Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils undergo a period study that provides an unfolding narrative which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the chosen period.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe how Germany was governed before the First World War.

Key Notes

• Germany was unified in 1871 through war, nationalism and Prussian leadership.
• Militarism shaped German society, values and leadership at every level.
• Germany's government was dominated by the Kaiser, his Chancellor and elite advisors - not by parliament.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II aimed to expand Germany's power and ruled in an authoritarian, top-down style.
• Rising democratic participation clashed with elite rule, causing growing tension by 1914.

Vocabulary To Learn

• unification: the process of bringing separate states together into a single, united country
• nationalism: the belief that people who share the same language, culture, history or ethnicity should unite in one country; many believe this would create greater unity, strength and harmony within the nation
• chancellor: the head of government in Germany, appointed by the Kaiser; similar to a Prime Minister but not elected
• militarism: the belief that a strong military and military values should dominate society and government
• Reichstag: the national parliament of Germany where elected politicians debated laws, but had limited power to control government decisions

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Germany has always existed as one country, or has existed in its current form for a long time.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• 1923, the Ruhr and hyperinflation Study Guide
• Early unrest and the Treaty of Versailles Study Guide
• Economic recovery under Stresemann Study Guide
• Employment in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Germany's naval ambitions before the First World War Study Guide
• Goebbels and propaganda in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Hitler's creation of a dictatorship Study Guide
• How Hitler became Chancellor of Germany Study Guide
• Industrialisation, social reform and the growth of socialism Study Guide
• Nazi racial ideology and the treatment of minorities Study Guide
• Opposition and resistance to Hitler and the Nazi Party Study Guide
• Stresemann's international achievements Study Guide
• The Final Solution Study Guide
• The First World War and the German Revolution Study Guide
• The growth in support for the Nazi Party Study Guide
• The growth of unemployment and rise in support for the Communist Party Study Guide
• The Nazi economy and WW2 Study Guide
• The Nazi Party and religion Study Guide
• The Nazi police state Study Guide
• The persecution of Jews Study Guide
• The putsches of 1919-23 Study Guide
• The Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act Study Guide
• The Weimar Republic Study Guide
• Weimar culture 1924-29 Study Guide
• Women in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Work and life in Nazi Germany Study Guide
• Young people in Nazi Germany Study Guide