: In Nazi Germany, children were taught that women were fundamentally different from men. Boys learned to be aggressive and masculine, while girls were instructed to be good mothers and raise pure-blooded Aryan children. Their roles included:

• Maintaining the purity of the race.
• Staying away from Jews and teaching Nazi values to their children.
• Being the bearers of Aryan culture.

In 1933, Hitler declared that "the mother is the most important citizen." However, not all mothers were treated equally:

• Women who bore undesirable children faced punishment.
• Those who produced desirable children received rewards.
• Favoured treatment in hospitals and concessions in shops, theatre tickets, and railway fares were granted.

To encourage childbirth, women were awarded Honour Crosses:

• Bronze for four children.
• Silver for six.
• Gold for eight or more.

Women who did not adhere to these expectations faced severe consequences:

• Public condemnation and punishment for deviating from the prescribed conduct.
• Those in contact with Jews, Poles, or Russians were publicly shamed.
• Many received jail sentences and lost their rights.

Q27. How was media used to propagate Nazism?

Ans: Media played a crucial role in spreading Nazi ideas globally. The regime used various forms of media, including:

• Visual images
• Films
• Radio broadcasts
• Posters
• Slogans and leaflets

They portrayed socialists and liberals as weak and degenerate, while propaganda films incited hatred against Jews. The most notorious film was 'The Eternal Jew', which depicted Orthodox Jews with exaggerated features, contrasting their appearance with that of typical Germans.

Jews were dehumanised, referred to as vermin, and their movements likened to those of pests. This media manipulation aimed to cultivate public support for the regime and promote its ideology.

Q28. How was the Holocaust practised in Germany?

Ans: After Germany's defeat in World War II, the world learned about the Nazi's horrific actions against the Jews during the Holocaust. The Jewish community aimed to ensure that the suffering they endured was not forgotten.

• Many Jews documented their experiences through diaries, notebooks, and archives.
• Some ghetto inhabitants expressed a desire to survive just long enough to share their stories.
• As the war turned against them, Nazi leaders attempted to destroy evidence of their crimes.

Despite these efforts, the memory of the Holocaust persists today through:

• Memoirs
• Fiction
• Documentaries
• Poetry
• Memorials and museums

These serve as a tribute to those who resisted, a reminder to collaborators, and a warning to those who remained silent.

Q29. Trace the 'destruction of democracy' in Germany.

Ans: On 30 January 1933, President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor, marking the start of the end for democracy in Germany. The Nazis had gained support from conservatives, which helped them seize power.

A fire in the German Parliament in February 1933 allowed Hitler to act swiftly. The Fire Decree of 28 February suspended civic rights, including freedom of speech, press, and assembly, as guaranteed by the Weimar Constitution.

Hitler targeted the Communists, sending many to newly established concentration camps. The repression was intense; in Düsseldorf alone, 1,440 out of 6,808 arrest files were for Communists, highlighting the widespread persecution.

On 3 March 1933, the Enabling Act was passed, establishing a dictatorship. This Act granted Hitler the power to bypass Parliament and rule by decree. All political parties and trade unions, except the Nazi Party, were banned.

The state took complete control over the economy, media, army, and judiciary. Special forces, including the Gestapo and the SS, were created to enforce Nazi policies and maintain order, leading to a climate of fear and repression.

Q30. What was the Nazis' 'Art of Propaganda'?

Ans: The Nazi regime used language and media very carefully to manipulate public perception. Their choice of words was both deceptive and chilling:

• Nazis avoided terms like 'kill' or 'murder' in official communications.
• Mass killings were described as 'special treatment', 'final solution' (for Jews), and 'euthanasia' (for the disabled).
• 'Evacuation' referred to deportations to gas chambers, which were misleadingly called 'disinfection areas'.

Media played a crucial role in spreading Nazi ideas:

• Visual images, films, radio, posters, and catchy slogans were widely used.
• Propaganda films, such as The Eternal Jew, aimed to incite hatred against Jews.
• Orthodox Jews were often stereotyped with flowing beards and kaftans, despite many being assimilated.

The Nazis sought to gain support by portraying themselves as the solution to the population's problems.