Page 86 - Understanding NCERT Histroy 09th

l The Germans had no faith in democracy. It was against their culture and tradition.
They, at once, gave support to a strong man of action like Hitler who could turn their
dreams into reality.
Goyal Brothers Prakashan
3. What promises did Hitler make to the German people ? How did he mobilise them?
Ans. Hitler was a powerful speaker. His passion and his words moved people. He promised to
build a strong nation, undo the injustice of the Versailles Treaty and restore the dignity of
the German people.
He promised employment for those looking for work, and a secure future for the youth.
He promised to weed out all foreign influences and resist all foreign ‘conspiracies’ against
Germany.
Hitler devised a new style of politics. He understood the significance of rituals and spectacle
in mass mobilisation. Nazis held massive rallies and public meetings to demonstrate the
support for Hitler and instil a sense of unity among the people. The Red banners with the
Swastika, the Nazi salute, and the ritualised rounds of applause after the speeches were all
part of this spectacle of power.

3. Describe the effect of Great Economic depression on Germany?
Ans. The effect of Great Economic Depression on Germany were as follows :
l The German economy was the worst hit by the Great Economic depression. By 1932,
Germany’s industrial production was reduced to 40% of the 1929 level. Workers lost
their jobs or were paid reduced wages.
l The number of unemployed touched an unprecedented 6 million. Men could be seen
on streets with placards saying,’ Willing to do any work’. As jobs disappeared, youth
took to criminal activities, and total despair became common place.
l There were deep anxieties and fears in people. The middle classes, especially salaried
employees and pensioners, saw their savings diminish when the currency lost its value.
l The large mass of peasantry was badly affected by a sharp fall in agricultural prices.

5. Explain the impact of the First World War on European society and polity.
Ans. The First World War left a deep imprint on European society and polity. It had a devastating
impact on the entire continent.
l In society, soldiers were ranked higher than civilians. Trench life of the soldiers was
glorified by the media.
l Politicians and publicists laid great stress on the need for men to be aggressive and
masculine.
l Aggressive war propaganda and national honour occupied centre stage in the public
sphere.
l Popular support grew for conservative dictatorships that had recently come into being.
l Democracy was considered as a young and fragile idea which could not survive the
instabilities of interwar Europe.

History Class IX H-77