CHAPTER-03: NAZISM AND THE RISE OF HITLER

🔹 Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (40)

Q1. The Weimar Republic was established in Germany in:
(a) 1917
(b) 1918
(c) 1919
(d) 1920
👉 Ans: (c) 1919

Q2. The Treaty of Versailles was signed in:
(a) 1918
(b) 1919
(c) 1920
(d) 1921
👉 Ans: (b) 1919

Q3. Who became the President of the Weimar Republic?
(a) Hitler
(b) Ebert
(c) Hindenburg
(d) Goebbels
👉 Ans: (b) Ebert

Q4. What was the Nazi salute?
(a) Jai Hind
(b) Heil Hitler
(c) Vande Mataram
(d) Long Live Kaiser
👉 Ans: (b) Heil Hitler

Q5. Hitler wrote his autobiography in jail. Its title was:
(a) My Struggle (Mein Kampf)
(b) Nazi Rule
(c) Aryan Supremacy
(d) Rise of Hitler
👉 Ans: (a) Mein Kampf

Q6. Which class particularly supported Hitler during the Great Depression?
(a) Working class
(b) Middle class
(c) Peasants
(d) Aristocrats
👉 Ans: (b) Middle class

Q7. Who were the “November Criminals”?
(a) Allied Powers
(b) German Communists
(c) Weimar politicians who signed the Treaty of Versailles
(d) Nazi leaders
👉 Ans: (c) Weimar politicians who signed the Treaty of Versailles

Q8. The Nazi Party was founded in:
(a) 1918
(b) 1919
(c) 1920
(d) 1921
👉 Ans: (b) 1919

Q9. Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in:
(a) 1929
(b) 1932
(c) 1933
(d) 1934
👉 Ans: (c) 1933

Q10. Which act gave Hitler full powers?
(a) Enabling Act
(b) Emergency Act
(c) Dictatorship Act
(d) Army Act
👉 Ans: (a) Enabling Act

Q11. Hitler’s secret police was called:
(a) Gestapo
(b) SS
(c) SA
(d) Stasi
👉 Ans: (a) Gestapo

Q12. Which community was most persecuted under Nazis?
(a) Jews
(b) Christians
(c) Buddhists
(d) Hindus
👉 Ans: (a) Jews

Q13. The Nazi slogan was:
(a) Germany for All
(b) One People, One Empire, One Leader
(c) World Revolution
(d) Power to the Workers
👉 Ans: (b) One People, One Empire, One Leader

Q14. What does ‘Lebensraum’ mean?
(a) Living Space
(b) Life Room
(c) Homeland
(d) War Front
👉 Ans: (a) Living Space

Q15. The Nazi symbol was:
(a) Cross
(b) Tricolor
(c) Swastika
(d) Star
👉 Ans: (c) Swastika

Q16. What was the German parliament called?
(a) Congress
(b) Reichstag
(c) Senate
(d) Duma
👉 Ans: (b) Reichstag

Q17. Who controlled Nazi propaganda?
(a) Himmler
(b) Goebbels
(c) Goering
(d) Hess
👉 Ans: (b) Goebbels

Q18. Which youth organisation trained German boys in Nazi ideology?
(a) Hitler Youth
(b) German Scouts
(c) Young Nazis
(d) Aryan League
👉 Ans: (a) Hitler Youth

Q19. Women in Nazi Germany were encouraged to focus on:
(a) Politics
(b) Army
(c) Children, Kitchen, Church
(d) Business
👉 Ans: (c) Children, Kitchen, Church

Q20. What medal was given to German mothers with many children?
(a) Gold Cross
(b) Iron Cross of Motherhood
(c) Bronze Medal
(d) Aryan Award
👉 Ans: (b) Iron Cross of Motherhood

Q21. Hitler became dictator after the death of:
(a) Goebbels
(b) Hindenburg
(c) Bismarck
(d) Kaiser Wilhelm
👉 Ans: (b) Hindenburg

Q22. The Nazi racial law of 1935 was called:
(a) Aryan Law
(b) Nuremberg Law
(c) German Code
(d) Nazi Code
👉 Ans: (b) Nuremberg Law

Q23. Which international event deepened the crisis of Weimar Germany?
(a) WWI
(b) Great Depression
(c) WWII
(d) French Revolution
👉 Ans: (b) Great Depression

Q24. What does Holocaust refer to?
(a) Nazi propaganda
(b) Mass killing of Jews
(c) Treaty of Versailles
(d) Nazi dictatorship
👉 Ans: (b) Mass killing of Jews

Q25. Hitler believed Germany’s future lay in:
(a) Africa
(b) America
(c) East Europe
(d) Asia
👉 Ans: (c) East Europe

Q26. The stormtroopers (paramilitary) of Nazis were called:
(a) SS
(b) SA
(c) Gestapo
(d) Hitler Youth
👉 Ans: (b) SA

Q27. The Nuremberg Trials were held in:
(a) 1944
(b) 1945–46
(c) 1947
(d) 1948
👉 Ans: (b) 1945–46

Q28. Hitler’s propaganda minister was:
(a) Goering
(b) Goebbels
(c) Himmler
(d) Bormann
👉 Ans: (b) Goebbels

Q29. Hitler committed suicide in:
(a) April 1944
(b) April 1945
(c) May 1945
(d) June 1945
👉 Ans: (b) April 1945

Q30. After WWII, which organization adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
(a) League of Nations
(b) United Nations
(c) NATO
(d) Warsaw Pact
👉 Ans: (b) United Nations

Q31. Nazi rule in Germany lasted from:
(a) 1925–1945
(b) 1933–1945
(c) 1930–1942
(d) 1932–1944
👉 Ans: (b) 1933–1945

Q32. The word “Holocaust” literally means:
(a) Total destruction by fire
(b) Survival
(c) Liberation
(d) Victory
👉 Ans: (a) Total destruction by fire

Q33. The Jewish community in Europe was forced to wear:
(a) White badge
(b) Yellow Star of David
(c) Red Cross
(d) Black armband
👉 Ans: (b) Yellow Star of David

Q34. Hitler Youth trained children in:
(a) Democracy
(b) War and discipline
(c) Music and art
(d) Farming only
👉 Ans: (b) War and discipline

Q35. Which section opposed Hitler most strongly?
(a) Jews
(b) Communists and Socialists
(c) Industrialists
(d) Army Generals
👉 Ans: (b) Communists and Socialists

Q36. Hitler’s aim was to:
(a) Create a democratic Germany
(b) Expand German empire and racial supremacy
(c) Unite Europe under peace
(d) Stop wars forever
👉 Ans: (b) Expand German empire and racial supremacy

Q37. Who were called ‘undesirables’ in Nazi Germany?
(a) Aryans
(b) Jews, Roma, disabled, communists
(c) Industrialists
(d) Army officers
👉 Ans: (b) Jews, Roma, disabled, communists

Q38. Nazi education was designed to make children:
(a) Independent thinkers
(b) Loyal Nazis and soldiers
(c) Peace lovers
(d) Supporters of democracy
👉 Ans: (b) Loyal Nazis and soldiers

Q39. Hitler promised to restore Germany’s:
(a) Monarchy
(b) Dignity and national pride
(c) Colonial empire
(d) Friendship with Jews
👉 Ans: (b) Dignity and national pride

Q40. Which event marked the beginning of WWII?
(a) Attack on USSR
(b) Attack on Poland
(c) Attack on France
(d) Attack on Britain
👉 Ans: (b) Attack on Poland

🔹 Part B: Short Answer Questions (20)

Q1. Who were the November Criminals?
👉 Weimar politicians who signed the Treaty of Versailles, seen as betrayers of Germany.

Q2. Name Hitler’s autobiography.
👉 Mein Kampf (My Struggle).

Q3. What was Lebensraum?
👉 Nazi policy meaning “living space” – expansion into Eastern Europe.

Q4. Who was Goebbels?
👉 Nazi propaganda minister.

Q5. When did Hitler become Chancellor of Germany?
👉 30 January 1933.

Q6. What was the Reichstag?
👉 German Parliament.

Q7. What was the Enabling Act?
👉 1933 law that gave Hitler dictatorial powers.

Q8. What was the Nazi salute?
👉 “Heil Hitler” with arm raised.

Q9. What was the main target of Nazi persecution?
👉 Jews.

Q10. Name two organizations for Nazi youth.
👉 Hitler Youth (boys), League of German Girls.

Q11. What did the Nuremberg Laws of 1935 state?
👉 Only pure-blooded Germans were citizens; Jews had no rights.

Q12. What was the Holocaust?
👉 Mass genocide of Jews during Nazi rule.

Q13. When did Hitler commit suicide?
👉 30 April 1945.

Q14. Name the secret police under Hitler.
👉 Gestapo.

Q15. What was the Nazi party symbol?
👉 Swastika.

Q16. Who were considered ‘undesirables’?
👉 Jews, Roma, disabled, communists, homosexuals.

Q17. What was the role of women in Nazi Germany?
👉 Motherhood, raising Aryan children, limited to home.

Q18. Which law gave Hitler power over all institutions?
👉 Enabling Act (1933).

Q19. What was the Hitler Youth’s role?
👉 Trained boys in Nazi values, discipline, and military skills.

Q20. Where were Nazi leaders punished after WWII?
👉 Nuremberg Trials (1945–46).

✍️ Section C – Long Answer Type Questions (with Answers)

Q1. Describe the conditions in Germany after the First World War that led to the rise of Hitler.

Answer:

  • Germany faced defeat in World War I (1918) and had to sign the humiliating Treaty of Versailles (1919).

  • The Weimar Republic, which replaced the monarchy, was unpopular and weak.

  • Germany had to pay huge reparations, lost territories, and disbanded much of its army.

  • Economic crises such as hyperinflation (1923) and the Great Depression (1929) caused unemployment and poverty.

  • People lost faith in democracy and turned to Hitler, who promised strong leadership, national pride, and solutions to economic misery.

Q2. How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany?

Answer:

  • Germany was forced to accept responsibility for WWI (War Guilt Clause).

  • It had to pay 6 billion pounds in reparations.

  • Territories like Alsace-Lorraine were taken away, and overseas colonies were lost.

  • Army strength was reduced to 100,000 soldiers, and the navy was weakened.

  • The treaty created humiliation, anger, and resentment among Germans, paving the way for Hitler’s rise.

Q3. Discuss the main features of Nazi ideology.

Answer:

  • Belief in racial superiority – Germans (Aryans) were the master race.

  • Hatred towards Jews (Anti-Semitism), Roma, Communists, and the disabled.

  • A strong state under a powerful leader (Fuhrer principle).

  • Expansionist policy (Lebensraum – living space in Eastern Europe).

  • Glorification of war, militarism, and discipline.

  • Rejection of democracy, communism, and internationalism.

Q4. Explain the reasons for the popularity of Hitler and the Nazi Party by 1933.

Answer:

  • Hitler was a powerful speaker and promised jobs, national pride, and revenge against the Treaty of Versailles.

  • The Great Depression caused mass unemployment and poverty.

  • Nazi propaganda blamed Jews and Communists for Germany’s problems.

  • Industrialists supported Nazis, fearing communism.

  • Weakness of the Weimar Republic increased support for strong leadership.

  • Hitler’s personality and rallies attracted millions.

Q5. What steps did Hitler take to establish a totalitarian state in Germany?

Answer:

  • In 1933, the Enabling Act gave Hitler dictatorial powers.

  • All other parties were banned; only the Nazi Party was allowed.

  • Press, radio, literature, and art were censored.

  • Secret police (Gestapo) and SS silenced opponents.

  • Concentration camps were set up for political prisoners and minorities.

  • Education and youth organizations were controlled to spread Nazi ideology.

Q6. How did the Nazis use propaganda to gain and maintain power?

Answer:

  • Controlled media: newspapers, radio, films, and posters spread Nazi ideas.

  • Hitler’s speeches were broadcast across Germany.

  • Slogans like “One People, One Reich, One Leader” were repeated.

  • Jews were portrayed as enemies through cartoons and films.

  • Mass rallies and parades glorified Hitler and the Nazi Party.

  • Propaganda appealed to emotions – pride, fear, and hatred.

Q7. Describe the impact of Nazi policies on women in Germany.

Answer:

  • Women were forced into traditional roles: “Kinder, Küche, Kirche” (Children, Kitchen, Church).

  • They were encouraged to marry early and have many children.

  • Medals were awarded to women with large families.

  • Women were discouraged from working in factories or professional jobs.

  • Education for girls focused on household skills and motherhood.

  • Thus, women lost independence and were confined to home and family roles.

Q8. Explain Nazi racial policies and their consequences.

Answer:

  • Nazis believed Aryans were superior; Jews, Roma, Slavs, and the disabled were inferior.

  • The Nuremberg Laws (1935) denied Jews citizenship and basic rights.

  • Jews were excluded from jobs, education, and businesses.

  • During the Holocaust, Jews were sent to concentration camps and gas chambers.

  • Millions of Jews and other minorities were killed in a state-organized genocide.

Q9. How did Hitler destroy democracy in Germany after becoming Chancellor in 1933?

Answer:

  • The Reichstag Fire (1933) was used as an excuse to crush Communists.

  • The Enabling Act (1933) gave Hitler full powers to pass laws without parliament.

  • All other political parties were banned.

  • Trade unions were dissolved.

  • Civil liberties (speech, press, assembly) were abolished.

  • Germany became a one-party dictatorship under Hitler.

Q10. What were the economic policies of Nazi Germany?

Answer:

  • Public works programs (road building, stadiums, etc.) provided jobs.

  • Rearmament created employment in the arms industry.

  • Unemployment fell drastically by 1936.

  • Farmers were supported with subsidies.

  • Autarky (self-sufficiency) was promoted, preparing Germany for war.

  • Economic revival gave people hope, increasing support for Hitler.

Q11. How did Hitler prepare Germany for war?

Answer:

  • Focused on rearmament and building military strength.

  • Introduced compulsory military service.

  • Expanded industries related to weapons and transport.

  • Pursued aggressive foreign policies (annexation of Austria, invasion of Poland).

  • Propaganda glorified war and sacrifice.

  • Youth organizations trained children for military service.

Q12. What was the Holocaust? Explain its impact.

Answer:

  • The Holocaust was the state-sponsored genocide of Jews and other minorities by Nazi Germany during WWII.

  • Jews were stripped of rights, forced into ghettos, and later sent to concentration camps.

  • Millions were killed in gas chambers.

  • Around 6 million Jews and millions of others were murdered.

  • Impact: It remains one of the darkest events in history and a reminder of the dangers of racism and dictatorship.

Q13. Explain the role of the youth in Nazi Germany.

Answer:

  • Youth were forced into Nazi organizations like Hitler Youth (boys) and League of German Girls.

  • They were trained to obey Hitler, worship him, and prepare for military service.

  • Schools taught Nazi ideology and glorified war.

  • Physical training and military drills were compulsory.

  • Youth were brainwashed to become loyal Nazis, ensuring future support.

Q14. Discuss the problems faced by the Weimar Republic.

Answer:

  • Born out of defeat in WWI, so it was unpopular.

  • Treaty of Versailles imposed humiliation and economic burdens.

  • Political instability – frequent changes in government.

  • Economic crises: hyperinflation (1923) and Great Depression (1929).

  • Extremist groups (Nazis, Communists) grew stronger.

  • Lack of faith in democracy weakened the Republic.

Q15. What was Hitler’s foreign policy?

Answer:

  • Hitler wanted to undo the Treaty of Versailles.

  • He aimed to unite all Germans under one Reich.

  • Demanded living space (Lebensraum) in Eastern Europe.

  • Annexed Austria (Anschluss, 1938).

  • Captured Czechoslovakia and invaded Poland (1939).

  • Aggressive policies led directly to World War II.

Q16. How did Nazi Germany use education to spread its ideology?

Answer:

  • Schools taught Nazi views of racial superiority.

  • Jews and “undesirables” were removed from schools.

  • Biology stressed eugenics and racial theory.

  • History glorified Germany’s past and Hitler’s leadership.

  • Teachers had to be members of the Nazi Party.

  • Children were prepared to be loyal Nazis.

Q17. How did the Great Depression help Hitler’s rise to power?

Answer:

  • The Depression (1929) caused massive unemployment in Germany.

  • By 1932, around 6 million were jobless.

  • Middle classes, workers, and farmers suffered badly.

  • People lost faith in democracy and wanted a strong leader.

  • Hitler promised jobs, national revival, and an end to humiliation.

  • Nazi propaganda exploited people’s despair, leading to their success.

Q18. Describe the Nuremberg Laws of 1935.

Answer:

  • Jews were deprived of German citizenship.

  • They could not marry Germans.

  • They were excluded from government jobs, schools, and public life.

  • Property and businesses were taken away.

  • These laws legalized discrimination against Jews.

Q19. How did Hitler come to power in Germany?

Answer:

  • Joined the German Workers’ Party in 1919, later renamed Nazi Party.

  • Promised to undo Treaty of Versailles, provide jobs, and restore pride.

  • Used propaganda, rallies, and speeches to gain support.

  • During the Depression, Nazis gained votes; in 1932 elections, they became the largest party.

  • Hitler was appointed Chancellor in January 1933.

  • Soon after, he turned Germany into a dictatorship.

Q20. Why is it important to study Nazism today?

Answer:

  • To understand how hatred and propaganda can destroy democracy.

  • To remember the Holocaust and ensure it is never repeated.

  • To learn the dangers of dictatorship, racism, and blind nationalism.

  • It reminds us to protect human rights and democracy.


 

 

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