Test: Nazism & The Rise of Hitler- 2 - UPSC MCQ

Germany emerged from World War I with huge debts incurred to finance a costly war for almost five years. The treasury was empty, the currency was losing value, and Germany needed to pay its war debts and the huge reparations bill imposed on it by the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended the war.

The First World War left a deep imprint on European society and polity.
Soldiers came to be placed above civilians.Politicians and publicists laid great success on the need for men to be aggressive, strong and masculine.The media glorified trench life but actually soldiers lived miserable lives in these trenches, trapped with rats feeding on corpses.They faced poisonous gas and enemy shelling, and witnessed their ranks reduce rapidly.Aggressive war propaganda and national honour occupied centre stage in the public sphere, while popular support grew for conservative dictatorships that had recently come into being.

Not all wanted to fight many were forced to participate,

The German defeat horrified him. The Treaty of Versailles made him furious. He joined the German Workers Party and renamed it National Socialist German Workers’ Party. This later came to be known as the Nazi Party.

It was harsh and humiliating because Germany lost its overseas colonies, a tenth of its population, 13% of its territories, 75% of its iron and 26% of its coal to France, Poland, Denmark, and Lithuania.
The Allied powers demilitarised Germany to weaken its powers.
The War Guilt Clause held Germany responsible for the war damages that the Allied countries had to suffer.
 Germany was forced to pay a compensation of 6 billion. 
The Allied armies also occupied the resource-rich Rhineland for much of the 1920s. 
Many Germans held the Weimar Republic responsible for not only the defeat in the war but the disgrace at Versailles.
 

Special Surveillance and Security Force created by Hitler:
The special surveillance and security force created by Hitler was the combination of the Gestapo (secret state police) and the SS (the protection squads). This force played a crucial role in maintaining the Nazi regime's control and suppressing any opposition or dissent.
Key Points:
- The Gestapo, also known as the Geheime Staatspolizei, was established in 1933 and was responsible for identifying and eliminating political opponents of the Nazi regime.
- The SS, or Schutzstaffel, initially created as Hitler's personal bodyguards, grew into a powerful organization that encompassed various branches, including the SS-Totenkopfverbände (concentration camp guards) and the SS-Reichssicherheitshauptamt (Reich Main Security Office).
- The Gestapo and the SS worked closely together to carry out surveillance, intelligence gathering, and repression activities.
- The Gestapo operated as a secret police force, using informants, wiretapping, and other methods to monitor and control the population.
- The SS had a dual role, serving as both a paramilitary organization and an intelligence agency. They were responsible for maintaining security within Nazi Germany and overseeing the concentration and extermination camps.
- Together, the Gestapo and the SS formed a formidable force that instilled fear and ensured compliance with Nazi policies.
Summary:
The special surveillance and security force created by Hitler consisted of the Gestapo and the SS. These organizations worked together to carry out surveillance, intelligence gathering, and repression activities, playing a significant role in maintaining the Nazi regime's control.

D is the correct option.Hitler was very ambitious. He wanted to achieve his long-term aim of conquering Eastern Europe. For achieving this aim he attacked the Soviet Union in June 1941. This step of Hitler proved to be a historic blunder. By this step, He exposed the German western front to British aerial bombing and the eastern front to the Soviet Union. The Soviet Red Army hounded out the retreating German soldiers until they reached at the heart of Berlin. This incident established Soviet hegemony over the entire Eastern Europe for half a century thereafter.

Hitler's World View and Nazi Ideology
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation:

Hitler's world view, which also formed the basis of Nazi ideology, was characterized by several key beliefs and principles. These included:

• There was no equality between people, only a racial hierarchy: Hitler rejected the idea of equality among individuals and instead promoted the notion of a racial hierarchy, where certain races were considered superior to others.



• The blond, blue-eyed, Nordic German Aryans were at the top and Jews at the bottom: Hitler believed that the Aryan race, specifically the Nordic Germans with specific physical characteristics such as blond hair and blue eyes, were the superior race. Jews, on the other hand, were considered the lowest and were seen as the arch enemies of the Aryans.



• The colored people were placed in between: In Hitler's racial hierarchy, people of other races were placed in between the Aryans and Jews. These included individuals of different ethnicities and nationalities, whom Hitler considered to be inferior to the Aryans but superior to Jews.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. All of the above, as all these beliefs were part of Hitler's world view and Nazi ideology.

Reasons for Helmuth's father's suicide in the spring of 1945:
There are several possible reasons for Helmuth's father's suicide during this time, but the most likely reason is that he feared revenge by the Allied Powers. Here are the reasons explained in detail:
1. Fear of revenge by the Allied Powers:
- Germany had just been defeated in the Second World War, and the Allied Powers were in control.
- Many Nazi officials and supporters were facing prosecution for their involvement in war crimes and atrocities committed during the Nazi regime.
- Helmuth's father may have been aware of his own culpability in these crimes and feared that he would be held accountable by the Allies.
- This fear and the potential consequences may have led him to believe that suicide was the only way to escape punishment.
2. Other possible reasons:
- Depression due to Germany's defeat in the war: The loss of the war and the collapse of the Nazi regime could have plunged Helmuth's father into a state of deep despair.
- Fear of mishandling by common people: As a high-ranking Nazi official or supporter, Helmuth's father may have been concerned about how he and his family would be treated by ordinary citizens who had suffered under the Nazi regime.
- Guilt over crimes committed during Nazi rule: Helmuth's father may have carried a heavy burden of guilt for his involvement in the crimes committed during the Nazi era, and this guilt may have driven him to end his own life.
Conclusion:
While it is difficult to determine the exact reason for Helmuth's father's suicide, the fear of revenge by the Allied Powers seems to be the most plausible explanation. The collapse of the Nazi regime, Germany's defeat in the war, and the impending prosecution of war criminals would have created a sense of fear and despair among those associated with the Nazi regime.

In World War II the chief Allied powers were Great Britain, France (except during the German occupation, 1940–44), the Soviet Union (after its entry in June 1941), the United States (after its entry on December 8, 1941), and China. 

At the end of second world war, an International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg was set up to try and prosecute the Nazi war criminals for Crimes against Peace, for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity. Germany's conduct during the war, especially those activities which came to be called Crimes Against Humanity, raised serious moral and ethical questions and invited worldwide condemnation.

Germany's 'genocidal war' was against which of the following people?
The correct answer is option D: All of the above.
Explanation:
During World War II, Germany under Nazi rule carried out a genocidal war against multiple groups of people. The following groups were systematically targeted:
- Jews and political opponents: The Nazi regime implemented a policy of anti-Semitism, leading to the persecution, discrimination, and ultimately the genocide of six million Jews. They were considered a threat to the Aryan race and were subjected to mass murder in concentration camps and extermination camps like Auschwitz.
- Gypsies and Polish civilians: The Romani people, commonly known as Gypsies, were also targeted for extermination by the Nazis. They were subjected to forced labor, sterilization, and mass murder in concentration camps. Additionally, the Germans targeted Polish civilians, particularly intellectuals, resistance fighters, and anyone perceived as a threat to German occupation.
- Germans who were considered mentally and physically disabled: The Nazi regime implemented a eugenics program that aimed to eliminate individuals with disabilities. Thousands of mentally and physically disabled Germans were forcibly sterilized, euthanized, or subjected to medical experiments.
Therefore, Germany's 'genocidal war' during World War II targeted Jews, political opponents, Gypsies, Polish civilians, and Germans with disabilities. The correct answer is option D: All of the above.

The correct answer is "B". Actually,they did not want to repeat the same mistakes that they did after the World War I. The world war II was a way through which the citizens of Nazi Germany sought to take revenge for their humiliation and disgrace caused by the treaty of versailles. In order to avoid such situations,Nuremberg Tribunal decided not to be harsh on them as they had been earlier. Maybe they felt guilty about it.

Germany's Opponents in World War I (1914-1918)

• England: Germany fought against England during World War I.


• France: Germany fought against France during World War I.


• Russia: Germany fought against Russia during World War I.

Conclusion

Germany fought against England, France, and Russia during World War I (1914-1918).

The Spartacist League was a political party that opposed the Weimer Republic in Germany. They were in favour of a Soviet-style governance. However, they could not achieve the success as they were opposed by the Socialists, Democrats, Catholics and  severely crushed by the Free Corps. 

When the Nazi Party came to power in 1933, they made the legend an integral part of their official history of the 1920s, portraying the Weimar Republic as the work of the "November criminals" who stabbed the nation in the back to seize power while betraying it.

The entry of the United States into World War I in 1917 significantly strengthened the Allies and contributed to the eventual defeat of Germany. The U.S. provided fresh troops, financial support, and resources, which boosted Allied morale and tipped the balance of power against the Central Powers.

The Weimar National Assembly (German: Weimarer Nationalversammlung) was the constitutional convention and de facto parliament of Germany from 6 February 1919 to 6 June 1920. The assembly drew up the new constitution which was in force from 1919 to 1933, technically remaining in effect even until the end of Nazi rule in 1945. It convened in Weimar, Thuringia and is the reason for this period in German history becoming known as the Weimar Republic.

 

With the end of the First World War and the start of the November Revolution, Chancellor Max of Baden announced the abdication of the German Emperor Wilhelm II on 9 November 1918. He also appointed Friedrich Ebert as his own successor as Chancellor. The Council of the People's Deputies, a provisional government consisting of three delegates from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and three from the Independent Social Democratic Party (USPD), took over the executive power on the following day and called for a National Congress of Councils on 16 to 21 December to convene in Berlin. This Reichsrätekongress set elections for a national assembly to take place on 19 January 1919.

Dawes Plan:
The Dawes Plan, which was implemented in 1924, was a significant economic proposal that aimed to address the financial burden faced by Germany after World War I. It was named after the American banker Charles Dawes, who chaired the committee responsible for devising the plan. The key features of the Dawes Plan included:
Reparation Payments:
- The plan reworked the terms of reparation payments that Germany was required to make.
- It aimed to reduce the financial burden on Germany by extending the repayment period and providing more flexibility in payment schedules.
Foreign Loans:
- The plan also facilitated foreign loans to Germany to support its economy and help stabilize its currency.
- The loans were provided by American banks and other foreign financial institutions.
Expert Commission:
- An international committee, known as the Experts Commission, was established to oversee the implementation of the plan.
- The commission monitored Germany's economic progress and ensured compliance with the terms of the plan.
Impact:
- The Dawes Plan was successful in stabilizing Germany's economy and restoring its ability to make reparation payments.
- It helped alleviate the financial burden on Germany, which had struggled to meet the reparation obligations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
- The plan also contributed to the overall stability of Europe's economic situation during the 1920s.
In conclusion, the Dawes Plan was a significant economic proposal that reworked the terms of reparation payments to ease the financial burden on Germany. It provided a framework for foreign loans and established an expert commission to monitor its implementation. The plan played a crucial role in stabilizing Germany's economy and contributed to the overall economic stability of Europe.

Economic Crisis in Germany in 1923:
The following statements are true about the economic crisis in Germany in 1923:

• The value of 'Mark' (German currency) collapsed: The German currency, Mark, experienced a rapid and extreme devaluation during this crisis. Hyperinflation occurred, leading to a loss of confidence in the currency. The collapse of the Mark resulted in severe economic instability.


• Prices of goods soared high: As a consequence of hyperinflation, the prices of goods in Germany skyrocketed. People needed more and more Marks to purchase basic necessities, causing immense financial hardship for the population. This inflationary spiral further worsened the economic crisis.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D: Both (a) and (b). The economic crisis in Germany in 1923 was characterized by the collapse of the German currency and a significant increase in the prices of goods.

A is the correct option.On July 29, 1921, Adolf Hitler becomes the leader of the National Socialist German Workers' (Nazi) Party. Under Hitler, the Nazi Party grew into a mass movement and ruled Germany as a totalitarian state from 1933 to 1945.

Explanation:
The correct answer is C: Jung Volk.
Here is a detailed explanation of each option:
A: Semite - This term refers to a member of a group of people speaking Semitic languages, including Jews. It is not related to Nazi youth groups.
B: Youth foundation - This is a general term and does not specifically refer to Nazi youth groups.
C: Jung Volk - This term translates to "Young People" in English and was used to describe the Nazi youth groups for children below 14 years of age. These groups were part of the Hitler Youth organization.
D: Gestapo - This term refers to the secret state police of Nazi Germany and is not related to Nazi youth groups.
In conclusion, the correct answer is C: Jung Volk, as it accurately describes the Nazi youth groups for children below 14 years of age.

The German Parliament is called the Reichstag.
The Reichstag is the name given to the German Parliament. It is the main legislative body of the Federal Republic of Germany and is located in Berlin. The term "Reichstag" has historical significance and has been used to refer to the German Parliament since the 19th century.
Key Points:
- The Reichstag is the German Parliament.
- It is the main legislative body of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- The Reichstag is located in Berlin.
- The term "Reichstag" has historical significance and has been used to refer to the German Parliament since the 19th century.

 Established 9 November 1918

The correct answer is C as war plans called for an immediate attack on France – through Belgium – hoping for a quick victory before the slow-moving Russians could become a factor.

France entered World War I when Germany declared war on 3 August 1914.

B is the correct option.Wall Street is a street located in the lower Manhattan section of New York City that is the home of the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE. The New York Stock Exchange is the largest stock exchange in the world, with an equity market capitalization over 25 trillion U.S. dollars in April 2020.

The Nazi Party emerged from the German nationalist, racist and populist Freikorps paramilitary culture, which fought against the communist uprisings in post-World War I Germany in 1920.

Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.
Background
- The treaty was the result of negotiations that took place at the Palace of Versailles in France.
- It was one of the peace treaties that ended World War I.
Key Points of the Treaty
- Germany was held responsible for the war and had to accept the blame for causing it.
- Germany had to pay reparations for the damage caused during the war.
- The German military was significantly reduced in size and its armaments limited.
- Several territories were taken away from Germany and given to other countries.
- The League of Nations was established as an international organization to maintain peace and prevent future wars.
Impact of the Treaty
- The treaty was widely seen as a harsh punishment for Germany and contributed to economic and political instability in the country.
- The reparations imposed on Germany were a heavy burden and led to economic difficulties.
- The territorial changes caused resentment and sowed the seeds for future conflicts.
- The treaty's failure to address the underlying causes of the war ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War II.
In conclusion, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 and had far-reaching consequences for Germany and the world. It sought to assign blame for the war and impose reparations on Germany but ultimately failed to bring lasting peace.

The Terrible Destruction of Human Life

• Final Solution: This term specifically refers to the Nazi plan to exterminate the Jewish population during World War II.

• Horrific: The destruction of human life during the Holocaust was indeed horrific, with millions of innocent people being systematically killed.

• Holocaust: This term is commonly used to refer to the genocide of six million Jews by the Nazis during World War II, as well as the millions of other victims, including Romani people, disabled individuals, and others.

By using the term "All of these", it acknowledges that the destruction of human life during the Holocaust was indeed all of the above - a final solution, horrific, and a true holocaust.

Germany's attack on Poland on 1st September 1939 started the second World War.

• Background: Prior to the attack, Germany had annexed Austria and Czechoslovakia, violating international agreements and increasing tensions in Europe.


• German Invasion: On September 1, 1939, German forces led by Adolf Hitler launched a full-scale invasion of Poland.


• Blitzkrieg: The German military employed a strategy known as "blitzkrieg," which involved rapid and coordinated attacks using tanks, aircraft, and infantry.


• International Response: Germany's invasion of Poland triggered a response from Britain and France, who had guaranteed Poland's independence. They issued ultimatums to Germany, demanding an immediate withdrawal. When Germany refused, Britain and France declared war on September 3, 1939.


• Outbreak of War: The invasion of Poland marked the beginning of the second World War, as it led to a chain of events and conflicts involving various countries and alliances.

Overall, Germany's attack on Poland on 1st September 1939 was the catalyst for the outbreak of the second World War, setting off a series of events that would shape the course of history.