Weimar G (1918-33) Flashcards
(181 cards)
1
Q
as a result of WW1, the Mark declined in value by ___
A
- as a result of WW1, the Mark declined in value by 75%
2
Q
as a result of WW1, living standards fell by ____
A
- as a result of WW1, living standards fell by 20-30%
3
Q
from WW1, _____ injured and _____ killed
A
- from WW1, 6.3 million injured and 2 million killed
4
Q
under the _____ _____, all men and women over __ years of age can vote
A
- under the Weimar constitution, all men and women over 20 years of age can vote
5
Q
in the Reichstag, parties get __ ____ for every ______ votes cast for them
A
- in the Reichstag, parties get 1 seat for every 60,000 votes cast for them
6
Q
Under Article __, the ______ can rule via presidential decree in the event of an emergency
A
- Under Article 48, the president can rule via presidential decree in the event of an emergency
7
Q
Huge _____ in _____ showed the extent of people’s discontent over the silent dictatorship
A
- Huge strikes in 1917-18 showed the extent of people’s discontent over the silent dictatorship
8
Q
When was the Treaty of Versailles signed
A
- June 28th 1919
9
Q
By ____, about __% of the German population were receiving Govt welfare payments
A
- By 1924, about 10% of the German population were receiving Govt welfare payments
10
Q
German exports rose by __% in _____
A
- German exports rose by 40% in 1925-29
11
Q
____ rose every year in ______
A
- wages rose every year in 1924-29
12
Q
in ______, there were ____ political assassinations - of which __ were punished
A
- in 1919-22, there were 376 political assassinations - of which 50 were punished
13
Q
1928: almost __% of people voted for pro-Weimar parties, compared to __% for the NSDAP (Nazis)
A
- 1928: almost 80% of people voted for pro-Weimar parties, compared to 2.6% for the NSDAP (Nazis)
14
Q
____: __% of Uni students were working class
A
- 1928: 2.3% of Uni students were working class
15
Q
when was the Sparticist Uprising
A
- January 1919
16
Q
when was the Kapp Putsch
A
- March 1920
17
Q
When was the Munich Putsch
A
- November 1923
18
Q
the membership of the Nazi Party had grown in ____ from _____ to _____ members
A
- The membership of the Nazi Party had grown in 1923 from 6,000 to 55,000 members
19
Q
how long was Hitler in prison for
A
- sentenced to 5 years, but only did 9 months
20
Q
When was the wall street crash
A
- October 1929
21
Q
- 1928: __% of people voted for anti-democratic parties
A
- 1928: 27% of people voted for anti-democratic parties
22
Q
there were _ governments between ____
A
- There were 7 governments between 1923-29
23
Q
Following the wall street crash, industrial _ declined by __%
A
- Following the wall street crash, industrial production declined by 40%
24
Q
Article ___: _____ is an equal union & women are able to enter _____ professions
A
- Article 109: marriage is an equal union & women are able to enter legal professions
25
- Over ____ female doctors were employed in ____, this doubled by ____
- Over 2,500 female doctors were employed in 1925, this doubled by 1933
26
- _____: approximately ___ mixed race children were born and were denounced as “______ _____’’
- 1923: approximately 500 mixed race children were born and were denounced as “Germany’s shame’’
27
_____ _____ soldiers fought for the German army in WW1
- 85,000 Jewish soldiers fought for the German army in WW1
28
_____ Germans owned a radio by _____
- 1 in 4 Germans owned a radio by 1932
29
Name 3 examples of films in Weimar Germany
- Metropolis, 1926
- Gold Rush, 1925
- Blue Angel, 1930
30
Education was compulsory until ___
14
31
In 1931, how many faith schools were there (protestant, catholic, Jewish)
- 30,000 Protestant schools,
- 15,000 Catholic schools
- 100 Jewish schools
32
outline the Stinnnes-Legion agreement
- signed Nov 1918
- between labourers (trade unions) and capitalists (industrialists)
- Weimar Govt offered legislation on work hours + union representation in the workplace
- was in return for TUs to not interfere with private ownership
33
outline the Ebert-Groener pact
- signed Nov 1918
- was an alliance between the Reischwehr (German army) and Ebert
- army agreed to support the Weimar Govt so long as it opposed left wing ideas of parties in the Reichstag
34
name 2 left wing takeovers
communist takeovers attempted in;
- Bavaria in 1919
- Saxony + Thuringia in 1923
35
women had _____ seats in the Reichstag during _____-__
- women had 112 seats in the Reichstag during 1919-33
36
under the Weimar Government, women were paid ___% less than men in _ work
- under the Weimar Government, women were paid 33% less than men in office work
37
name the 3 types of education for 10+ children
- Hauptschule
- Realschule
- Gymnasium
38
the ______ was introduced by Stresemann in ____
- the Rentenmark was introduced by Stresemann in 1923
39
by _____, _ trillion German marks were equivalent to $1
- by 1923, 4.2 trillion German marks were equivalent to $1
40
the percent of people voting for pro-democratic parties halved from ___% in the ____ election, to ___% in the ____ election
- the percent of people voting for pro-democratic parties halved from 80% in the 1919 election, to 45% in the 1920 election
41
what was article 113
- article 113: foreign languages can be spoken
42
what was the SPD
- Social Democratic Party
- left leaning
- was the largest party in the Reichstag from 1919-29
43
outline the 'stab in the back' myth
- the right wing myth coined by military general Hindenburg in Nov 1919
- said that Germany could've won WW1 but were 'stabbed in the back' by the Govt sigining the armistice + TOV
44
what was the economic impact of WW1 on Germany
- money was printed - led to inflation
- mark declined in value by 75%
- agriculture wasn't effectively mobilised - caused food shortages
45
what was the social impact of WW1 on Germany
- low living standards
- food + fuel shortages
- many soldiers injured + killed - low morale
- workers strikes due to poor social + political situation
46
what was the political impact of WW1 on Germany
- govt became more authoritarian
- silent dictatorship - military leaders took control of country (Hindenburg + Ludendorff)
- Govt polarised - extreme left + right
47
what was the impact of the armistace on Germany
- was a shock to Germans
- led to stab in the back myth
48
why did Imperial Germany collapse in Nov 1918
- growing WC became unhappy with the conservative political system of the Second Reich/ power of the Kaiser
- WW1 had left Germany in a poor social/ econ/ political situation - Germany had become more divided + G was exhausted
- fearing a violent revolution, and with political parties calling for a democratic republic, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated
- Ebert, leader of SPD, was appointed as leader - his first action was to sign an armistice, ending the war
49
what happened on Nov 9th 1918
- Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates
- imperial Germany ends, a new German Republic starts
50
when was WW1 armistice signed
- Nov 11th 1918
- the new Govt signed an armistice w/ Allies, ending WW1 - accused for being unpatriotic for their lack of faith in the nation
51
what was the structure of the Weimar Constitution (in order)
1) president
2) chancellor
3) the cabinet (ministers)
4) Reichstag
5) Reichsrat
6) Lander
7) electors
52
outline the role of the president in the Weimar constitution
- head of state + armed forces
- elected by a vote of all electors every 7 years
- chooses + appoints chancellor - but requires support of Reichstag
- article 48: has emergency powers to rule via presidential decree in emergencies
- has the power to dismiss the Reichstag + call new elections
53
outline the role of the chancellor in the Weimar constitution
- head of Government
- chooses his ministers
- wit ministers, puts laws to the Reichstag
- needs a majority in Reichstag to pass laws
54
outline the role of the cabinet (ministers) in the Weimar constitution
- give advice + administers laws
- chosen by chancellor
- forms laws to pass to the Reichstag for a vote
55
outline the role of the Reichstag in the Weimar constitution
- elected by a secret ballot from electors every 4 years
- votes cast are for a party not a person
- proportional representation; PLT seats are given in proportion to the percentage of votes received - e.g. 10% of votes receives 10% of the seats
- passes the laws of the country
56
outline the role of the Reichsrat in the Weimar constitution
- members sent by the 18 lander
- can veto (reject) a law passed by the Reichstag, UNLESS the Reichstag law has a 2/3 majority
57
outline the role of the lander in the Weimar constitution
- 18 local regions of which have a local Parliament
- runs its own areas education, policy, judiciary
- federal law overrules the laws of the Lander if they conflict
58
outline the role of the electors in the Weimar constitution
- consists of all men + women over 20 years of age
- individual rights for all are granted under a new Bill of Rights
- it allows personal liberty, free speech, forbids censorship, equality + religious freedom
- it also provides a range of social rights - e.g. welfare
- electors elect the Reichstag + President
59
what was the voter ratio for passing the Weimar Constitution in 1919
- 262 votes for
- 75 votes against
60
what are the strengths and limitations of proportional representation
- strengths: democratic, all parties can have a say
- limitations, extremist parties are able to get into Reichstag, can become disorganised due to amount of different views, 1 party cant form a stable Govt
61
outline the relationship between the president and the Reichstag
- Article 48 provides the president with the authority to suspend civil rights and also rule by decree in emergencies (passing laws w/o Reichstag)
- the president had the right to dissolve/ dismiss the Reichstag
62
how can the relationship between the president and the Reichstag pose a challenge to the Weimar Govt
- the President's ability to dissolve the Reichstag can cause corruption as members may conform to the presidents views to remain
- president is given a lot of power - could behave like an autocrat
63
outline the continuity of traditional institutions
- the Weimar govt made no attempt to reform the traditional right wing institutions of the Second Reich
- the judiciary favoured the extreme right over left
- the army enjoyed great status + didn't favour the republic
- universities were more sympathetic to old political ideas
64
define diktat
- diktat = a dictated peace - a harsh settlement imposed on a defeated nation
65
what were the 4 sections of the Treaty of Versailles
- reparations
- land
- military
- blame
66
outline the reparations aspect of the treaty of Versailles
- Germany owed £6.6 billion gold marks to Allies
67
outline the land aspect of the treaty of Versailles
- Alsace + Lorraine returned to France
- all German colonies given to Britain + France
- no Anschluss with Austria
- Poland given the polish corridor/ Danzig
- the Saarland placed under control of League of Nations
68
outline the military aspect of the treaty of Versailles
- only allowed 100,000 soldiers
- rhineland demilitarised
- no German air force
- navy reduced to 6 battleships + no submarines
69
what are the 5 causes of hyperinflation in the Weimar Republic
1) Treaty of Versailles
2) response of Weimar Govt to ToV
3) the French invasion of the Ruhr
4) Weimar govt response to FIoR
5) economic impact of WW1
70
outline the Govt response to the Tov as a cause for hyperinflation
- German govt tried to pay reparations by borrowing + printing money
- this made inflation worse + declined the value of the Mark
- in 1922, govt tried to pause reparation payments but were refused permission
- by early 1923, German govt failed to pay reparations and French gov invaded the Ruhr
71
outline the French Invasion of the Ruhr as a cause for hyperinflation
- took place in 11th Jan 1923
- French + Belgian govt responded to Germany's failure to pay reparations by invading the Ruhr, a key industrial German region
- their armies seized raw materials + goods that matched the value of owed reparations
72
outline the economic impact of WW1 as a cause for hyperinflation
- G financed cost of WW1 by printing money - leading to declining value of mark (inflation)
- post war, Govt spending was still high as they had to support war widows, injured + demobilised veterans with welfare etc
- the Weimar constitution made social security a right so they had to support the unemployed
73
outline the Tov as a cause for hyperinflation
- ToV asked £6.6 billion starting from 1921
- reparations had to be paid for in gold, meaning it held its value against the declining German currency (mark)
- Gov felt pressured to resort to printing money which led to hyperinflation
- as the value of the mark decreased due to printing money, paying for reparations became even more expensive
74
outline the Govt response to the French invasion of Ruhr as a cause for hyperinflation
- G govt stopped all reparation payments to France + ordered all Ruhr/ German workers + business owners to follow passive resistance (working slowly, strikes, sabotage)
- Govt paid the wages of all striking workers + compensated owners
- they also had to import stocks of fuel - adding to debt
- to meet spending obligations, they printed more money
75
outline the blame aspect of the treaty of Versailles
- Germany had to accept all liability for WW1 in Article 231
76
outline the hyperinflation crisis
- 1923-24
- German inflation ran out of control after the Ruhr crisis as confidence in the German currency diminished - the mark was worthless
- by autumn 1923, it cost more to print a bank note than its worth
- Germans resorted to the black market to exchange goods
- pensioners + those on fixed incomes + savings lost them
- debtors benefitted as they could pay it off
77
who were the Friekorps
- private, paramilitary groups made up of former WW1 soldiers
- these groups were often strongly nationalist + linked to RW extremist groups
78
which 3 groups did the WG need their support + how was this achieved
- army/ military: Ebert-Groener agreement
- judiciary: they didn't seek their support - didn't reform them + remained a traditional institution
- trade unions: stinnes legion agreement
79
what was the voter ratio for pro + anti constitution (democratic) parties in 1919
1919:
- pro-constitution parties: 80%
- anti-constitution parties: 18%
80
what was the pattern of the voter ratio for pro + anti constitution (democratic) parties from 1920-28
- support for pro-constitution parties consistently remained higher than the latter, at in the high 50%
- anti-constitution parties still had moderate support, remaining in the 30%, with its lowest in this period being in 1928 with 27%
81
outline the Sparticist Uprising
- Jan 1919
- led by the KPD (LW Communists)
- after Eichorn's dismissal from the Police, he called for a demonstration in Berlin
- Jan 6th: thousands of armed workers took over Berlin buildings + offices - e.g. train stations
- the KPD + USPD leaders called for a general strike - half a million workers responded to
81
why did the sparticist group oppose the Weimar republic
- the uprising was a result of the power struggle between the KPD + SPD
- Jan 4th: the WG dismissed a popular police chief, Eichorn, who was a radical USPD (Independent Social Democratic Party) member - this brought the govt into open conflict with the workers' councils + unions, thus triggering the Sparticist Uprising
82
how did the WG overcome the Sparticist Uprising Jan 1919
- WG hired the Freikorps to put down the rebellion - they quickly reconquered the buildings and the rebels surrendered
- over 170 people died in the process
- the Sparticist leaders, Rosa Luxemburg + Karl Liebknecht were executed on Jan 15th 1919
82
outline the Kapp Putsch
- March 1920
- an attempt from Wolfgang Kapp + Freikorp leaders to overthrow the WG - supported by Ludendorff (WW1 military general)
- March 12th: took over Berlin - WG fled. the leaders proclaimed themselves the new Govt + said the W constitution was no longer in force
83
why did the Kapp Putsch group oppose the Weimar republic
- Kapp+ the paramilitary groups aimed to restore the empire + overturn the ToV
- they wanted a strong, authoritarian Govt that would return Germany back to its old imperial system
84
how did the WG overcome the Kapp Putsch Mar 1920
- the Ebert-Groener agreement 1918 resulted in majority of soldiers not joining in with the Kapp Putsch - however they wouldn't fight the RW rebels either
- trade unions called a general strike (brought Berlin to a standstill) - demanding an end to the Putsch attempt + a govt under the SPD
- after 4 days of strikes, the Kapp govt fell
85
why did the Communists oppose the Weimar republic
- their involvement in the Tov
- the capitalist society it promoted
- the right wing nature of Gov + other institutions
85
how did the WG overcome the Communist Uprisings 1919-1922
- the Communist govts didn't have enough popular support + were put down by the Reichswehr using a system of Reichsexekution (intervention of military)
- Nov 1918, Ebert signed the Ebert-Groener Pact (army's support if LW ideas were opposed in Reichstag)
86
define Reichsexekution
- Reichsexekution = the removal of a local Gov which threatened the WG
- this meant putting in place a military Govt to restore order
86
outline political assassinations
- between 1919-1922
- there were a total of 376 political assassinations
- carried out by anti-Weimar paramilitary groups
- RW extremist organisations, such as the Organisation Consul, carried out 354 assassinations - e.g. murder of prominent politicians such as Walther Rathenau (Jewish)
87
why did the RW political assassinators oppose the Weimar Republic
- their involvement in the ToV
- their liberal + democratic values
- its failure to produce a strong + decisive govt + leader
- the organisation consul was formed by members of a Freikorp unit that was disbanded after their involvement in the Kapp Putsch
88
how did the WG overcome the Political Assassinations 1919-22
- those involved in the murders were trialled under the judicial system
- only 28 of the 354 RW murders committed were punished
- 10 death sentences, 3 life sentences + a total 250 years in prison were given
89
outline the Munich Putsch
- Nov 1923
- Hitler + the NSDAP launched a takeover of Germany
- 8th Nov: the SA surrounded a meeting in a beer hall - here Hitler announced the Bavarian Govt had been overthrown + he and Ludendorff were forming a new Govt
89
in 1923, Nazi membership had increased from _ to _ - gave H confidence for the _ _
- in 1923, Nazi membership had increased from 6,000 to 55,000 - gave H confidence for the Munich Putsch
89
why did Hitler/ NSDAP oppose the WG in their Munich Putsch
- they took advantage of the WG's weakness, vulnerability + unpopularity - e.g. the Govt had to declare a state of emergency in Sep 1923 due to disturbances in Ruhr + Berlin
- with Ludendorff's support, Hitler was confident the army would follow in a rebellion
- the membership of the Nazi party had grown (6,000 to 55,000) - H was confident
- in 1922, Mussolini seized control of the Govt through his march on Rome - H was inspired
89
how did the Weimar Govt overcome the Munich Putsch 1923
- H's political prisoners escaped + organised a resistance to the Putsch
- Nov 9th: Nazis were defeated + captured by the police
- H was trialled for treason + received 5 years in prison - H was released 9 months later
- NSDAP was disbanded for 5 years
89
outline the successes + limitations of Stresemann's actions to solve the worthless currency in 1923
- successes: inflation was quickly brought under control, restored faith in G currency, prices settled
- failures: those who lost savings due to hyperinflation weren't compensated - blamed Weimar govt for their losses
89
how did Stresemann attempt to solve the issue of Germany's worthless currency in 1923
- withdrew the Mark and created the Rentenmark - later replaced by the Reichmark
- old bank notes were recalled + destroyed
- 1 Rentenmark = 1,000 Billion Marks
- this allowed the new currency to hold its value due to its tie to its gold value
89
how did Stresemann attempt to solve the issue of Germany's international isolation in 1923
- made foreign negotiations - e.g. Dawes plan, Young plan
- called off passive resistance in the Ruhr
- admitted into the League of Nations
89
outline the successes + limitations of Stresemann's actions to solve international isolation in 1923
- successes: other countries were more likely to lend + make trade agreements, G joined LoN in 1926
- failures: G economy remained fragile, became reliant on the US econ (brought future difficulties), unemployment remained at 1 million + began to rise after 1928
89
how did Stresemann attempt to solve the issue of small businesses collapsing in 1923
- encouraged cartels (businesses joining together to try control the market)
- e.g. Stahlwerke combined the coal, iron, and steel interests of Germany's smaller businesses + controlled nearly half of all production
89
outline the successes + limitations of Stresemann's actions to solve small businesses collapsing in 1923
- successes: factories were rebuilt, the chemical industry was producing 1/3 more in 1925 than in 1913 - IG Farben
- failures: strikes + lockouts (employers blocking work) were common, industrial disputes between workers + owners
90
how did Stresemann attempt to solve the issue of damaged international trade in 1923
- to recover trade: Germany joined the League of Nations
- international agreements set up to restore G's status - e.g. the Locarno treaty
91
outline the successes + limitations of Stresemann's actions to solve damaged trade in 1923
- successes: G exports rose by 40% between 1925-29, G exports were back to their pre war levels of 10 billion Marks by 1926
- failures: the value of imports always exceeded that of exports (weren't balanced), G exports continued to be hindered by tariffs
91
outline the successes + limitations of Stresemann's actions to solve farmers in debt in 1923
- successes: farming remained a significant employer in the 1920s, there was investment in new machinery
- failures: late 1920s; farmer's income was 44% below the national avg
92
how did Stresemann attempt to solve the issue of high govt spending in 1923
- G borrowed money so was dependent on loans from other countries
93
what were the positive effects of Stresemann/ Germany's domestic policies during the Golden Years
- increase political stability: no Putsch's/ political assassination attempts between 1924-29
- increased acceptance of democracy: the support for extremist/ anti-constitution parties declined, support for pro-constitution parties increased
- creation of a Grand Coalition: formed in 1928, this was a coalition of the left, right + centre and commanded a secure majority (over 60%) of the Reichstag
- Hindenburg: president Hindenburg upheld the constitution + chose an SPD chancellor - despite his authoritarian past/ anti-socialism
93
outline the successes + limitations of Stresemann's actions to solve high govt spending in 1923
- successes: Govt had their own bank which helped business as long as the Govt was lending them money
- failures: Germans didn't accept tax rises, G had to borrow more money, industrial disputes were common - drove down wages + productivity, econ recovery was built on foreign loans + Govt support
93
what were the 'Golden Years'?
- 1924-29
- was a period of economic prosper, peaceful foreign relations
- was largely due to the domestic, economic and foreign polices implemented by Stresemann
94
between _-_, there were no putsch/ assassination attempts
- between 1924-29, there were no putsch/ assassination attempts
95
state evidence for increased support of democracy in the Golden Years (1924-28)
- NSDAP only gained 2.6% of the votes in 1928
- 58% voted for pro-constitution parties in 1928
95
what were the failures of Stresemann/ Germany's domestic policies during the Golden Years
- unstable coalition govt: was unstable - there were 7 different govts between 1923-29, some govts didn't have a majority in the Reichstag, political parties didn't work well together - SPD were reluctant to cooperate with other parties
- extremism: support for extremists had reduced but it remained worryingly high - over 1/4 of people voted for anti-democratic parties in 1928
- growing dislike of democracy: election turn out declined in mid-20s compared to in 1919-20
96
outline the successes of Stresemann's foreign policy
- S began reparation payments again which enabled S to renegotiate reparations + gain foreign loans + investments through the Dawes Plan (1924) and Young Plan (1929)
- the Dawes Plan led to improved relations between France + Germany, French evacuating the Ruhr in 1925, and G joining the League of Nations in 1925
97
outline the failures of Stresemann's foreign policy
- nationalist right wingers were opposed to the acceptance of the ToV that Germanys involvement in the international community implied
- the Dawes Plan was dangerously dependent on American loans - to break out of Germany's hyperinflation, S had put G's future dependent on forces out of its control
97
outline the Dawes Plan
- implemented in 1924
- annual reparation payments reduced to paying 1 billion marks annually for the first 5 years, and 2.5 billion after that
- G was loaned 800 million marks from the USA
98
outline the Wall Street Crash
- in 1929, there was a stock market crash and the American economy collapsed
- American stopped foreign lending, recalled loans from abroad - including Germany - who was very dependent on US loans + foreign trade
99
outline the Young Plan
- implemented in 1929
- reduced total loans to $29 billion payable over 58 years
100
outline the Locarno Treaty
- signed 1925
- recognised Germany's borders stipulated in the ToV
- Allies agreed to withdraw their troops from the Rhineland in 1930
- was agreed between countries that international disputes would be resolved peacefully
101
outline the effect of the Wall Street Crash on Germany
- German businesses (who were reliant on bank loans) didn't have enough money to pay their workers
- unemployment increased, G people had less money, and demand for consumer goods dropped
- less demand led to fewer businesses selling goods, thus they laid off workers
- suppliers + businesses struggled to pay off their loans from banks which went bankrupt
- unemployment led to many losing their homes as they couldn't afford them anymore
- many banks also collapsed and people lost their savings + money
- the German economy spiralled into an economic depression
102
in _ , _ major banks went bankrupt - e.g. _ Bank
- in 1931, 5 major banks went bankrupt - e.g. Danat Bank
103
the number of those unemployed rose to _ million by _
- the number of those unemployed rose to 6 million by 1932
103
during the _ _ (Great Depression) election campaign, there were _ riots in Prussia, many involved the SA
- during the July 1932 (Great Depression) election campaign, there were 461 riots in Prussia (place in WG), many involved the SA
104
the national income shrunk by _% during the _
- the national income shrunk by 40% during the Great Depression
105
what was a positive outcome of the economic depression for Germany
- as Germany's depression deepened, it was clear to other countries that it wouldn't be able to meet reparation payments or repay loans
- the Hoover Moratorium; in July 1931, US suspended G re-payment loans + the need to pay reparations for a year
- this freed up money for the govt to spend on solving the econ depression - but still wasn't enough - e.g. only modest work schemes
105
outline Chancellor Bruning's policies to manage the economic depression
policy of deflation (1929-32):
- he reduced the prices of goods + services to reduce govt spending
- he thought that if state income declined, state expenditure also had to be cut
- using an emergency decree, he cut wages, taxes + rent
- Bruning's policies deepened the recession between 1930-32 as industrial production + prices + exports all fell by 50%
- Bruning was known as the 'hungry Chancellor'
106
outline Chancellor Von Papen's policies to manage the economic depression
- in May 1932, Von Papen introduced some tax concessions (cuts) + subsidies (financial support) for businesses that created new jobs + helped to improve the economy
- however by this point, the Govt was caught in political problems which made it harder to focus on the economy + produce coherent policies
107
what was the political impact of the Great Depression
- the Grand Coalition Govt led by Muller fell apart in 1930 due to disagreements over how to overcome the economic depression
- the German political system became more authoritarian
- there were 4 chancellors + elections during the Great Depression
- increased political violence
- increased support for extremist parties - e.g. National Socialists, German Communist Party
108
what was the voter ration for pro and anti-constitution parties for the November 1932 election
- pro-constitution: 35%
- anti-constitution: 58%
108
outline the overall success of Stresemann's foreign policies in the Golden Years (1924-28)
- Stresemann did reintegrate G into Europe through his polices as G joined the League of Nation in 1926
- however, Germany's dependency on US loans was a major future weakness
109
how did the Nazi party rise to popularity
- took advantage of the economic depression - e.g. H promised 'work and bread'
- H took advantage of people's fear of communism - Germans would rather of had a far right than a communist leader
- H promised to overturn the ToV
- H learned to take power legally from his 1923 Munich Putsch
- he was a skilled + charismatic orator + leader who acted on his promises
110
outline the overall success of Stresemann's domestic policies in the Golden Years (1924-28)
- Stresemann did partially achieve political stability in Germany as there were no putsch's/ political assassination attempts between 1924-49
- however, there still wasn't a stable coalition govt
110
what were the 3 key factors for why Weimar Germany collapsed in 1929-32
- impact of the Wall Street Crash + the depression
- actions of the Weimar Government
- actions of the Nazi party
110
how did the WG respond the the Wall Street Crash
- the Grand Coalition disagreed over how to respond to the rising unemployment
- as a result no effective policies were implemented by the govt leading to further unemployment, homelessness, bank + businesses collapsing etc
110
outline the collapse of Muller's Grand Coalition Govt
- collapsed in March 1930
- was due to the SPD not being able to work with opposition parties and so efficient coalitions were nearly impossible to form in the midst of the Great Depression
- this was the key factor in the slide from democracy to authoritarianism
111
what were the 3 key features of the Nazi's
- the Fuhrer cult: H was portrayed as Germanys saviour, the man who could rescue G from the grip of depression
- Volksgemeinschaft (peoples community): the idea that Nazis would create 1 German community that would make Religion or social class less relevant to people
- scapegoating the Jews: (and others) for issues. Jews were often portrayed as sub-human, or as a threat to both the racial purity/ economic future of G
111
there were _ uses of the emergency decree in _ using Article 48 compared to _ uses in _ - G govt was becoming more authoritarian - also showed...
- there were 44 uses of the emergency decree in 1931 using Article 48 compared to 5 uses in 1930
- this also showed the inefficiency of the coalition govts to pass laws + that the govt was becoming more authoritarian
112
what did H do in Feb 1932
- on the 26th of Feb 1932, Hitler officially became a German citizen, allowing him to take the position of chancellor or President
113
what did Joseph Goebbels do to boost Hitlers image
- in 1932 he used modern tech such as radios + aeroplanes to fly H around Germany to campaign
- H came out of this as a credible political leader
- he created an image of H as a strong, decisive leader known as the 'Hitler Myth'
- the Nazis were the only party to have increased support from all social classes
113
what happened in the Nov 1932 election
- Hindenburg called another election in which Von Schliecher became the new chancellor by replacing Von Papen
- the Nazis share of vote fell by 4% whilst the KPD vote rose to 6 million - increased peoples fear of communism
114
outline the result of the July 1932 election
- Nazis secured 37% of the vote - making them the majority in the Reichstag
- Von Papen was made chancellor by president Hindenburg - Hitler was offered vice chancellorship, but he refused
114
by December _, there were over _ members of the SA who had been used to create chaos in elections
- by December 1932, there were over 170,000 members of the SA who had been used to create chaos in elections
114
what happened in Jan 1933
- Hitler was made chancellor by Von Papen + Hindenburg as they thought they could control him - e.g. Papen wanted to use H to give his own govt legitimacy
- the conservative elites wanted to use H/ the Nazi party to continue governing in an authoritarian manner + ward off the Communist threat
115
what were the Weimar Republics long term weaknesses
- it was born out of a war that they lost - democracy was forced
- their constitution was weak
- the Treaty of Versailles - caused resentment amongst many + long term economic issues
115
outline art in Weimar Germany
- New Objectivity was the main artistic movement
- N.O commented on reality, e.g. consequences of war, poverty, social change
- famous artists: Otto Dix, Georg Grosz ('Pillars of Society')
115
outline architecture/ design in Weimar Germany
- the Bauhaus design by Walter Gropius was popular
- Bauhaus was functional and simple - it emphasised the link between art and technology
116
outline theatre in Weimar Germany
- New Objectivity/ Zeittheater was a popular movement
- Brecht and Piscator used innovative techniques + controversial methods to portray characters
- The Threepenny Opera (1928) by Brecht gave a LW critique of the Capitalist world
117
outline literature in Weimar Germany
- writers explored themes of war trauma, economic instability + the rise of extremist ideologies
- e.g. All Quiet on the Western Front (1928) by Remarque follows a group of young soldiers in WW1
118
outline mass culture in Weimar Germany
- mass/ pop culture emerged in Weimar Germany
- it was influenced by international culture - e.g. consumerism + Jazz from US
119
outline film in Weimar Germany
- the German film industry was the most advanced in Europe - technology influenced it
- the UFA was a Govt organised film company made up of the biggest film studios
- popular films: Metropolis (1926), Blue Angel (1930)
120
outline cabaret in Weimar Germany
- cabaret cubs were open in cities such as Berlin
- it mocked the conventions of old Germany
- it included comedy, jazz, nudity and covered social and political themes
121
what was societies response to cultural experimentation
- cultural movements were largely based in cities
- freedom of expression in the constitution allowed different ideas to be explored
- most Germans were horrified at the decline of established moral + cultural standards
- Weimar society became increasingly polarised before the economic + political crisis' in 1929
121
outline radio in Weimar Germany
- radio was used as a platform for mass communication
- 1 in 4 Germans owned a radio by 1932
121
what were the 2 types of schools
- primary: 6-9 years (4 types of primary schools)
- secondary: 9-14 years (3 types of secondary schools)
122
outline primary schools
- Govt aimed to ensure all Germans received a free + fair standard primary education in prep for their future secondary school
- education remained segmented as it was run regionally by Lander
122
outline the tripartite secondary school system
3 types of secondary:
- Gymnasium: attended for 9 years in prep for uni
- Haptschule: attended for 5 years for apprenticeships/ trade
- Realschule: attended for 6 years for business/ technical training)
- this system meant that a child's future/ career was decided at 9 years old
123
outline University
- a 1928 survey found that of the fathers of university students, 45% were civil servants and only 2% were WC
- unis had their own student corporations, e.g. 'duelling' corporations where differences were settled in swordfights
- mostly attended by middle/ upper class people
123
outline the types of primary schools
4 types:
- grandschule: the compulsory + free schools for children 6-10
- confessional: faith based schools ran privately - mainly protestant, catholic, Jewish
- common: took children of all religions + gave them a separate religious education
- secular: a school with no religious education
124
outline the Unemployment Insurance Law
- passed July 1927
- all workers and employees were required to contribute money towards a national scheme for unemployment welfare
- benefits were then given to all unemployed people
125
outline the Reich Pension Law
- passed May 1920
- provided financial support + pensions for veterans, war widows, parents of dead soldiers
126
who benefitted from hyperinflation
- debtors: could pay off their debts easily
- black marketers: could sell goods on the black market for a high price when goods were scarce
- women: more likely to be employed than men as they were cheap labour - but did face increased hostility
126
outline the Labour Exchange Law
- passed Feb 1922
- Govt offices were set up to train the unemployed + help them find work
127
outline the status of women during WW1
- more independent - financially
- couldn't vote
- having less kids - men away at war
- many women wanted change - they made up a larger proportion of the population due to dead soldiers
127
outline the status of women in Weimar Germany
- more free with their personal style + hobbies - e.g. cabaret, 'New Woman'
- campaigned successfully for the vote - all women over 20 could vote
- more women in paid employment
- still expected to have children + marry
127
by _, _% of women of working age were employed
- by 1918, 75% of women of working age were employed
128
outline evidence of women's increased status within politics/ the law in Weimar Germany
- Nov 1918: W granted the vote - first election turnout was 90% of W
- constitution enshrined gender equality (in pay, marriage, opportunities, education)
- BDF was a women's protest group campaigning for equality
- female communists were more prominent
- SPD supported improved maternity rights
- 112 women were elected into the Reichstag 1919-22
129
outline evidence of women's restricted status within politics/ the law in Weimar Germany (continuity from Second Reich)
- restricted legal status of women under the 1900 German Civil Code remained
- abortion + contraception were illegal
- dominance of RW parties after 1929 meant restricted political opportunities for W
- although W were involved in the KPD they made up the minority
129
outline evidence of women's increased status within employment in Weimar Germany
- female employment rose
- 1925: over 2,500 F doctors
- 1925: over 250,000 W worked in low paid jobs which gave them the hours to take care of their kids
- rise of W in white blouse jobs (clerical + shop work)
130
outline evidence of women's increased status within culture + society in Weimar Germany
- W abandoned traditional female behaviours in response to racy city culture in 1920s
- 'World League of Sexual Reform' campaigned for sexual freedom + to teach men the principles of a female orgasm + access to contraception
- movement for ending prostitution - Care Office created to provide help for women leaving prostitution
- 1927 prostitution was decriminalised
- 'New Woman': more revealing clothes, short hair, smoked + drank, behaved with the freedom of a man
131
outline evidence of women's restricted status within employment in Weimar Germany (continuity from Second Reich)
- 1925: W in employment was back to pre-war levels (36%)
- in areas like office work, W were paid significantly less (33%)
- W were expected to stop working when they got married - stopping them from being in long term employment
- faced hostility + discrimination from men; trade unions were dominated by M
- 1932: Bruning passed a decree allowing married W to be dismissed from Govt jobs if they had husbands who were working
131
outline evidence of women's increased status within the Great Depression in Weimar Germany
- W were less affected by unemployment as they were cheaper to employ
- 46% of men were unemployed, compared to 33% of women
131
outline evidence of women's restricted status within culture + society in Weimar Germany (continuity from Second Reich)
- politicians + the media (e.g. in films) criticised the 'New Woman'
- the more liberal position of W was blamed for not planning/ saving for their future, being selfish, causing the downfall of society, going against nature
132
outline evidence of women's restricted status within the Great Depression in Weimar Germany (continuity from Second Reich)
- was more hostility to employed W
- 1932: Bruning passed a decree allowing married W to be dismissed from Govt jobs if they had husbands who were working
133
when was H appointed as Chancellor of Germany
- January 30th 1933
134
outline a policy within the Weimar Govt that ensured democracy
- the Weimar Constitution contained checks and balances
- this tried to ensure that no one part of the political system could become too powerful
135
outline Hitlers published + unpublished books
- Mein Kampf, 1925
- Zweites Buch, 1928
136
outline the aspects of integration with Europe in Weimar Germany
- Locarno Pact
- Dawes + Young Plan
- joining the League of Nations
- receiving US loans
- viewed political + economic integration with Europe as essential for G's success
137
_ _ were employed by an _ manufacturer by _
- 280,000 women were employed by an armament manufacturer by 1918
137
outline the legal status of ethnic minorities in Weimar Germany
- Js had full German citizenship - BUT wasn't always enforced
- Article 113 said that groups could speak different languages
- 'The German Peoples Offensive and Defensive Alliance' was an antisemitic organisation - had 170,000 members by 1923 - but was banned
- A113 wasn't always enforced - e.g. Gypsies discriminated against - e.g. Lander passed laws against them moving around + forced to carry identity cards
138
outline the employment of ethnic minorities in Weimar Germany
- almost 80% of department stores were Jewish run
- 5 jews held positions in the Weimar Cabinet
- on avg, EM workers earned less than G workers
- Js were informally excluded from certain professions, e.g. judiciary
- many Js were blamed for the economic crisis in the 1920s
139
outline the assimilation/ general treatment of ethnic minorities in Weimar Germany
- Article 113 said that groups could speak different languages
- were over 200,000 polish speakers who saw themselves as German
- 1924: significant demand for Black musicians in Jazz clubs
- Walter Rathenau, a Jewish foreign minister was murdered in 1922 - but 700,000 rallied in protest of this
- G didn't enforce racial segregation - Black musicians could earn 4x as much as in the US
- many of the 1% of Js were well integrated
- 200,000 Polish speakers in G left due to discrimination
- 'Germany's shame' - French Black soldiers who had mixed race children after the occupation of the Ruhr
- all EMs were accepted, but faced minor discrimination which exacerbated after 1929
140
unemployment never fell below _ in Stresemann's years, and started to rise before _
- unemployment never fell below 1.3 million in Stresemann's years, and started to rise before 1929
