1. Collapse of the Weimer Republic 1929-1933 Flashcards
What have some historians argued about Weimer Republic?
began in crisis and ended same way
where was inherent weakness of republic?
in Weimer Consti. Doomed the Republic from outset
What was Weimer’s greatest weakness?
its failure to establish lasting political stability
Quote for failure of establishing political stability?
R. Evans said “the political situation was looking fragile… the Republic was as far away from achieving stability and legitimacy as ever”
What happened After resignation of Muller?
the ruling Cabinets became presidential, with the chancellor being chosen by Hindenburg, and the Reichstag became increasingly irrelevant in process of political decision making
what did President Hindenburg abandon?
the parliamentary convention that a gov needed support of a majority in Reichstag
March 1930?
Hindenburg appointed Heinrich Bruning as chancellor
what changes did Bruning introduce?
severely restricted the right of press to criticise gov policies – a significant setback to democratic freedom. Also worsened impact of Depression on unemployed by reducing their small unemployment benefits
What does British historian AJP Taylor describe Bruning’s appointment as ?
the end of democracy in Germany.
What did key played want by 1930s?
no longer wanted parliamentary democracy to work.
what did failure of democracy lead to?
to emergence of authoritarian regime, backed by military – Hitler and Nazi Party
What does Mazower say about appointments of individuals which led to failure of democracy?
“Weimar in the 1920’s was clearly a democracy: Under Chancellor Brüning it was less of one; under von Papen and Schleicher – Hitler’s immediate predecessor – it was already very close to being an authoritarian state”
