Golden Years of the Weimar Republic (1924-28) Flashcards
(15 cards)
What was the purpose of the Dawes plan in 1924?
To restructure Germany’s reparations and stabilise its economy
Evidence: US loans (800 million marks) were provided, and reparation payments were scaled to Germany’s capactity to pay
How did the introduction of the Rentenmark in 1923 impact the economy?
It ended hyperinflation and restored confidence in the currency.
Evidence: the price of bread was 200 million marks, rentenmark changed this
How did the Young Plan of 1929 differ from the Dawes Plan?
It further reduced Germany’s reparations burden and extended the payment period to 1988
Evidence: Total reparations were reduced to £1.8 billon
What role did Stresemann play in foreign affairs?
He pursued “policy of fulfilment” to restore Germany’s international status.
Evidence: achieved Germany’s admission to the League of Nations in 1926
What was the Locarno Pact of 1925?
Germany accpeted its western borders with France and Belguim but not eastern borders.
Evidence: This improved diplomatice relations and secure British and French goodwill
How did the Weimar Republic’s dulture flourish in the 1920s
The innovation of art, theatre, architecture (bauhaus) and cinema
Evidence: Directors like Fritz Lang and Otto Dix became prominent.
What improvements were made in social welfare?
Expanded health insurance, pensions and housing
Evidence: over 2 million new homes built between 1924-31
What was the effect of American loans during this period?
They boosted economic recovery but increased dependency on the US economy
Evidence: Germany became the second-largest industrial power in Europe by 1928
Why did agricultural recovery lag behind industry?
Overproduction and falling prices led to debt and rural hardship
Evidence: 1928 farmers protested in the Reichstag; agriculture never fully recovered
How stable was the Weimar government between 1924-1928?
Relative stability returned with fewer uprisings, but coalition politics remained fragile
Evidence: No single party had a majority; frequent elections still occurred
Who became President in 1925 and what was the impact?
Hindenburg, a conservative, was elected and signalled elite support for democracy was limited
Evidence: Many saw him as a “substitute Kaiser”
How did extremist parties like the Nazis and Communists fare during this period?
They had minimal electoral support
Evidence: In 1928, the Nazis only won 2.6% of the vote
How did industry benefit from Weimar economic policy?
Industrial production recovered to 1913 levels by 1927, supported by loans and a stable currency
Evidence: Real wages increased every year from 1924 to 1928
What was the significance of the Treaty of Berlin (1926)?
Germany renewed its relations with the USSR, showing diplomatic balance
Evidence It guaranteed neutrality if either was attacked
Why is the period called the “Golden Age”
relative stability, prosperity and cultural flourishing
Evidence: Despite some underlying weaknesses, Germany experienced fewer political and economic crises.
