GCSE History: Weimar & Nazi Germany Revision

Weimar & Nazi Germany is a core part of GCSE History. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

Weimar RepublicGermany's democratic government 1919-33

AbdicationWhen Kaiser Wilhelm II gave up the throne in 1918

Stab-in-the-backMyth that politicians betrayed Germany in 1918

ReparationsPayments Germany owed after WWI for damage caused

Hyperinflation1923 collapse of the German Mark's value

PutschAn attempted violent takeover of government

PropagandaBiased information to shape public opinion

GestapoNazi secret state police, founded 1933

Hitler YouthNazi organisation for boys aged 10-18

Kinder, Kuche, KircheNazi slogan: children, kitchen, church for women

Nuremberg Laws1935 laws stripping Jews of German citizenship

HolocaustNazi genocide of around six million Jews

Great DepressionWorld economic slump from 1929 — millions jobless

NSDAPThe Nazi Party led by Adolf Hitler

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

How did Hitler first become Chancellor in 1933?✗ He seized power in a violent revolution. ✓ He was legally appointed Chancellor by President Hindenburg.

Did the Nazis ever win a majority in a free election?✗ Yes, they won over 50% in a free election. ✓ No — they peaked at about 37% (July 1932) and never won an outright majority freely.

Was the Weimar Republic a failure from start to finish?✗ Yes, it failed continuously with no successes. ✓ No — it had a recovery and cultural 'Golden Age' under Stresemann (1924–29).

Practise Weimar & Nazi Germany — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

See all 17 games in the Subjects Arcade →

Weimar & Nazi Germany

Key concepts

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Weimar & Nazi Germany — free games

More GCSE History topics