History of the Holocaust

Germany Before Hitler

German Second Reich Germany Unified in

1871Called the Second

Reich Reich = empire,

realm

Kaiser (King) Wilhelm I

Otto von Bismarck, architect of Germany“real politik”—

politics based on power and practicalities—not ideology

World War I: Long Term Causes

Nationalism• caused increased competition

between nations for materials, markets and territories

Imperialism• led to competition over colonies and

territories, causing tension in Europe

Militarism• glorifying military power and keeping

an army prepared for war

Triple AllianceAgreed to support

one another if war beganGermanyAustria-

HungaryItaly

A friendship agreement, not an agreement to help fight a warGreat BritainFranceRussia

Tangled AlliancesTriple Entente

The July Crisis: Stopping All Out War

Germany offers

Austria-Hungary a

“blank check” of support

Austria-Hungary

gives Serbia an ultimatum

for supporting a

terrorist group

Russia promises to

defend Serbia if Austria-Hungary invades

Schleiffen PlanIn the event of a two-front war, attack France then RussiaSpeed of victory was necessary for the plan to work

Invade France through Belgium

Germany's Plan of Attack

The War EndsOn Nov. 9, 1918 Kaiser Wilhelm II stepped

down in GermanyGermany is now a republic

Two days later, Nov. 11, Germany signs an armistice (agreement to stop fighting)

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Casualties

Casualties

Comparative Losses in World War I

An outline for achieving a just and lasting peace

Wilson's Fourteen Points

1st -4th points

End to secret

treaties, begin free

trade

Reduced navies and

armies

5th point

Adjust colonial

claims with fairness to

colonial peoples = give land

back

6th-13th points

Self-determination: nations should

be able to decide for themselves

what government they have

Creating new nations in Europe

14th PointCreate a

“League of Nations” to help keep peace in Europe

Paris Peace Conference: The Big Four

The Big Four agree on terms, and Germany signs June 1919.Article 231:

The “war guilt ” clause places all responsibility for the war on Germany

TERMS of TREATY:Germany to pay $33 Billion in reparations

(damages)Lost territory in Europe and AfricaNot allowed to join League of NationsLimited to small volunteer army and no

navy or air force

The Treaty of Versailles

U.S. Congress rejected the Treaty of VersaillesDoes not join League of Nations

Germany was bitter and hated what they saw as unfair treatment

Colonies did not get their independenceAustria-Hungary and Russia was chopped up

into the new nations of:Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Austria, Hungary,

Turkey, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland

A Peace Built on Quicksand