Germany embraced democracy after World War One and, after a troubled start; by 1929 Weimar was stable and increasingly prosperous. However, economic crisis led to brutal dictatorship under the Nazis.

Defeat in 1918 led to the Kaiser’s abdication, a republic and a new constitution. The new Germany faced huge problems up to 1924, not least those caused by its punishment in the Treaty of Versailles.

Under Stresemann’s leadership, from 1924 onwards Weimar’s economy recovered. Germany regained international credibility and social change accelerated, until the disaster of 1929’s Wall Street Crash.

Hitler was appointed Chancellor in January 1933. His rise to power was the result of many factors: the impact of the Depression, the weaknesses of Weimar democracy and the strengths of the Nazi party.

Nazi Germany was a totalitarian state, meaning all aspects of Germans’ lives were controlled by the government. It was also one in which those deemed ‘enemies of the state’ were ruthlessly persecuted.

In your History GCSE, it is important that you not only have good subject knowledge, but have the skills to apply this knowledge to exam questions.