Germany: WWI - WWII

The political, economic, and social landscape of Germany changed radically between German unification in 1871 and the end of World War II in 1945. Many events took place, which shaped not only the future of Germany as a nation, but also the identities and views of the people. These events included World War I, its aftermath, the rise and fall of the Weimar Republic, and the rise of The Third Reich and World War II. One event that really stood out to me was the 20^th of July movement and the impact that it had.

German WWI Propaganda Poster - source

The German people met the start of World War I with much excitement and feelings of national pride. Propaganda called it “the spirit of 1914” (p191). The German people also finally had military commanders they could look up to and find hope in: Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff, which brought unity. Where political parties had brought disunity in the past, they now brought people together as they all supported the government. Under the surface, however, severe food shortages threatened internal cooperation.

Delegates signing the Treaty of Versailles - source

Following the war, a massive power struggle erupted between the Reichstag majority, the socialists, and the moderates. The Weimar Republic eventually resulted, with a constitution established in 1919. In addition to political unrest, the demands of the Treaty of Versailles created difficulties for the German people. Germany was met with the loss of land and enormous financial burdens, and demilitarization left the nation defenseless. Germany was left “economically ruined and politically humiliated” (p204). Almost all Germans opposed the treaty’s stipulations and felt that “unjust terms were being forced on a defenseless country” (p204).

Example of art during the Weimar Republic - "The Family" by
Max Beckmann - 1920 - source

The Weimar Republic, however, brought political stability and an eventual economic upturn. German culture flourished in this time of peace. Far left and far right opinions dominated intellectual and artistic creativity. Unfortunately the peace did not last long. Political and social tensions rose, giving rise to Hitler’s National Socialist German Workers’ Party, promising solutions to class tensions and freedom from the Versailles treaty’s demands. Hitler and the National Socialists used difficult conditions to gain a following from all class levels. The Great Depression made matters much worse and eventually spelled the end for the Weimar Republic, which collapsed under the pressure. After some political struggle, leaders finally turned to Hitler and appointed him chancellor on January 30, 1933.

Though the National Socialists were delighted, the majority of Germans met Hitler’s appointment with apathy. Though he now controlled the government, he did not have control over the minds of the people. Without the people behind him, his dictatorship could not be firmly established. Hitler utilized two methods in gaining support. The first was through state terror, censorship, and forced emigration of anything or anyone he deemed threatening to the new regime. On the other hand he created benefits, like jobs and recreation, for his chosen people. He also appealed to the emotions and traditions of the people, like associating himself with Frederick the Great. For the Arian race, the Hitler regime brought unity and feelings of nationalism.

Axis Powers - Red
Allied Powers - Blue
source

Once progress was made internally, Hitler, greedy for war, focused attention on the rest of Europe. Though the people were wary of war, early victories brought Hitler to the highest level of popularity in Germany. War brought even more changes for the German people. Feelings of fear and mistrust grew stronger as public life was militarized and citizens were encouraged to spy on one another. People withdrew to their homes, avoiding the outside world and focusing on survival. Class distinctions began to disappear and German society became more homogenized. They all watched the same movies, listened to the same radio broadcasts, and stood in the same lines for food. The people watched in horror as their symbols of cultural heritage, cathedrals, palaces, and town centers, were all but destroyed. They also saw the attacks on and deportation of Jews, but many feared standing up against the horrific actions of the regime. Following the war, many Germans felt shameful responsibility for the Nazi’s actions. It is a stigma they still must deal with. I know many Americans immediately think of the Nazis when asked what they associate with Germany.

Hitler's conference room in the Wolf's Lair following the
20th of July bombing - source

One event I found particularly interesting was the 20^th of July plot. In 1944, a group of men staged a coup and attempted to assassinate Hitler. They also tried to stage an uprising and take control of key positions of power within the Nazi regime. The plan failed, however, and the conspirators and some of their relatives were brutally tortured and killed. Though the attempt did not come to fruition, the different classes working together during the plot brought a sense of community and a common standard for political and social groups. The 20^th of July movement left a legacy that is still visible in Germany today. (800)