Weimar Republic Flashcards
(15 cards)
When was the Stresemann Era?
1924-29
What were the economic developments under Stresemann?
Infrastructure improved - created new jobs
Industrial output surpassed pre-ww1 levels in 1928
Dawes/Young plans lowered reparations from 6.6b to 2b
Hyperinflation ended
This caused greater trust in Weimar govt., less extremism (Nazis suffered)
How did international relations improve under Stresemann?
Locarno Pact - secured borders and improved relations with France
Kelloggs-Briand Pact = promise not to use war to resolve disagreements
1926: Germany trusted to join League of Nations
How did Stresemann end hyperinflation?
Called off passive resistance
Burned previous currency and replaced it with the temporary Rentenmark, later to be replaced with the Reichsmark
Why were Stresemann’s developments limited in success?
Many opposed reparations and saw it as weak
Lost savings in hyperinflation weren’t compensated
Agriculture industry didn’t improve
Economic success dependent on US loans
Proportional representation created many coalition governments (avg. 9 months)
Why did the Wall Street Crash affect Germany?
US loans were stopped, and some even had to be paid back
Name four aspects of Weimar Culture
Books - “All Quiet on the Western Front” displayed the horrors of WW1
Film - “Metropolis” showed workers being controlled by employers, anti-Nazi
Art - Otto Dix, expressionism, anti-WW1
Architecture - Bauhaus style displayed Germany’s industry (glass, steel, etc.)
Why did culture thrive in Weimar Germany?
Economic success
Pre-WW1 censorship removed
Who opposed Weimar culture and why?
Nazis disliked anti-war messages
Right-wing preferred the traditional Gothic architecture of Kaiser’s Germany
What was the Spartacist Uprising and why did it fail?
In 1919, Spartacists (left-wing) led by Rosa Luxembourg marched to Berlin, inspired by the Russian Revolution (1917), but were defeated by the Freikorps
What was the Kapp Putsch and why did it fail?
In 1920, the Freikorps marched to Berlin, wanted the Kaiser back, feared unemployment due to ToV. Took over Berlin until government called a general strike and Kapp forced to flee
What was the Munich Putsch?
In 1923, Hitler and 3000 SA and volunteers marched on Munich, but the army opened fire and Hitler was arrested.
What caused the Munich Putsch?
Success of fascism in Italy - Mussolini gained power in a similar way
Anger at Weimar govt. for hyperinflation
Thought the army would support them
What were the short term failures of the Munich Putsch?
Hitler sent to prison for nine months
Nazi party banned until 1925
What were the long term successes of the Munich Putsch?
Hitler wrote Mein Kampf in prison, later became a bestseller
Press coverage
Gave Hitler time to change tactics - focused on propaganda and politics rather than a revolution
