CBSE Important Questions for Class 9 Social Science History Nazism and the Rise of Hitler - 2025-26

1. What does "Genocidal" mean? What is a Genocidal War?

Ans: "Genocidal" means actions aimed at destroying a particular group of people based on their race, religion, or nationality. A Genocidal War is a conflict where one side tries to wipe out or severely harm a specific group. For instance, during World War II, the Holocaust was a genocidal event where the Nazis tried to exterminate Jews and other groups. This type of war involves mass killings and severe abuse of human rights.

2. How did common people react to Nazism?

Ans: People reacted in different ways to Nazism. Some supported it because it promised to fix Germany's problems and bring back its power. They were drawn to Nazi ideas that blamed minorities for Germany’s issues. Others opposed it, worried about the extreme policies and human rights abuses. Many were scared of the violent control by the Nazis. Reactions varied based on personal experiences, the impact of Nazi propaganda, and the overall political climate.

3. Write a one-page account of life in a concentration camp from the perspective of a Jewish survivor.

Ans: As a Jewish survivor of a concentration camp, life was extremely hard. We lived in cramped, filthy conditions with little food and poor hygiene. Every day was filled with fear and uncertainty because of the harsh rules enforced by the guards. We faced constant abuse and were forced into hard labour. Disease and starvation were common. Many of us lost family members and friends. Despite these terrible conditions, we tried to stay hopeful and support each other.

4. Imagine you are Helmuth, who has many Jewish friends and doesn’t believe Jews are bad. Write a paragraph on what you would say to your father.

Ans: If I were Helmuth, I would say to my father, "Dad, I have many Jewish friends, and they have always been kind and good to me. I don’t believe the lies that Jews are bad. They are just like us, with their dreams and families. We should judge people based on who they are, not on their religion. It's wrong to hate people based on false beliefs. We should be fair and understanding, not biased and hateful."

5. What was the Treaty of Versailles?

Ans: The Treaty of Versailles was an agreement signed in 1919 to end World War I. It placed strict penalties on Germany, like losing land, paying heavy reparations, and limiting its military. The treaty aimed to make sure Germany would not start another war. Many Germans thought it was too harsh and unfair, leading to economic problems and political unrest in Germany. This dissatisfaction contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

6. What is the Reichstag? How were its deputies appointed?

Ans: The Reichstag was Germany's parliament during the Weimar Republic and Nazi times. It was responsible for making laws and representing the people. Deputies, or members of the Reichstag, were elected by the people through elections. Each voter had a say, and representatives were chosen based on the number of votes their parties received. This system was designed to ensure that various political views were represented.

7. What problems did the Weimar Republic face?

Ans: The Weimar Republic faced many problems. It was set up after World War I, and many Germans didn’t like its democratic system. The Republic struggled with severe economic issues, like hyperinflation and the Great Depression, which caused widespread poverty. There was also political instability, with frequent changes in government and conflicts between political parties. Extreme groups, like the Nazis, exploited this instability, which weakened the Republic.

8. What were the main features of Hitler’s foreign policy?

Ans: Hitler’s foreign policy aimed to expand Germany’s territory and power. He wanted more living space, known as Lebensraum, which meant taking over other countries. He also wanted to break the Treaty of Versailles and build up Germany’s military strength. Hitler formed alliances with totalitarian states like Italy and Japan and used aggressive tactics to achieve his goals. This policy led to invasions and started World War II.

9. Why did Nazism become popular in Germany by 1930?

Ans: Nazism became popular for several reasons. The Great Depression caused economic hardships, making people desperate for change. Hitler promised to restore Germany’s strength and fix economic issues, which attracted support. Nazi propaganda blamed Jews and other groups for Germany’s problems, uniting people against a common enemy. The Nazis also used violence and intimidation to suppress opposition, improving their popularity.

10. What was the role of women in Nazi Germany?

Ans: In Nazi Germany, women were expected to focus on traditional roles like homemaking and raising children. The Nazi regime promoted the idea that a woman's main job was to support her husband and have children. Women were encouraged to join groups like the National Socialist Women's League, which reinforced Nazi beliefs. While some women worked in support roles within the Nazi government, their public roles were limited compared to men.

11. What events occurred during the Great Economic Depression in the US?

Ans: During the Great Depression, the US faced severe economic problems. The stock market crashed in 1929, leading to widespread unemployment and bank failures. Many businesses went bankrupt, and people lost their savings. The Depression caused widespread poverty and hardship, leading to changes in government policy. President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal to provide relief and rebuild the economy, helping with recovery.

12. What are some unique features of Nazi ideology?

Ans: Nazi ideology included the belief in Aryan racial superiority and the need for racial purity. It promoted extreme nationalism and anti-Semitism, blaming Jews for Germany’s issues. The Nazis rejected democracy and supported a totalitarian state with strict control over all aspects of life. They also advocated for militarism and expansionism. This ideology was used to justify aggressive wars, racial discrimination, and widespread violence.

13. What was the Nazi ideology about Jews?

Ans: The Nazi ideology saw Jews as a dangerous and inferior race. The Nazis falsely blamed Jews for Germany’s problems, including economic issues and the loss in World War I. They spread hateful propaganda, portraying Jews as harmful to society. This extreme anti-Semitism led to discriminatory laws and actions, including the Holocaust, where millions of Jews were murdered.

14. Why was Nazi propaganda effective in creating hatred for Jews?

Ans: Nazi propaganda was effective because it used media like films, posters, and speeches to spread false and hateful ideas about Jews. It portrayed Jews as responsible for Germany’s problems and used emotional, misleading messages to stir up fear and anger. The Nazis controlled the media and education to ensure their propaganda reached all parts of society, reinforcing these harmful beliefs.

15. What role did youth play in Nazi Germany?

Ans: Youth in Nazi Germany were crucial in supporting and spreading Nazi ideas. Organizations like the Hitler Youth and League of German Girls were used to teach children Nazi values and prepare them for future roles in the regime. These groups focused on loyalty, physical fitness, and obedience to the Nazi state. The Nazis aimed to mould the next generation to support their totalitarian regime.

16. What was the Holocaust?

Ans: The Holocaust was the systematic killing of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazis during World War II. It involved mass shootings, gas chambers, and forced labour camps. The Holocaust aimed to completely eradicate Jews and other groups the Nazis considered undesirable. It was one of the worst genocides in history, showcasing the horrors of racism and hatred.

17. How did the Nazi state seek to establish total control over its people?

Ans: The Nazi state used several methods to control its people. They spread propaganda to influence public opinion and support for Nazi ideas. The regime used violence and intimidation through groups like the Gestapo to suppress opposition. They also controlled education and media to make sure their views were taught and reinforced. This created a society where dissent was dangerous and conformity was enforced.

18. What were the three effects of World War I on Europe? Provide examples.

Ans: World War I had major effects on Europe. First, it caused massive destruction and loss of life, leaving cities and economies in ruins. Second, the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, leading to economic issues and political instability. Third, the war led to the fall of empires like the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires, creating new countries and changing political boundaries across Europe.

19. How did Hitler or the Nazis use the ideas of Darwin and Herbert Spencer?

Ans: Hitler and the Nazis distorted the ideas of Darwin and Herbert Spencer to support their racist beliefs. They took Darwin’s theory of evolution and twisted it to promote the idea of racial superiority and survival of the fittest among races. They used Spencer’s ideas on social Darwinism to argue that some races were superior to others. This misuse of science was used to justify their racist policies and expansionist goals.

20. Who were the “November Criminals”?

Ans: The term "November Criminals" was used by German nationalists to describe the politicians who signed the armistice that ended World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. These leaders were blamed for Germany’s defeat and the harsh terms of the treaty. The term was used to criticise and undermine the Weimar Republic’s government, which was associated with these peace agreements and considered weak by some Germans.

21. What is the Tripartite Pact?

Ans: The Tripartite Pact was an agreement signed in 1940 between Germany, Italy, and Japan. It formed a military alliance where the three countries agreed to support each other if one of them was attacked by a country not already involved in World War II. The pact aimed to strengthen their position against the Allied powers and expand their influence. It was part of the larger strategy to dominate more regions and challenge the Allies.

22. To whom did Hitler assign the responsibility for economic recovery?

Ans: Hitler assigned the task of economic recovery to Hermann Goring. Goring was a key Nazi leader and was put in charge of economic planning and industry. He was responsible for implementing policies to reduce unemployment and stimulate the economy. Göring’s efforts included major public works projects, such as building roads, and rearmament programs to improve Germany’s economic strength and military power.

23. Name the communities classified as undesirable in Nazi Germany.

Ans: In Nazi Germany, several communities were classified as undesirable. Jews were the main group targeted for persecution and extermination. Other groups included Roma (Gypsies), disabled individuals, political dissidents, and homosexuals. The Nazis considered these groups as threats to their vision of a pure Aryan race and subjected them to discrimination, violence, and genocide.

24. What were the main ideas of Hitler’s ideology?

Ans: Hitler’s ideology, called Nazism, believed in the superiority of the Aryan race. He thought Germans were the "master race" and considered other races, especially Jews, as inferior. Hitler promoted extreme nationalism, and anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews), and wanted Germany to expand its territory for more living space. He also opposed communism and believed in a strong, centralized government led by a dictator.

25. How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany and help Hitler rise to power?

Ans: The Treaty of Versailles, signed after World War I, placed heavy burdens on Germany. It made Germany take the blame for the war, pay large reparations, and lose territory. This caused economic problems and widespread anger in Germany. Many Germans felt humiliated. Hitler used this resentment to gain support, promising to restore Germany’s pride and power. The treaty’s harsh terms helped Hitler rally people to his cause.

26. What was the impact of the Great Depression on Germany?

Ans: The Great Depression in 1929 severely hurt Germany’s economy. Many people lost their jobs, businesses closed, and there was widespread poverty. The government couldn’t handle the crisis, leading to political instability. Many Germans lost faith in the democratic government and looked for radical solutions. The Nazi Party, led by Hitler, promised jobs and economic recovery, which attracted a lot of support and helped them gain power.

Important Topics of Class 9 History Chapter 3 Nazism and the Rise of Hitler

Key topics of Class 9 History Chapter 3, "Nazism and the Rise of Hitler," include understanding Nazism's origins and beliefs, Hitler's rise to power, and the effects of Nazi rule, including World War II and the Holocaust.

Benefits of Learning with Class 9 History Chapter 3 Nazism and the Rise of Hitler Important Questions 

• Students learn how past events, like the rise of Hitler, affect the world today, helping them avoid past mistakes.

• Answering these questions helps students think better by understanding why things happen and their effects.

• Learning about Nazi propaganda shows how media can change people’s beliefs, helping students judge information better.

• The chapter teaches why human rights are important by showing what happens when they are ignored, encouraging respect for these rights.

• Knowing how the Nazis used politics helps students recognize similar tricks in today’s politics, making them more aware.

Conclusion 

Studying the important questions from History Class 9 Chapter 3 on Nazism and the Rise of Hitler helps students learn key lessons from history. This chapter improves thinking skills, shows the power of media, and highlights the importance of human rights. It also makes students more aware of political tricks and encourages kindness. For more help with these topics and to improve your learning, use Vedantu’s resources. Vedantu offers clear explanations and expert help to make your studies easier.

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