Controlling extremism, 1918-1923

Question 1

Did Weimar survive despite political violence and attempted revolution?

Answer 1

Weimar did survive - emerged stronger and more successful in the later part of the 1920s

Question 2

Why were Weimar’s opponents weak?

Answer 2

. Opponents were divided and fragmented
. Lacked effective organisation and widespread support

Question 3

What weakened the Spartacists success?

Answer 3

. Spartacists did not carefully plan their attempted takeover - acted more opportunistically to turn a protest into a revolution

Question 4

What lead to the failure of the Munich Putsch?

Answer 4

Hitler exhibited indecision as he dithered overnight as to whether to launch his Putsch - gave time to alert authorities

Question 5

Were the attempts at revolution supported nationally?

Answer 5

Despite the lack of enthusiasm that many Germans had for the Republic - no widespread support for extremist attempts at revolution or violence

Spartacists only had around 15,000 members

Question 6

Were the actions of Ebert important in maintaining democracy?

Answer 6

Yes - acted decisively and ruthlessly against the Spartacists and other rebels such as those in Ruhr 1920 - use of Article 48 aided

Question 7

Why were the military elite crucial in Weimar’s survival?

Answer 7

. Army enthusiastically crushed left-wing rebellions
. Army were key in maintaining order - shown in Munich Putsch

Question 8

What helped stabilise the economy in 1924?

Answer 8

The Dawes Plan - stabilised the economy and currency - consequently restored confidence in the German economy