The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991

Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the arguments in these three extracts are in relation to German political parties in the years 1871 to 1890.

How important was violence in the Nazis’ rise to, and maintenance of, power in the years 1923 to 1945?

‘The growth of the economy, in the years 1945 to 1965, was mainly due to the policies of the West German government from 1949.’

Assess the validity of this view.

‘In the years 1966 to 1989, extra-parliamentary opposition was a more significant challenge to West German governments than opposition from within parliament.’

Assess the validity of this view.

Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the arguments in these three extracts are in relation to the development of the German economy in the years 1919 to 1939.

‘In the years 1878 to 1914, the chancellors of Germany responded effectively to the challenge of socialism.’

Assess the validity of this view.

‘Very little was done to confront the legacy of Nazism in West Germany in the years 1945 to 1969.’

Assess the validity of this view.

To what extent did West German society change in the years 1969 to 1991?

Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the arguments in these three extracts are in relation to political developments in Germany in the years 1966 to 1989.

‘In the years 1871 to 1890, Germany became more socially and economically divided.’

Assess the validity of this view.

To what extent did opposition in the Reichstag influence Kaiser Wilhelm II’s government, in the years 1890 to 1914?

‘The growth of extremist right-wing movements, in the years 1919 to 1939, was due to the impact of the First World War on Germany.’

Assess the validity of this view.

Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the arguments in these three extracts are in relation to the postwar economy of West Germany.

‘Opposition in the Reichstag had little impact on Bismarck’s policies in the years 1871 to 1890.’

Assess the validity of this view.

‘In the years 1890 to 1914, a culture of militarism dominated Germany.’

Assess the validity of this view.

To what extent was the weakness of democracy in Germany, in the years 1914 to 1934, due to economic problems?

Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the arguments in these three extracts are in relation to political developments in Germany in the years 1890 to 1914.

‘The governments of Germany dealt effectively with the economic challenges they faced in the years 1923 to 1945.’

Assess the validity of this view.

How far was the dominance of the CDU/CSU, in the years 1949 to 1969, due to the weaknesses of the other political parties?

‘Extra-parliamentary opposition posed a significant threat to the stability of West Germany in the years 1966 to 1989.’

Assess the validity of this view.

Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the arguments in these three extracts are in relation to social change in West Germany in the years 1960 to 1989.

‘The economic growth of Germany, in the years 1871 to 1890, was due to government policies.’

Assess the validity of this view.

How successful was the Kaiser’s government in asserting its political authority within Germany in the years 1890 to 1914?

‘The lives of working-class Germans improved throughout the years 1918 to 1939.’

Assess the validity of this view.

Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the arguments in these three extracts are in relation to Bismarck’s ability to control the Reichstag in the years 1871 to 1890.

‘German society was fundamentally changed as a result of the First World War.’

Assess the validity of this view in the context of the years 1900 to 1929.

‘The recovery of the economy under the Nazis in the 1930s was more impressive than the recovery of the West German economy after the Second World War.’

Assess the validity of this view.

How effectively was democracy established in West Germany in the years 1949 to 1969?

Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the arguments in these three extracts are in relation to the establishment of a stable democracy in West Germany.

‘The aristocratic elites successfully maintained their dominance in Germany in the years 1871 to 1900.’

Assess the validity of this view.

To what extent was the German economy stronger at the beginning of 1929 than it had been in 1900?

‘Communist opposition posed a serious threat to the governments of Germany in the years 1919 to 1939.’

Assess the validity of this view.

Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the arguments in these three extracts are in relation to the influence of the right-wing elites in Germany in the years 1919 to 1945.

How significant was the role played by political parties in influencing government policy in the years 1871 to 1890?

‘Opposition in the Reichstag had little influence on the Kaiser’s government in the years 1890 to 1918.’

Assess the validity of this view.

How far was the economic growth of the 1950s and 1960s in West Germany due to the legacy of the Second World War?