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Article 48
emergency powers that allowed rule by decree
Autarky
Economic self-sufficiency, where a state aims to produce all goods and resources domestically rather than relying on international trade. Pursued by fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and the USSR.
Coalition Government
A government formed by multiple parties that agree to work together, usually because no single party has won an outright majority in parliament.
Dictatorship
A dictatorship is a form of government where a single person or a small group holds absolute power, with no constitutional limitations or effective political opposition.
Domesticity
A focus on home and family life, often associated with traditional gender roles.
Enabling Act (1933)
The law passed on 23 March 1933 that allowed Hitler's government to enact laws without Reichstag approval for four years. It effectively ended democratic governance in Germany and provided the legal foundation for Nazi dictatorship.
Fascism
A far-right, authoritarian political ideology characterised by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.
Federalism
A system that divides power between national and state governments.
Gleichschaltung
The Nazi process of 'coordination' or 'bringing into line', through which all aspects of German political, social, and cultural life were brought under Nazi Party control after 1933.
Great Depression (1929)
A worldwide economic collapse that began with the U.S. stock market crash, leading to mass unemployment, bank failures, and a severe decline in global trade throughout the 1930s.
Hyperinflation
extremely rapid loss of a currency’s value
Lebensraum
A German concept meaning 'living space,' used by Hitler to argue that Germany needed to expand eastward to acquire territory for its growing population. It became a central justification for Nazi foreign policy and territorial aggression.
NSDAP
The Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National Socialist German Workers' Party), commonly known as the Nazi Party. Founded in 1920 and led by Adolf Hitler from 1921, it combined extreme nationalism, antisemitism, and anti-communism to become Germany's largest party by 1932.
Plebiscite
A direct vote by the entire electorate on a specific political question, often used to legitimise a ruler's authority. Napoleon III used plebiscites in 1851 and 1852 to confirm his coup and the establishment of the Second Empire.
Example
In December 1851, Napoleon III's plebiscite received over 7 million 'yes' votes against fewer than 650,000 'no' votes, lending a democratic veneer to his authoritarian seizure of power.
Plebiscite
A direct vote by the entire electorate on a specific political question, used by Napoleon III to claim democratic legitimacy for authoritarian decisions.
Propaganda
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view. States use propaganda through media, education, and public events to shape public opinion.
Proportional representation
parliamentary seats awarded based on vote share
Rearmament
The process of rebuilding a country's military forces and weapons stockpiles. In the 1930s, both Germany and Italy pursued large-scale rearmament programmes that stimulated their economies, reduced unemployment, and prepared them for aggressive foreign policies.
Reichstag
the elected German parliament
Reparations
payments made for war damage
Reparations
Payments made for war damage
Social Darwinism
A theory that applied Charles Darwin’s ideas of natural selection to human societies, used to justify racial hierarchy, imperialism, and economic inequality.
Sturmabteilung (SA)
The paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party, also known as the Brownshirts. Founded in 1921, the SA intimidated political opponents, disrupted rival meetings, and projected an image of strength and discipline. By 1932, it numbered over 400,000 members.
Treaty of Versailles (1919)
Peace treaty ending World War I that imposed territorial losses, military restrictions, war guilt, and financial reparations on the defeated Central Powers. Its terms reshaped the post-war political map and generated lasting resentment, particularly in Germany.