NCERT Solutions Class 9 History Chapter – 3 Nazism and the Rise of Hitler

NCERT Solutions Class 9 (social Science) History Chapter – 3 ‘Nazism and the Rise of Hitler’ Quesiton Answer solutions

Q. 1. Describe the problems faced by the Weimar Republic.

Answer:-

Problems Faced by the Weimar Republic

The Weimar Republic, established in Germany after World War I, faced several challenges that weakened its stability and led to widespread dissatisfaction among the people.

1. Political Instability – The Weimar Constitution had inherent weaknesses, such as proportional representation, which led to frequent coalition governments. Article 48 allowed the President to rule by decree, making the system vulnerable to authoritarian control.
2. Treaty of Versailles – The Republic was forced to accept the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh conditions on Germany. The treaty blamed Germany for the war, demanded heavy reparations, and led to territorial losses, causing resentment among the people.
3. Economic Crisis and Hyperinflation – In 1923, Germany refused to pay reparations, leading to the French occupation of the Ruhr, its key industrial region. In response, Germany printed excessive paper currency, causing hyperinflation, where the value of money dropped drastically, making basic goods unaffordable.
4. Great Depression (1929) – The global economic crisis hit Germany hard. The U.S. withdrew financial support, leading to mass unemployment, factory closures, and economic instability. By 1932, nearly 6 million Germans were unemployed, fueling public anger against the government.
5. Public Distrust and Rise of Extremism – Many Germans blamed the Weimar Republic for their hardships, viewing it as weak and ineffective. This dissatisfaction led to the rise of extremist parties like the Nazis, who promised to restore Germany’s strength and stability.

These problems ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime.

Q. 2. Discuss why Nazism became popular in Germany by 1930.

Answer:-

Why Nazism Became Popular in Germany by 1930

By 1930, Nazism had gained significant popularity in Germany due to a combination of economic, political, and social factors. The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party was fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the Weimar Republic and the impact of the Great Depression.

1. Economic Crisis and Unemployment – The Great Depression of 1929 severely affected Germany. Factories shut down, banks collapsed, and millions lost their jobs. By 1932, nearly 6 million Germans were unemployed. The Nazi Party promised economic recovery, job creation, and stability, attracting desperate citizens.
2. Weakness of the Weimar Republic – The democratic government was seen as ineffective in handling economic and political crises. Frequent changes in leadership and coalition governments led to instability, making people lose faith in democracy.
3. Hitler’s Charismatic Leadership – Hitler was a powerful speaker who promised to restore Germany’s lost glory. He assured people that he would rebuild the nation, provide employment, and overturn the Treaty of Versailles, which had humiliated Germany.
4. Nazi Propaganda – The Nazi Party used effective propaganda techniques, including mass rallies, posters, radio broadcasts, and speeches. They portrayed Hitler as Germany’s savior and instilled nationalist pride among citizens.
5. Fear of Communism – Many Germans feared the spread of communism, especially after witnessing the Russian Revolution. The Nazis positioned themselves as the only force capable of preventing communist influence, gaining support from industrialists and the middle class.
6. Appeal to Different Social Groups – The Nazis promised benefits to various sections of society. They assured workers of employment, farmers of better prices, and businessmen of protection from communism. This broad appeal helped them gain widespread support.

By 1930, the Nazi Party had transformed into a mass movement, winning elections and gaining political power. Their promises of national revival, economic stability, and strong leadership resonated with the German people, leading to Hitler’s eventual rise as Chancellor in 1933.

Q. 3. What are the peculiar features of Nazi thinking?

Answer:-

Peculiar Features of Nazi Thinking

Nazi ideology was based on extreme nationalism, racial superiority, and militarism. The following were its key features:

1. Belief in Racial Hierarchy – Nazis believed in a strict racial classification, placing Nordic German Aryans at the top and considering Jews, Slavs, and other groups as inferior.
2. Anti-Semitism – Jews were blamed for Germany’s economic problems and defeat in World War I. The Nazis promoted hatred against them, leading to their exclusion and persecution.
3. Expansionist Policy (Lebensraum) – The Nazis believed Germany needed more living space (Lebensraum) to grow. They aimed to conquer new territories, especially in Eastern Europe, to provide resources for the Aryan race.
4. Glorification of War and Violence – Nazis considered war essential for national strength. They rejected democracy and promoted militarism, believing that only the strongest race should rule.
5. Totalitarian Control – The Nazi state controlled all aspects of life, including education, media, and culture. Opposition was crushed, and propaganda was used to manipulate public opinion.
6. Cult of Leadership – Hitler was portrayed as Germany’s supreme leader (Führer) with unquestionable authority. His decisions were considered absolute and beyond criticism.
7. Opposition to Democracy and Communism – Nazis rejected democratic principles and saw communism as a threat. They aimed to establish a one-party dictatorship under Hitler’s rule.

These ideas shaped Nazi policies, leading to aggressive expansion, persecution of minorities, and ultimately, World War II.

Q. 4. Explain why Nazi propaganda was effective in creating a hatred for Jews.

Answer:-

Why Nazi Propaganda Was Effective in Creating Hatred for Jews

Nazi propaganda played a crucial role in spreading anti-Semitic beliefs and fostering hatred against Jews in Germany. The following factors contributed to its effectiveness:

1. Manipulative Language – The Nazis avoided direct terms like “kill” or “murder” in official communications. Instead, they used phrases like “special treatment,” “final solution,” and “disinfection” to disguise their true intentions.
2. Extensive Use of Media – The Nazi regime controlled newspapers, radio, films, and posters to spread anti-Jewish messages. Propaganda films depicted Jews as enemies of Germany, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
3. Exploitation of Public Emotions – The Nazis tapped into existing prejudices and economic frustrations, blaming Jews for Germany’s problems. This manipulation directed public anger toward Jewish communities.
4. Education and Indoctrination – Schools taught children Nazi ideology, portraying Jews as inferior and dangerous. Textbooks and classroom lessons reinforced anti-Semitic beliefs from an early age.
5. Mass Rallies and Symbols – Large-scale Nazi rallies, speeches, and symbols like the swastika created a sense of unity among Germans, making them more receptive to Nazi ideology and anti-Jewish sentiments.

Through these methods, Nazi propaganda successfully shaped public opinion, leading to widespread discrimination and persecution of Jews in Germany.

Q. 5. Explain what role women had in Nazi society. Return to Chapter 1 on the French Revolution. Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting the role of women in the two periods.

Answer:-

Role of Women in Nazi Society

In Nazi Germany, women were expected to fulfill traditional roles as mothers and homemakers. The Nazi ideology emphasized that women were biologically different from men and should focus on raising racially pure Aryan children. Girls were taught domestic skills and Nazi values, while women who gave birth to racially “undesirable” children faced punishment. The state encouraged motherhood through incentives like the Mother’s Cross award, given to women who had multiple children. Women were discouraged from working in professional fields and were expected to maintain racial purity by avoiding interactions with Jews and other marginalized groups.

Comparison with Women in the French Revolution

Unlike Nazi Germany, women in the French Revolution actively participated in political movements, demanding equal rights and social reforms. They formed political clubs, published newspapers, and fought for voting rights. The revolutionary government introduced progressive laws, such as compulsory education for girls, legalizing divorce, and allowing women to train for jobs or run businesses. However, during the Reign of Terror, women’s political activities were banned, and many were arrested or executed.

While Nazi Germany restricted women’s roles to motherhood and racial purity, the French Revolution saw women fighting for political and social equality. The former reinforced traditional gender roles, whereas the latter sought to challenge them and expand women’s rights.

Q.6. In what ways did the Nazi state seek to establish total control over its people?

Answer:-

How the Nazi State Established Total Control Over Its People

The Nazi regime, under Adolf Hitler, sought to establish absolute control over Germany through a combination of legal measures, propaganda, and repression. The following methods ensured that opposition was eliminated and the Nazi ideology dominated all aspects of life:

1. The Enabling Act (1933) – This law gave Hitler the power to rule by decree, bypassing the parliament. It allowed the Nazis to outlaw all political parties except their own, effectively turning Germany into a one-party dictatorship.
2. Suppression of Opposition – Communists, socialists, and other political opponents were arrested, imprisoned, or executed. Many were sent to concentration camps, where they faced brutal treatment.
3. Control Over Media and Propaganda – The Nazi regime controlled newspapers, radio, films, and posters to spread its ideology. Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, ensured that only Nazi-approved content was published, glorifying Hitler and demonizing Jews.
4. Use of Secret Police (Gestapo) – The Gestapo, along with the SS and SD, operated as a powerful surveillance force. They arrested and tortured anyone suspected of opposing the Nazi regime.
5. Militarization and Indoctrination – The Nazis controlled education, ensuring that children were taught Nazi ideology. Schools emphasized racial superiority, nationalism, and loyalty to Hitler. Youth organizations like the Hitler Youth trained boys for military service.
6. Persecution of Jews and Minorities – The Nazis enacted laws such as the Nuremberg Laws (1935), which stripped Jews of citizenship and rights. Anti-Semitic propaganda fueled hatred, leading to mass persecution and genocide.
7. Censorship and Fear – Books that opposed Nazi ideology were banned and burned. Citizens were encouraged to report anyone who criticized the government, creating an atmosphere of fear and total obedience.

Through these measures, the Nazi state ensured that dissent was crushed, propaganda shaped public opinion, and Hitler’s authority remained unquestioned.