HISTORY
Nazism and the Rise of Hitler
● Weimar Republic:
○ Established post-WWI with a democratic constitution.
○ Faced turmoil from the Treaty of Versailles, economic crises, and hyperinflation.
○ Flaws, including proportional representation and Article 48, created instability.
● Hitler’s Rise:
○ Adolf Hitler (1889-1945), born in Austria and key member of the Nazi Party.
○ ained power through effective propaganda, promises of jobs, and nationalist
G
appeal.
○ ecame Chancellor in 1933, systematically dismantling democracy and leading
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Germany into WWII.
● Nazi Ideology:
○ Promoted racial hierarchy and Aryan supremacy.
○ Expansionist policies (Lebensraum) justified aggressive territorial claims.
○ Led to the Holocaust, a genocide of Jews and other marginalized groups.
● Youth and Women’s Roles:
○ Youth indoctrinated through Hitler Youth organizations.
○ Women encouraged to be homemakers and mothers of Aryan children.
● Crimes Against Humanity:
○ T he Holocaust marked one of history's most significant atrocities, involving
systematic extermination.
The French Revolution
● P re-Revolution Context:
○ King Louis XVI’s reign characterized by financial crisis.
○ Society divided into three estates; only the Third Estate paid taxes.
● Key Events:
○ 1789: Third Estate became National Assembly, abolishing feudal privileges.
○ 1792: France declared a republic; King Louis XVI executed.
○ 793-1794: The Reign of Terror, led by Robespierre, responsible for mass
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executions.
● Impact of the Revolution:
○ Brought significant social reforms and spread Enlightenment ideals.
○ Abolished slavery in 1794 (later reinstated by Napoleon).
The Russian Revolution
● Key Events:
○ 1917: Bolsheviks seized power, nationalizing industries and land.
○ 1918-1920: Civil War ensued; Bolsheviks defeated anti-revolutionary forces.
● Formation of the USSR:
○ Established in 1922 under one-party communist rule.
● Stalin’s Rule:
○ Implemented collectivization, leading to widespread famine (1930-1933).
○ Enforced heavy repression and purges against political dissent.
● Global Impact:
○ Inspired global socialist movements but resulted in curtailed individual freedoms.