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GCSE Module: Germany 1890-1945

Unit: 1933-45

Year group: 10

When taught: February to April

AQA syllabus link: Click here

What are we learning?

  • How did Hitler consolidate his power between 1933-34?
  • What happened during the Night of the Long Knives and what were the consequences?
  • How did Hitler control Germany? Pt 1 Propaganda
  • What can Leni Riefenstahl tell us about Nazi propaganda?
  • How were the arts and culture affected by the Nazis?
  • How did Hitler control Germany Pt 2 The Police Terror State
  • What methods and with what success did Hitler try to control the German economy?
  • Were most people better off in Nazi Germany?
  • What was the impact of World War 2 on the German economy and people?

How will we be assessed on this topic?

  • The end of topic assessment will include a knowledge test (including some multiple choice questions, some non multiple-choice questions, a chronology task and a key word task).
  • A one hour assessment paper conducted in timed conditions covering all the different question types on the GCSE paper.

What makes a strong piece of work in this topic?  What are teachers hoping to see?  

  • A sound and good chronological understanding of key events;
  • Use of specific factual evidence relevant to the question asked;
  • A wide range of appropriate key terms used in written responses;
  • Developed explanation: use of the BLT framework;
  • ‘Complex thinking’/ evaluation in answers – thinking about short term/ long term/ people/ place/ extent etc.
  • The ability to analyse interpretations using your own historical understanding.
  • Strong linkages in conclusions and between paragraphs.

What key words are there in this topic?

Quizlet, click here

What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?

  • Learn more about Germany in this period by using the school’s Historical Association account where you will find lots of information/ podcasts about the topic. Ask Mrs Wahlen for the username and password;
  • Listen to some podcasts. There are some excellent pods on The Rest is History: click here
  • Watch some relevant films and documentaries about Weimar and Nazi Germany:
    • The Book Thief
    • Jo Jo Rabbit
    • Babylon Berlin (boxset)
    • Stalingrad
    • Schindlers List
    • The Pianist
    • Rise and Fall of the Nazis: click here

Red some historical fiction or non-fiction – see the ideas below!

What wider reading can be done on this topic?

There is a whole range of historical fiction on Weimar and Nazi Germany. Below are a few ideas-  some are available from the library:

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink: click here

The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak: click here

Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada: click here

Recommended non-fiction:

The Third Reich: A new History by Michael Burleigh: click here

Women in Nazi Germany by Jill Stephenson: click here

The Coming of the Third Reich by Richard Evans

A Woman in Berlin by Anonymous

Supporting document/links:

  • Students will be given a knowledge organiser at the end of the topic to revise for the end of topic assessment.
  • GCSE pod