Collapse of the Weimar Republic

Question 1

Explain the collapse of the Weimar Republic

PT. 1

Answer 1

• Various attempts to overthrow Weimar weakened it. E.G Kapp Putsch (far right,freikorps), red army captured industrial towns (far left), Nazi Beer Hall putsch.
• FRENCH OCCUPATION OF THE RUHR: French and beligian workers occupied the ruhr region (industrial/mining area) in response to germanys failure to deliver reparation payments. German workers began passive resistance - decreased production.

Question 2

Explain the collapse of the Weimar Republic PT.2

Answer 2

Inflation of 1923: To pay for resparations, the government borrowed heavily and printed more money- inflation. German money became worthless ($1 = 4.2 marks in 1914, = 25 billion in 1923). This caused poverty, disillusionment and social/economic disarray. This was only solved under stresemanns government, where he introduced a new currency and negotiated reparations with the allies.
- Mid 1923 there were 70,000 nazis and 15,000 SA.