Weimar Germany Flashcards
(20 cards)
What was the Weimar Republic?
The Weimar Republic was established in November 1918 following Germany’s defeat in World War I and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
What challenges did the Weimar Republic face immediately after its formation?
The new government faced dissatisfaction with the Armistice and the Treaty of Versailles, political chaos, economic hardship, and social unrest.
What was the Spartacist Uprising?
A communist revolt led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht in January 1919 aiming to establish a Soviet-style government, which was crushed by the government using the Freikorps.
What was the Kapp Putsch?
A right-wing coup attempt in March 1920 by Freikorps members and Wolfgang Kapp aiming to overthrow the Republic, which failed due to a general strike.
What economic burden did the Treaty of Versailles impose on Germany?
The Treaty imposed harsh reparations of £6.6 billion (about $33 billion) on Germany.
What was the Ruhr Crisis?
In 1923, France and Belgium occupied the Ruhr region after Germany fail to pay reparations payments, leading to economic turmoil.
What was hyperinflation in Germany?
By late 1923, the German Mark became virtually worthless, and prices rose exponentially, causing widespread social distress.
Who was Gustav Stresemann?
Gustav Stresemann was a pivotal figure in stabilizing and repositioning Germany during the Weimar Republic.
What was the Rentenmark?
Introduced in 1923 by Stresemann, the Rentenmark was a new currency aimed at combating hyperinflation.
What was the Dawes Plan?
The Dawes Plan (1924) restructured Germany’s reparations payments and secured significant loans from the U.S. to stabilize the economy.
What were the Locarno Treaties?
Negotiated in 1925, these treaties guaranteed European security and improved relations with Western powers.
What was the significance of Germany’s membership in the League of Nations?
Germany gained a permanent seat in 1926, marking a significant step in its reintegration into the international community.
What were the constitutional weaknesses of the Weimar Republic?
The Weimar Constitution had flaws, including Article 48, which allowed the President to rule by decree in emergencies.
What social tensions existed during the Weimar Republic?
There were tensions between traditional conservative forces and progressive, urban, and working-class groups.
What were Stresemann’s Golden Years?
The period from 1924 to 1929 marked relative stability and economic recovery in the Weimar Republic.
What was the impact of the Wall Street Crash on Germany?
The crash led to a loss of American loans, causing widespread business failures and a dramatic rise in unemployment.
What was the Young Plan?
Developed in 1929, the Young Plan reduced the total reparations sum and extended the payment period to 59 years.
What were the effects of the Dawes Plan?
The Dawes Plan ended the Ruhr crisis and hyperinflation, leading to a period of economic recovery known as the ‘Golden Years’ of Weimar Germany.
What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact?
Signed in 1928, it was an agreement in which Germany joined other nations in renouncing war as a tool of national policy.
What were the limitations of Stresemann’s achievements?
Germany’s recovery depended heavily on American loans, and his acceptance of the Versailles borders was unpopular with nationalists.
