Year 12 History

I have set this section of the site up to help you develop your historical understanding of life in Hitler's Germany between 1933 and 1939, as you will need to write a lengthy piece of coursework on the topic.

You will take on the role of a German family, and as we progress through the course, you must use your understanding of historical events, people and changes to write empathetic diary extracts from members of your German family.

Your diary posts should respond to how NSDAP policies, events in Germany and beyond, and changes in economic, political and cultural circumstances might affect your 'adopted' family.

You will then be in an excellent position to be able to answer the assignment's question:
‘On balance, Nazi policies improved the life of the German family in the years 1933-39.’ How far do you agree with this opinion?

For more details about the coursework, go here:
http://learnhistory.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=Life_in_Hitler%27s_Germany

Write an introductory post about your character and his family life. Consider:
Name of your wife.
Names, ages and birthdays of your children.
Job and status.
Social class, education and parental upbringing.
Hometown, local area.
Family history - how did the war of 1914-18 affect the family?
N.B. They would not have called it 'World War One' or 'First World War'!
Political views - there were a lot of political parties to choose from - from the Communists (KPD) and Social Democrats (SPD) through to the Nazis (NSDAP). What party might someone in the social position of your character have been drawn to?

Finally, see if you can muster up some pictures from the internet.

How will you and your family react to the news that rocked Germany and the world on January 30th, 1933 - that Adolf Hitler, the Austrian corporal and former tramp, is now Chancellor (ie Prime Minister) of Germany?

A powerful speech listened to by millions across Germany. Surely Hitler is different from the previous Weimar politicians? Surely he has the answers to the problems? The man with the plan?

Feb 22, 1933 - Hermann Göring removes suspect Prussian policemen and replaces them with loyal SS, SA and Stahlhelm paramilitary volunteers. The police force is tied closely to the NSDAP rather than the state. Officers are also ordered to use maximum force against enemies of the state.

How do you react?

How will your family react to the news that our famous parliament building is in ruins after a Communist arsonist set fire to it? He was trying to start a Red uprising, but luckily our police were at the scene to arrest the terrorist.

March 1st and the civil liberties of Germans are cast aside to save them from the Red terrorist plotters. Is this a good thing for your family?

http://learnhistory.org.uk/y12/index.php?blog=2&title=march-1st-1933-new-emergency-anti-terror&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

March 5, 1933 and the Nazis ride the wave of the post-fire emotions. Who did your family vote for?