Germany - Weimar Constitution Flashcards
What was the minimum votes required to gain a seat in Weimar?
60,000 votes
Why was proportional representation criticised?
It created a fragmented party system with over 20 separate coalition governments in Weimar also allowing small radical parties to have a say.
How did elections show support for Weimar in 1919?
Pro-Weimar parties won a majority (SPD, Zentrum, DDP)
What were some undemocratic features of the Constitution?
- Article 48
- President could dissolve Reichstag under Article 25
Why did Article 48 undermine Weimar?
Every used it 136 times during his tenure
How was Article 48 used successfully?
- Stop uprising in the Ruhr
- Fix economic distress as a result of hyperinflation and depression
How did Hindenburg help Weimar?
He had the support of the right and was seen as a war hero and not a ‘November Criminal’
How did the creation of the Constitution negatively impact Weimar?
The republic was born out of defeat and created by the same politicians who sold out the German people
What myth created social outrage?
Stab in the back
What was opposition from above?
Generals didn’t want to surrender and felt the war wasn’t over.
What was opposition from below?
People who didn’t trust the new politicians
Who did Hitler appeal to?
Nationalists
How did Hitler gain support?
- Wanted national unity
- Hitler fought in WW1 and could be seen as someone normal
- Hitler wanted the removal of the Treaty of Versailles
What was the biggest demonstration of strength for Hitler?
200,000 people attending Nuremberg in 1933
