Podcasts

Why did Freikorps kill Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg in 1919?
On the 15th January 1919, Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht were killed by members of the Freikorps.

Weimar Germany 1919-1929 podcast
This revision podcast is relevant to both GCSE and IGCSE History students. The aim is to present an overview of events in Weimar Germany from 1919-1929. You could use the Q&A sheet while you listen, and then test yourself on the content later. After listening, you may wish to also use the Weimar Germany Revision PowerPoint.
The episode focus on two key periods: 1919-23 and 1924-29.
The first section begins with an outline of the situation in Germany after the First World War. Particular attention is paid to the early extremist uprisings (the Spartacist Revolt and the Kapp Putsch), the invasion of the Ruhr, and the causes and effects of hyperinflation. The second section of the podcast begins with the appointment of Gustav Stresemann. It explains the end of the occupation of the Ruhr, negotiation of the Dawes Plan, and the terms of Locarno Treaties.
The podcast ends with tips on how to answer a question about ‘how successful’ Weimar Germany was. Examples are given of signs of recovery, as well evidence that Weimar Germany was still unstable.

Why did France and Belgium occupy the Ruhr in 1923?
On the 11th January 1923, French and Belgian troops marched into Germany and occupied the industrial Ruhr area.

Introduction of the Rentenmark in Weimar Germany
On the 15th October 1923, the Rentenmark was introduced in Weimar Germany in an attempt to stop the hyperinflation crisis that had crippled the economy.

The Rise of Hitler 1919-1929 podcast
This revision podcast is relevant to both GCSE and IGCSE Modern World History. It is the first of two podcasts that present an explanation of the range of factors that contributed to the rise of Hitler. It goes into more detail than the briefer podcast that covers the entire 1919-1934 period. You could also download the Rise of Hitler Revision PowerPoint which complements the two podcasts.
The podcast begins in 1919 with an introduction to Hitler’s early attitudes and him taking control of the National Socialist German Workers Party (who became known as the Nazis). An overview is then given of the actions of the SA/Stormtroopers before describing how the hyperinflation of 1922-23 led Hitler to use his violent supporters to launch the Munich (or Beer Hall) Putsch. The consequences of the Putsch are considered, which include increased publicity for the Nazis and Hitler’s imprisonment during which he wrote Mein Kampf.
The podcast then goes on to explain how, during the ‘Stresemann period’ of German history, which is described in greater detail in the Weimar Germany revision podcast, Hitler changed his tactics to use legal means in an attempt to gain political power.
Why did Hitler launch the Munich (Beer Hall) Putsch?
On the 8th November 1923, the Beer Hall Putsch took place when Adolf Hitler along with First World War hero Erich Ludendorff led an attempted coup against the Weimar Government by trying to seize power in the Bavarian city of Munich.
A short explanation of Hitler’s sentence for treason after the Munich Putsch
On the 1st April 1924, Adolf Hitler was found guilty of treason for his role in the Beer Hall Putsch and sentenced to five years in jail.

Adolf Hitler’s release from Landsberg Prison after serving 9 months for treason
In November 1923 Hitler had been found guilty of treason for leading an attempted coup against the Weimar Government in the Bavarian city of Munich.