Weimar by 1924 Flashcards
(5 cards)
The Weimar Republic managed to survive the crises of the period 1919-24 because of effective government action to combat these crises” Assess the validity of this view
Overall, the Weimar Republic managed to survive the crises of the period 1919-24 not just due to effective government action but due to the overall support that came towards the republic, against the weaker political opponents within the country, but also externally through international help. The strong consensus of support from other countries through the stabilising Dawes plan and restored diplomatic relations with Russia, Britain and France in turn ensured the German public in their support for the Republic, leading them away from supporting weaker political opponents like the right wing and the far left. However, these factors could be considered as a result of the effective government action, and so the view that the Republic survived as a result of the actions is valid as it was only due to the strong leadership and action of the government that such support could be cultivated.
What was effective government action taken to combat crises between 1919-24?
- Ebert took quick and effective action in using the Freikorps and the army against the Spartacists in 1919, the communists in Bavaria in 1919 and the Ruhr Red army in 1920.
- Stresemann’s work with Schacht to introduce a new currency stabilised the economy and stopped hyperinflation.
- Stresemann’s decision to call off passive resistance in the Ruhr meant that reparations could resume, taxes could be collected from the Ruhr and relations with France were improved.
- The government’s call for passive resistance in the Ruhr, though damaging to the German economy, highlighted the problems of reparations payments and united the German people.
What were examples of help coming from outside Germany to help combat crises between 1919 -24?
- The Dawes Plan led to loans from the USA which enabled it to invest in industry and infrastructure.
- New governments in Britain and France in 1924 were more sympathetic to Germany.
- Thanks to Lloyd George and Woodrow Wilson the terms of the Treaty of Versailles were not as harsh as the French wanted.
- As Foreign Secretary Walther Rathenau signed the Treaty of Rapallo with Russia which restored diplomatic relations between the two countries, and enabled secret military collaboration.
What were examples of the Weimar republic combatting crises as political opponents were weaker than their seems?
- The Spartacist uprising was spontaneous and poorly organised, lasting only 10 days and resulting in the murder of leaders Liebknecht and Luxemburg.
- Communists lacked widespread support, with most workers instead supporting the moderate SPD as shown by their continued position as the largest party in the Reichstag between 1919-24.
- The right wing was divided and lacked strong leadership. The Kapp and Munich Putsches failed to overthrow the government and led to Kapp fleeing the country and the imprisonment of Hitler.
- Though the number of votes achieved by the DNVP and KPD grew, neither was near to having a majority.
What were examples showing that the majority of the German people were prepared to support the republic?
- High election turnout was maintained throughout 1919-24 (83% in 1919 the highest, 77.4% in May 1924 the lowest)
- The Ruhr occupation brought the German people together in common hatred of the French and distracted them from any opposition for the Weimar government.
- It was a mass strike in Berlin that brought down the Kapp Putsch, showing that the right wing did not have support and instead German people supported the Weimar government.
- Moderate parties like the SPD, Zentrum, DDP and DVP gained the majority of votes throughout 1919-1924.
