The impact of the GD on the Weimar Republic

Question 1

What impact did the Great Depression have on the relationship between the SPD and the Centre Party in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 1

• The SPD and the Centre Party fell out over proposed cuts to welfare benefits.
• When Hermann Muller refused further cuts suggested by Henrich Bruning, Muller resigned, and Bruning became chancellor.

Question 2

How did Bruning govern Germany after becoming chancellor?

Answer 2

• Bruning did not have a majority in the Reichstag, so he asked President Hindenburg to use Article 48 of the constitution, effectively bypassing the Reichstag and ruling by decree.
• This marked a shift away from democracy in Germany.

Question 3

What unpopular measures did Bruning introduce in response to the Great Depression?

Answer 3

Bruning introduced tax rises and further cuts to unemployment benefits, which increased the suffering of the German people.

Question 4

How did the German people respond to Bruning’s measures?

Answer 4

• Many Germans turned to extreme political parties, such as the Nazis and Communists, in the hopes of finding solutions to their problems.
• In the 1930 election, the Nazis won 107 seats and the Communists won 77 seats.