Important Questions (2 marks): Nazism & The Rise of Hitler - Class 9 MCQ

The German parliament was known as:
- National Parliament: This option is incorrect as "National Parliament" is a generic term and does not specifically refer to the German parliament.
- German Legislature: This option is incorrect as "German Legislature" is a broad term that encompasses all legislative bodies in Germany, including the federal and state parliaments.
- Reichstag: This option is correct. The German parliament was known as the Reichstag. It served as the principal legislative body of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918, the Weimar Republic from 1919 to 1933, and the Third Reich from 1933 to 1945. After World War II, the parliament of West Germany was also called the Bundestag, while the parliament of East Germany was called the Volkskammer.
- Estates General: This option is incorrect. The Estates General was the name of the representative assembly of the three estates (clergy, nobility, and commoners) in France before the French Revolution, and it is not related to the German parliament.
In conclusion, the German parliament was known as the Reichstag.

The Second World War began at dawn on Friday 1 September 1939, when Adolf Hitler launched his invasion of Poland. In March and April 1940, Stalin ordered the murder of over 20,000 Polish officers and others who had been captured in September 1939.

The correct statement is A: In September 1940, a Tripartite Pact was signed between Germany, Italy, and Japan. Let's break down the options and explain why the other statements are incorrect.
Option B:
- In September 1940, a Tripartite Pact was signed between England, France, and Russia.
- This statement is incorrect because Russia was not part of the Tripartite Pact. The countries involved in the Tripartite Pact were Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Option C:
- In September 1939, a Tripartite Pact was signed between England, France, and U.S.A.
- This statement is incorrect because there was no Tripartite Pact signed in September 1939. The Tripartite Pact was signed in September 1940, not 1939.
Option D:
- In September 1940, a Tripartite Pact was signed between USA, Russia, and Japan.
- This statement is incorrect because the Tripartite Pact did not include the United States or Russia. The countries involved in the pact were Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Therefore, the correct statement is A: In September 1940, a Tripartite Pact was signed between Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Article 48 of the Weimar Republic

 

Article 48 of the Weimar Republic's constitution was considered harmful for the republic because it gave the president significant powers to impose emergency measures, suspend fundamental rights, and rule by decree. This concentration of power in the hands of the president undermined the democratic principles of the republic and contributed to its eventual downfall.

Reasons why Article 48 was harmful:
- Power to impose emergency: Article 48 granted the president the authority to declare a state of emergency and take extraordinary measures to maintain public order. However, this power could be easily abused and used to suppress political opponents or stifle dissent.
- Suspension of fundamental rights: The president could suspend individual rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, and press under Article 48. This allowed for the suppression of opposition parties and limited civil liberties, undermining the democratic values of the republic.
- Rule by decree: Article 48 enabled the president to bypass the parliamentary process and pass laws by decree. This concentration of legislative power in the hands of one individual undermined the checks and balances of a democratic system, leading to a lack of accountability and potential abuse of power.
- Undermining of democracy: The broad powers granted by Article 48 weakened the democratic institutions of the Weimar Republic and contributed to political instability. The frequent use and misuse of emergency powers eroded public trust in the government and allowed for the rise of extremist movements, ultimately leading to the collapse of the republic.
In conclusion, Article 48 of the Weimar Republic was harmful because it concentrated significant powers in the presidency, allowing for the imposition of emergency measures, suspension of fundamental rights, and rule by decree. This undermined the democratic principles and institutions of the republic, contributing to its eventual downfall.

 

At 14, all boys had to join the Nazi youth organisation – Hitler Youth – where they learnt to worship war, glorify aggression and violence, condemn democracy, and hate Jews, communists, Gypsies and all those categorised as ‘undesirable’. After a period of rigorous ideological and physical training they joined the Labour Service, usually at the age of 18. Then they had to serve in the armed forces and enter one of the Nazi organisations.

Answer:
Background:
- In the 1930s, Japan was expanding its empire through military conquests in Asia.
- Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933 and began pursuing aggressive territorial expansion in Europe.
Japan's Support to Hitler:
- Japan and Germany signed the Anti-Comintern Pact in 1936, which was directed against the Soviet Union and international communism.
- Japan admired Germany's military prowess and saw an opportunity to gain support in its own expansionist goals.
- Japan and Germany conducted several diplomatic exchanges and shared military strategies during this time.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor:
- On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise military attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
- The attack resulted in the destruction of numerous American ships and aircraft, as well as the loss of many lives.
- This attack was a major factor that led to the United States' entry into World War II.
The United States' Entry into World War II:
- Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941.
- This declaration of war marked the United States' official entry into World War II.
- The United States joined the Allied Powers, which included countries such as the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and China, in their fight against the Axis Powers, which included Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Conclusion:
- Japan did support Hitler through diplomatic exchanges and military strategies.
- However, it was the attack on Pearl Harbor that directly led to the United States' entry into World War II.
- Therefore, the statement is true.

Answer:
The National Socialist German Worker's Party was known later as the Nazi Party.
Explanation:
The National Socialist German Worker's Party, commonly referred to as the NSDAP, was a political party in Germany that was active from 1920 to 1945. It was led by Adolf Hitler and sought to promote a nationalist and socialist ideology.
The party underwent a name change in 1920, when it was rebranded as the National Socialist German Worker's Party. However, this name was often abbreviated as NSDAP.
Later on, the party became more commonly known as the Nazi Party, derived from the German pronunciation of the first two syllables of "Nationalsozialistische". The term "Nazi" was initially used as a derogatory nickname by political opponents, but it gained widespread usage and eventually became the commonly recognized name for the party.
The Nazi Party rose to power in Germany in the 1930s and implemented a totalitarian regime that led to the outbreak of World War II and the Holocaust. The party's ideology was characterized by extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, racism, and authoritarianism. It was officially dissolved in 1945 following Germany's defeat in the war.

Why was the Enabling Act passed on 3rd March 1933 significant?
The Enabling Act passed on 3rd March 1933 was significant because it gave Hitler supreme power to sideline the Parliament and rule by decrees. Here are the detailed reasons:
1. Consolidation of Power:
- The Enabling Act effectively consolidated Hitler's power as it gave him the authority to pass laws without the need for parliamentary approval.
- It allowed Hitler to bypass the democratic process and establish an authoritarian regime.
2. Suppression of Opposition:
- The Act enabled Hitler to suspend all political parties except for the Nazi Party, effectively eliminating any opposition to his rule.
- This allowed Hitler to suppress dissent and establish a one-party state.
3. Centralization of Authority:
- The Act centralized power in the hands of Hitler by giving him the authority to make decisions and issue decrees without consulting the Parliament.
- This allowed Hitler to quickly implement his policies and consolidate his control over all aspects of German society.
4. Erosion of Democracy:
- The Enabling Act marked a significant erosion of democracy in Germany as it effectively abolished the checks and balances of the democratic system.
- It granted Hitler supreme power, undermining the principles of a democratic government.
Overall, the passing of the Enabling Act on 3rd March 1933 was a crucial step in Hitler's rise to power, enabling him to establish a dictatorship and effectively sideline the Parliament.

Hitler's ideology and the ideas that do not come under it:

• Equality: Hitler's ideology did not support the idea of equality between people. He believed in a racial hierarchy where certain races were considered superior to others.


• Aryan supremacy: Hitler believed that the blond, blue-eyed Nordic German Aryans were at the top of the racial hierarchy.


• Persecution of Jews: Hitler's ideology included the belief that Jews were located at the lowest rung of the racial hierarchy and were considered as enemies of the Aryan race.


• Racism borrowed from thinkers: This idea does not come under Hitler's ideology. While Hitler was influenced by various philosophers and thinkers, such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Arthur de Gobineau, his racism and anti-Semitism were not directly borrowed from thinkers like Rousseau and Montesquieu.

Conclusion:
Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it does not align with Hitler's ideology.

Hjalmar Schacht was an economist.
Schacht's background and career clearly indicate his role as an economist. Here are some key points to support this answer:
1. Education and Professional Background:
- Hjalmar Schacht studied economics at the University of Kiel and later completed his doctorate in economics.
- He worked for various banks and financial institutions before entering politics, including the Dresdner Bank.
- His expertise and knowledge in economics were well-recognized.
2. Role in German Economy:
- Schacht served as the President of the Reichsbank, the central bank of Germany, from 1933 to 1939.
- He implemented several economic policies and measures to stabilize the German economy during the Great Depression.
- Schacht introduced the "New Plan," which aimed to restore Germany's international economic position.
3. Involvement in Nazi Government:
- Schacht was a prominent member of the Nazi Party and held various positions in the government.
- He served as Hitler's Minister of Economics and played a significant role in implementing economic policies to support the Nazi regime.
- Despite his involvement with the Nazi Party, his primary focus and contribution were in the field of economics.
4. Post-War Trials and Career:
- After World War II, Schacht was tried at the Nuremberg Trials for his role in the Nazi government.
- He was acquitted of war crimes charges but found guilty of crimes against peace and sentenced to imprisonment.
- Following his release, Schacht continued to work as an economist and advisor on economic matters.
In summary, Hjalmar Schacht's education, professional background, role in the German economy, and involvement in the Nazi government all point to his primary identity as an economist.

Germany's involvement in World War I

• Germany and the Austrian empire fought against the Allies: Germany formed the Central Powers along with the Austrian empire and fought against the Allied Powers, which included countries like France, Russia, and the United Kingdom.



• Hoping for a quick victory: Germany and its allies were hoping for a swift victory in the war, but it turned out to be a long and bloody conflict.



• Initial gains: Germany did make significant initial gains in the war, including occupying parts of Belgium and France. However, they were unable to secure a decisive victory.



• Defeat in November 1918: Germany and the Central Powers were eventually defeated in November 1918. The signing of the Armistice marked the end of the war for Germany.

Answer:
The statement given is false. The Wall Street Exchange is not located in Russia. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. The Wall Street Exchange:
- The Wall Street Exchange is a commonly used term to refer to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
- It is one of the largest and most iconic stock exchanges in the world, located on Wall Street in New York City, United States.
2. Russia's Stock Exchange:
- Russia's main stock exchange is called the Moscow Exchange (MOEX).
- The Moscow Exchange is the largest exchange group in Russia and operates several markets, including the Moscow Stock Exchange (equity and bond market), the Russian Derivatives Market, and the Money Market.
3. Differences between the Wall Street Exchange and Moscow Exchange:
- Location: The Wall Street Exchange is located in New York City, United States, while the Moscow Exchange is located in Moscow, Russia.
- Size: The Wall Street Exchange (NYSE) is considered the largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalization. On the other hand, the Moscow Exchange is the largest stock exchange in Russia but not the world's largest.
- Market Focus: The Wall Street Exchange primarily focuses on U.S. companies and global companies listed in the United States, while the Moscow Exchange focuses on Russian companies and securities.
Therefore, the correct answer is False (option B) as the Wall Street Exchange is not located in Russia.

Answer:
Incident that persuaded the USA to join the war:
The incident that persuaded the USA to join the war was Japan's attack on the US base at Pearl Harbour.
Explanation:
The attack on Pearl Harbour was a significant event in World War II and played a crucial role in the United States' decision to join the war. Here is a detailed explanation:
- Japan's surprise attack: On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise military strike on the US naval base at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii. The attack was unprovoked and resulted in extensive damage to the American fleet and infrastructure.
- Loss of American lives and resources: The attack on Pearl Harbour resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans and the destruction of numerous battleships, cruisers, and aircraft. The loss of life and resources was a shocking blow to the United States.
- Public outrage and demand for action: The attack on Pearl Harbour caused a wave of public outrage throughout the United States. The news of the devastating attack spread quickly, and Americans demanded a strong response to this act of aggression.
- Declaration of war: Following the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation and asked Congress to declare war on Japan. On December 8, 1941, the United States officially entered World War II.
- Impact on public opinion: The attack on Pearl Harbour unified the American public and galvanized their support for the war effort. It shifted public opinion towards intervention and increased the determination to defeat Japan, as well as its allies.
- Alliance with other nations: The attack on Pearl Harbour also solidified the alliance between the United States, Great Britain, and other allied nations. The United States now saw the war as a direct threat to its national security, and it committed itself fully to the defeat of the Axis powers.
In conclusion, the attack on Pearl Harbour by Japan was the incident that persuaded the USA to join the war. The devastating nature of the attack, the loss of American lives and resources, and the public outrage all contributed to the United States' decision to enter World War II.

Answer:
Introduction:
Hjalmar Schacht was a prominent economist who played a significant role in the economic and financial policies of Germany during the early 20th century. In this response, we will discuss whether the statement "Hjalmar Schacht was an economist" is true or false.
Evidence and Analysis:
To determine the veracity of the statement, we need to examine the background and contributions of Hjalmar Schacht:
1. Hjalmar Schacht's Background:
- Hjalmar Schacht was born on January 22, 1877, in Germany.
- He studied economics and finance at the universities of Munich, Leipzig, and Berlin.
- Schacht obtained a doctorate in economics and became a renowned expert in monetary policy.
2. Role in the German Economy:
- Hjalmar Schacht served as the President of the Reichsbank, the central bank of Germany, from 1923 to 1930 and again from 1933 to 1939.
- He played a crucial role in stabilizing the German economy during the hyperinflation crisis of the 1920s.
- Schacht implemented various monetary policies to restore confidence in the German currency and improve fiscal discipline.
3. Economic Policies and International Influence:
- Hjalmar Schacht was a proponent of economic autarky, emphasizing self-sufficiency and protectionism to strengthen the German economy.
- He introduced the concept of the "New Plan" in the early 1930s, which aimed to reduce unemployment and promote economic recovery.
- Schacht's economic policies influenced other countries, and he was involved in international monetary conferences, including the negotiations that led to the creation of the Bretton Woods system.
Conclusion:
Based on the evidence and analysis presented above, it is evident that the statement "Hjalmar Schacht was an economist" is true. Hjalmar Schacht's educational background, his role as the President of the Reichsbank, and his significant contributions to monetary policies and economics in Germany and internationally confirm his status as an economist.

Nazis wanted only a society of ‘pure and healthy Nordic Aryans’. They alone were considered ‘desirable’. Only they were seen as worthy of prospering and multiplying against all others who were classed as ‘undesirable’. This meant that even those Germans who were seen as impure or abnormal had no right to exist.