Weimar 1919 - 1933 Flashcards
(102 cards)
1
Q
What were Ebert’s priorities?
A
- Signing the armistice to end the war
- Restoring order and peace in Germany to avoid full scale revolution
- Change the way that Germany was governed, instead making it a democratic republic.
2
Q
On what date was the armistice signed?
A
11th November 1918
3
Q
On what date was the Treaty of Versailles signed?
A
28th June 1919
4
Q
How much did Germany have to pay in reparations?
A
6.6 billion
5
Q
How much of Germany’s land was taken under the Treaty of Versailles?
A
13%
6
Q
How many men were left in the German army after the Treaty of Versailles?
A
100,000
7
Q
What was Article 231?
A
‘The war guilt clause’ (Germany had to accept sole responsibility for starting the war)
8
Q
What was the ‘stab in the back’ myth?
A
People blamed the government, felt betrayed, army believed they were winning e.t.c
9
Q
Who were the ‘November Criminals’?
A
Politicians who signed the treaty. The Wiemar Government.
10
Q
What was hyperinflation?
A
The printing of more money, and no cut in expenditure or cut in taxes, meaning a decrease in the value of money.
11
Q
In what year was hyperinflation at its worse?
A
1923
12
Q
When was the reparations bill set?
A
May 1921
13
Q
In what year did the Munich Putsch take place?
A
1923
14
Q
Who led the Munich Putsch and briefly outline the events?
A
Hitler and Ludendorff, wanted an independent Bavaria, 603 SA march to Munich. Met by armed police. 4 police killed. 16 Nazis killed and Hitler arrested.
15
Q
In what year did the Kapp Putsch take place?
A
1920
16
Q
Who led the Kapp Putsch and briefly outline the events?
A
Wolfgang Kapp led it. 12,000 Friekorp’s marched to Berlin, govt forced to flee, Eberts govt. returned after only 4 days.
17
Q
In what year did the Spartacist uprising take place?
A
1919
18
Q
Who led the Spartacist uprising and briefly outline the events?
A
Revolt made of communists who wanted Germany to be run by the working class. 50,000 workers on strike and demonstrating in centre of Berlin. Rosa Luxemberg and Karl Lebicneck led it, workers took over newspaper/telegraph. Army called to suppress and put down by freikorp. But many protesters had returned home after they were frustrated by the lack of planning.
19
Q
In what year did the Red Rising in the Rhur take place?
A
1920
20
Q
Who led the Red Rising in the Rhur and briefly outline the events?
A
Communist party, 50,000 workers occupied Rhur and took control of raw materials. Crushed - 10,000 killed.
21
Q
In what year did Stresemann become chancellor?
A
1923
22
Q
How did Stresemann combat hyperinflation?
A
Introduced the Rentenmark. (schact also helped introduce it)
23
Q
What was article 48?
A
Rule by decree, emergency powers given to president which bypass the Reichstag.
24
Q
What were the strengths of the Weimar constitution?
A
All Germans over 20 years of age can vote
Proportional representation
The fundamental laws
Article 48 can get the country out of crisis
Reichstag filter laws
25
What were the limitations of the Weimar constitution?
Article 48 can be misused and only can be used by the president
The president is only elected every 7 years
Lots of coalition parties
Presidents appoint court and the Reichstag - biased.
Proportional representation.
26
What book did Hitler write during his imprisonment and what did it outline?
Mein Kampf which outlined his political ideology and future plans for Germany.
27
Which month did the Kaiser abdicate? and who was government then under?
November 1918 - ended WW1.
| Under temporary government of Friedrich Ebert
28
What is proportional representation?
The percentage of votes you got was the number of seats you were given - any political party could therefore get seats in government.
29
What were the strengths of the Wiemar constitution in providing a base for democracy in Germany?
Emphasised human rights and free speech
All Germans over age of 20 could vote (inc women)
President elected every 7 yrs (give public more control)
Proportional representation
Trade Unions
30
What was known as the 'diktat'?
Dictated peace - treaty terms less moderate than Germans expected - given 21 days to sign and forced into signing on 28th July 1919.
31
When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?
28th June 1919.
32
What were the terms of the treaty in terms of land?
Land
- Alsace Lorraine returned to France
- Germany split into two (Poland access to Baltic sea)
- Saar (coalfield and industrial area) governed under league of nations
- Upper Silesia Coal and steel works given to Poland.
- Danzig made a free city
33
What were the economic consequences of the war and the treaty of Versailles?
GB naval blockade ruined German export trade
Govt was 250.7 billion marks in debt by Nov 1918
War expenditure financed by loans + printing money (not tax)
Inflation increased - prices rose 250%
34
What were the political consequences of the war and the treaty of Versailles?
Wiemar republic blamed for signing treaty.
Wiemar republic became known as 'November Criminals'
Germany forever associated with hated treaty
Reinforced 'stab in back' myth
35
What were the social consequences of war and the treaty of Versailles?
Middle class and those on fixed incomes (pensions) lost out on interest on savings
Owners of war industries made + money
People looked to extremist groups for solution
36
What did Far left parties stand for and who did they appeal to?
Stood for equality, social change and distribution of wealth
| Appealed to lower classes
37
What did Far right parties stand for and who did they appeal to?
Stood for personal liberty, capitalism and private property
| Appealed to Rich or Nationalistic
38
Were the Nazi party far right or far left?
Far right.
39
Who were the SPD?
Social Democratic Party of Germany.
They were modern socialists committed to parliamentary democracy (left wing) opposed to the revolutionary demands of left wing socialists. Led by Ebert and Scheidemann.
40
Who were the KPD?
General communist party - pressed for workers revolution. They were formed Jan 1919 by far left wing Spartacists. It opposed Wiemar style democracy and supported revolutionary overthrow of society. Most of its supporters were working class. They had multiple uprisings.
41
Who were the USPD and when were they disbanded?
The Independent Social Democratic party. They stood for the creation of a radical society within the democratic framework. Disbanded in 1920 with it's majority of members joining SPD or KPD.
42
What was the Red Bavaria?
The collapse of the Bavarian Monarchy - USPD leader Kurt Einser declared it a 'free state'. But Einser struggled to unite socialist parties to implement reforms. He was assassinated on the 21st Feb 1919 and confusion broke out.
KPD March 1919 'red army' of workers proposed radical + political change = Frierkorps brutally crushed republic - 100 deaths - became known as 'White Terror'
43
What was the 'German October'?
Crisis of 1923 - left wing revolutionary actions came to a head in Germany - KPD and SPD formed coalitions - communists went further and made military preparations. Foiled by Stresemann's government, army crushed units and regional governments re-created without communists.
44
What four main things meant that left-wing parties were not powerful enough to lead a revolution against the Wiemar republic?
Bad coordination
Poor Leadership
Concessions (Weimar played on the differences between all l-w parties by making concessions - split them.)
Repression
45
What were the 4 main components that made up the ideology of right-wing parties?
Anti Democracy
Anti Marxism
Authoritarianism
Nationalism
46
What was the DNVP?
German National People's Party. Right winged. It was a coalition of nationalist-minded, old, imperial conservative parties. It had extremist and racist elements but had a broad appeal among some of the middle class.
47
Who were the largest extreme right party in the Reichstag in 1920?
The DNVP with 15.1% in 1920 elections.
48
What increased attraction to right-wing parties?
Effects and the aftermath of the war - made Weimar government and democracy look weak.
49
What was the German workers party and who was it originally founded by?
Originally founded by Anton Drexler, Hitler joined 1919 and became leader within two years. During 1919-1924 regional and political issues divided groups like this so attempts to unify nationalism ended in failure.
50
When was the NSDAP created and what does it stand for?
1920 by Hitler - the name is the new name for the German workers party which he had joined. Became the Nationalist Socialist German Workers Party - Nazi Party.
51
Who were the Frierkorps?
Group of anti-republicans employed by the government, they had a crucial role in suppressing threats from the left wing extremist parties. They were also commited to the restoration of the authoritarian rule and had no respect for the Wiemar Government.
52
Why was the Judiciary biased and who did it tend to favour?
Favoured extreme right and condemned extreme left.
53
What happened in Jan 1923?
Germany defaulted on their payments of timer and coal. French and Belgium troops immediately occupied the Ruhr and passive resistance began.
54
What happened in August 1923?
'Hyperinflation' - govt had to print more money to pay strikers.
55
What was the impact of hyperinflation in terms of how much was money worth to begin with compared to when it was at its worst?
Jan 1919 £1 was 35 marks
| Nov 1923 £1 was 1, 680, 800, 000, 000, 000 marks
56
How long was Gustav Stresemann chancellor and what does he become after?
100 days and then becomes foreign minister.
57
What is the great coalition?
Formed by Stresemann = Z, SPD, DDP, DVP
58
When does Stresemann end passive resistance?
26th September 1923.
59
What were the three priorities/concerns for the Stresemann government?
DNVP politicians, generals + industrialists planning to replace parliamentary government with a dictatorship.
KPD planning uprisings in Saxony
Bavarian Patriotic , nationalists and parliamentary orgs, planning coup against central government (Munich Putsch)
60
What were the problems of foreign diplomacy (German isolationism) 1923?
They were isolated from other countries as a result of Treaty of Versailles and the War Guilt Clause.
Struggled politically + economically to become self-sufficient
Dependent on own crops - no other country would trade with them.
61
When was Stresemann foreign minister?
1923-1929
62
What solutions did Stresemann come up with to the problems of foreign diplomacy?
Locarno Treaty 1925
League of Nations 1926
Kellogg-Briand pact 1929
These made allies with other countries, meaning Germany accepted back into the international community, and resolved Germany's state of isolationism.
63
When was the Locarno Treaty?
1925
64
When was the League of Nations?
1926
65
When was the Kellogg-Briand pact?
1929
66
How successful were Stresemann's solutions to foreign diplomacy?
Very - no negatives. He had improved relations with other countries and became well established country in international community.
67
What were the Economic issues of 1923?
Hyperinflation started (it had already begun pre-war years however massively accelerates post 1921.)
68
How did Stresemann solve Economic issues?
Brought in the new currency - Rentenmark - had its own weight in metal and as a result insured hyperinflation would't happen again at the same rate
Dawes Plan negotiated 1924
Young plan Created 1929 (significant as shows Dawes plan was working)
69
What was and when was the Dawes plan?
Negotiated in 1924 - Gave Germany short term loans from America to start paying back their reparations. Because short term they could be recalled at any time.
70
How successful was Stresemann in solving economic issues?
Good success but dancing on the edge of a volcano. Everything he fixed was dependent on something and the public never fully forgave government for the loss of their savings and money.
71
What were the problems with Political stability in 1923?
There was a clear divide in the country. Issues came from coalition parties and proportional representation.
72
When was President Hindenburg elected and by what percentage?
1923, by 3%
73
What were the solutions to political instability?
Created lots of coalition parties but not popular so many fell apart - No solution.
Could have recovered slightly as no political uprisings between 1923 and 29.
74
Was there any success in the political stability of 1923?
There could be seen as some as no uprisings which would suggest life was good for the people and so they did not feel the need to rise up. But government unstable.
75
What were the problems with social stability in 1923?
It was built on bad foundations due to the large amount of money which the government owed in terms of borrowed money.
All classes were effected by the Great Depression
Wiemar Republic lacked support giving extremist parties (Nazis) a chance to prosper.
Unemployment rose - not enough money to rebuild economy.
76
How many were unemployed by start of 1929 compared to the end and what did this lead to?
1.5 million at start of 1929, compared to 3 million at the end - leading to deterioration of living conditions.
77
What were the solutions to the problems of social instability?
Youth Welfare Law 1922
The unemployment Insurance Law 1927
By 1928 homelessness had been reduced by more than 60%
Autobahn construction works were supposed to create 600,000 jobs but never more than 120,000 people at work.
78
What did the Youth Welfare Law declare and how did the government respond?
Every German Child had the right to education + spiritual, physical and social fitness.
Govt responded making institutions + social workers to accommodate illegitimate, homeless, abandoned or at risk children.
79
When was the Youth Welfare Law introduced?
1922
80
When was the Unemployment Insurance Law introduced?
1927
81
What did the Unemployment Insurance Law require?
Required workers to make a contribution to national scheme for unemployment welfare.
Reforms also provided benefits and assistance to war veterans, wives and dependants of the war dead, single mothers and the disabled.
82
How successful were the solutions to social instability?
post war; Wiemar Republic became more liberal - reduced censorship and upheld toleration.
New attitude = new forms of art and media
'Golden Years' of Wiemar Germany.
83
What were the terms of the treaty in terms of the Army?
Army
- Only 10,000 soldiers
- No air force
- No subs or tanks
- No conscription
- 15,000 sailors
- 6 battleships
84
What were the terms of the treaty in terms of Money?
Money
- Reparations bill to cover family allowances + pensions for wounded
- Set May 1921 at £6.6 billion
85
What were the terms of the treaty in terms of Blame?
Blame
- Article 231 'War guilt Clause'
- Germany and allies responsible for starting war
86
What is the acronym for the terms of the treaty?
L.A.M.B - Land, Army, Money, Blame
87
When did Hitler first attend a DAP meeting?
September 1919
88
What did the 25 point programme include and when did Hitler come up with it?
Included; Scrapping the treaty, Expanding Germany's borders, depriving Jews of German citizenship e.t.c.
Came up with it as Drexler's right hand man in 1920.
89
Why did the NSDAP gain support so quickly?
Many felt wronged by the government
Hitler good orator
Had good organisation and propaganda
Created identity for themselves
90
How did the SA help the Nazi party grow?
It was made up of ex-soldiers with an axe to grind - had a reputation. violence at political events - caused chaos at Nazi meetings and only subsided when Hitler arrived (illusion of control). Helped eliminate Hitler's opposition through fear.
91
How did Hitlers charisma help the Nazi party grow?
Excellent orator and incredibly charismatic - caused increase in Nazi audiences meaning they can convey their ideas to the masses.
92
How did party organisation in the close supporters Hitler surrounded himself with help the Nazi party grow?
By surrounding himself with supporters such as Himmler and Goebbels who were rewarded with high positions within the party, he ensured his own position was safe while being able to delegate people his dirty work.
93
Who were Hitler's four closest advisors?
Ernst Rohm
Julius Striecher
Rudolf Hess
Herman Goring
94
How did the Dawes plan of 1924 work?
USA lent money to Germany (short term loans)
Germany paid reparations to GB and France
GB and France pay money to USA for loans in WW1
(So wall street crash has massive impact on Germany)
95
How did the Wall street crash effect Germany?
Led to the great depression as, loans were recalled from Dawes Plan meaning Germany had no money. A lot of companies relied on the Dawes plan (United Steel Works) as the loans from it helped pay reparations as well as feeding into rebuilding German industry. So factories closed = employers sacked = unemployment rise. Farmers also affected as not in good position to start with - even worse after wall street crash.
96
What is an example of a German company that relied on the Dawes plan?
United Steel Works.
97
What were the two Social, Economic, and political impacts of the wall street crash?
- Caused the Great Depression
| - Between 1929 and 1932 World Trade fell by 70%
98
What four factors led to Hitler becoming Chancellor?
Wiemar Constitution
The great depression
Hitlers leadership of the Nazi party
Weak opposition (communists)
99
How did the Wiemar constitution help lead to Hitler becoming Chancellor in 1933?
Proportional representation - Meant Nazis could gain seats in the Reichstag.
Article 48 means can pass laws without reichstag - defeats democracy
Von Papen persuaded Hindenberg as he thought he could control Hitler.
100
When did Hitler become chancellor?
1933
101
How did the great depression help lead to Hitler becoming Chancellor in 1933?
Because of the economic and social effects it caused such as the 60% drop in foreign trade alongside the 6 million unemployed further reduced support for current government and turned more people to extremist parties.
102
How did Hitler's leadership of the Nazi Party lead to Hitler becoming Chancellor in 1933?
Propaganda (Joseph Goebbels) - posters, marches, books, speeches, and radios helped spread message while marches created identity and feel of control
Hitler's speeches - tailored to what people wanted
Good organisation - rallies and marches looked uniformed and controlled in a time of chaos.
