‘Dealing successfully with economic problems was the main reason why the Weimar Republic survived in the years 1919–24.’ Flashcards
(19 cards)
What caused the hyperinflation crisis in 1923?
Germany printed more money to pay striking workers during passive resistance in the Ruhr, leading to a collapse in currency value.
How did Stresemann stabilize the German economy?
By ending passive resistance, introducing the Rentenmark, and securing the Dawes Plan loan of 800 million marks from the USA.
Why was economic recovery important for Weimar’s survival?
It restored confidence in democracy and helped prevent extremism by reducing poverty and unemployment.
What was the Spartacist Uprising and how was it handled?
A left-wing revolt in 1919 led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht; it was crushed by the Freikorps under Ebert’s orders.
What was the Kapp Putsch and what made it different from the Spartacist revolt?
A right-wing coup attempt in 1920; the army refused to intervene, and it was defeated by a general strike.
What does the Ebert-Groener Pact show about Ebert’s strategy?
He relied on the military and anti-democratic forces to suppress revolts and preserve the Republic.
What was the significance of the Weimar Constitution?
It established Germany as a republic with universal suffrage and a democratic framework, including Article 1 and proportional representation.
What were the downsides of the Weimar Constitution?
Article 48 allowed emergency powers, and proportional representation caused political fragmentation.
What political change marked the start of the Weimar ‘Golden Years’?
The 1924 election where moderate parties like the SPD gained support after economic stabilization.
How much did the Dawes Plan (1924) loan provide to Germany?
800 million gold marks from the USA.
By how much did German industrial production increase between 1923 and 1928?
It doubled.
What was the unemployment figure in 1923 during the crisis?
Over 1.5 million people were unemployed.
How much was a loaf of bread in November 1923 (at the peak of hyperinflation)?
200 billion marks.
How many marks did the Rentenmark replace to stabilize the economy?
1 Rentenmark = 1 trillion old marks.
How many Spartacists were killed during the 1919 uprising?
Around 100.
How many people were killed in the Kapp Putsch (1920)?
376 politically motivated assassinations followed between 1919–1922.
What percentage of the vote did pro-democracy parties receive in the 1919 Weimar elections?
Around 76%.
How many governments were there between 1919 and 1933?
20 different governments in 14 years.
How many Freikorps soldiers helped crush left-wing uprisings?
Over 250,000 men were in the Freikorps at their peak.
