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2 Read the statistics, and then answer the
questions which follow.
(a) Describe how the Second World War changed
life in Germany. [5] Answer
(b) Why did the Nazi’s persecute different
minority groups? [7] Answer
(c) How significant were opposition groups in
Nazi Germany? Explain your answer. [8] Answer
Suggested Answers
Question 2a
Remember this ‘5 mark’ question requires you to
describe only. It tests your ability to remember and select relevant
facts. You can begin be picking up the gift marks by referring to the
table of statistics of Allied bombing, supporting your point with
evidence of the consequences of heavy allied bombing in places like
Hamburg (summer 1943 destroyed 60% of the city). Other consequences
worth describing include rationing, evacuation and economic collapse by
the end of the war. You could also focus on particular groups in German
society such as women and children and how war affected them. But the
most important consequence of the coming of the war was the escalation
in the persecution of the Jews particularly after the Wannsee Conference
in 1942 decided on the ‘Final Solution’. You might conclude by
describing how Germany was dealt with at the end of the war. [Back
to Questions]
Question 2b
This requires an explanation based on good
historical knowledge. You should begin by outlining the different types
of persecution that occurred in Nazi Germany. It is important that you
do not restrict yourself to anti-Semitic policies but refer also to
disabled, Sinti and Roma, homosexuals and black people. Not all these
policies had the same justification. The Nazi view on race and the
concept of ‘Aryanism’ need to be explained. You could draw attention
to Hitler’s personal influence on the policy (Mussolini’s Fascism
was far less concerned with racial policies) and perhaps offer some
suggestions as to why Hitler held these beliefs (personal experiences?).
Finally, you should refer to the popularity of the policies with many
German people (Goldhagen’s
book Hitler’s Willing Executioners) and the fact that the Nazi
programme was often an extension of existing policies and an opportunity
for the Nazis to create scapegoats to explain Germany’s problems. [Back
to Questions]
Question 2c
This requires a short evaluative essay that
identifies two sides of the argument before reaching a conclusion. The
first point to recognise is that the nature and significance of
opposition changed during the period 1933-45. From 1933 to 1941
opposition was limited because of both Nazi success and popularity but
also because of the brutal coercion of organised opposition. You should
give evidence for both of these points. (Popularity: KDF, employment,
successful foreign policy. Coercion: banning of other political parties
and trades unions May-June 1933, concentration camps, state police and
party control). There was opposition from 1933-41 (from 1935 there were
attempts on 11 occasion to assassinate Hitler!) but most significant
opposition (resistance) occurred during the war years. Opposition became
increasingly significant as the war went wrong for the Nazis: Edelweiss
Pirates, Navajos, White Rose (all youth movements) and the Stauffenberg
assassination attempt in July 1944. But even during the war most people
supported the Nazis. Yes, fear of being caught opposing the Nazis was
significant but patriotic loyalty to the Fatherland in time of war was
at least as important. [Back to Questions]
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