The Weimar Republic (1919–1933) Flashcards
(22 cards)
What were the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?
War guilt, £6.6bn reparations, military limited to 100,000, territorial losses, and loss of colonies.
How democratic was the Weimar Constitution?
Universal suffrage, proportional representation, elected president and Reichstag – but unstable coalitions and Article 48 weakened democracy.
What were the weaknesses of coalition governments in Weimar Germany?
Frequent changes, no majority control, policy gridlock, and instability.
What was the Spartacist Uprising?
A 1919 communist revolt led by Luxemburg and Liebknecht, crushed by the Freikorps.
Why did the Kapp Putsch happen and what was its impact?
A right-wing coup attempt in 1920 against the Treaty and democracy; failed due to a general strike.
What was the Munich Putsch and its consequences?
Hitler’s failed 1923 coup in Bavaria; led to his imprisonment and change in strategy.
Why was the Ruhr invaded in 1923?
Germany defaulted on reparations; France and Belgium occupied the Ruhr to seize goods.
What caused hyperinflation in Germany in 1923?
Overprinting money during passive resistance in the Ruhr; currency became worthless.
What was the Dawes Plan (1924)?
US loans, restructured reparations; boosted economy but created dependency.
What did the Young Plan (1929) aim to do?
Reduce and spread out reparations; boosted morale but still unpopular.
To what extent did Germany recover economically under Stresemann?
Industrial growth, new currency, foreign confidence—but reliant on loans.
How did foreign loans impact Germany?
Helped recovery, but made Germany vulnerable to global economic issues.
Was Weimar Germany politically stable between 1924–29?
More stable than before, but extremist parties still had support and coalitions were fragile.
Did living standards improve in Weimar Germany?
In urban areas, yes (housing, welfare); rural areas lagged behind.
What was the impact of the Wall Street Crash (1929) on Germany’s economy?
Loans withdrawn, banks collapsed, mass unemployment and business failures.
How did the Wall Street Crash affect Weimar politics?
Extremist parties gained support; the government struggled to respond effectively.
How did society react to the Wall Street Crash?
Increased poverty, homelessness, unrest, and fear of communism.
Why did support for the Nazis increase after 1929?
Economic hardship, fear of communism, nationalist messages, and propaganda.
How did Nazi propaganda help their rise?
Mass rallies, radio, posters promoted Hitler as saviour and united Germans.
What role did Hitler play in the Nazi rise to power?
Charismatic leadership, powerful orator, portrayed as strong and decisive.
What was the ‘backstairs intrigue’?
Political scheming by Papen and others that led to Hitler being appointed Chancellor in 1933.
What is meant by ‘negative cohesion’?
People supported the Nazis not out of belief but due to shared fears (e.g. of communism).
