Germany - Years of Challenge (1920-1923) Flashcards
Who never accepted the republic?
Right-wing elements in German society, in particular:
1 Nationalist groups
2 Industrialists
3 The military
4 The old ruling classes of pre-war Germany.
What was the Kapp Putsch of 1920?
It was an attempt to overthrow the government by forces of the right
What triggered the Kapp Putsch in 1920?
The government’s attempt to carry out the military clauses of the Treaty of Versailles
What was the result of the Kapp Putsch in 1920?
The government fled the capital of Berlin
Why did the Kapp Putsch in 1920 fail?
The putsch only failed because of a working-class resistance and the calling of a general strike.
Why did French and Belgian troops occupy the Ruhr, the most important industrial area in Germany?
In December 1922, after a year of negotiation, the Reparation Commission declared that Germany was behind in the delivery of coal and telegraph poles to France.
Why were the French so determined to make Germany meet its obligations?
France believed that the Germans had never accepted defeat and that they had to reassert their authority and demonstrate to its old enemy that France had the strength and will to force Germany to accept the treaty terms.
What was the result of the Ruhr occupation?
The government called for a policy of ‘passive resistance’. Germans in the Ruhr went on strike and refused to cooperate in any way with the French.
What was the result of passive resistance in the Ruhr?
The government pledged support to the workers in the Ruhr. At the same time the government was forced to spend its scarce foreign reserves of currency to import coal to support other German industries that had used Ruhr coal.
After the government’s actions due to the Ruhr incident, what happened in Germany?
The inflation that had plagued the German economy since the war now quickly degenerated into hyperinflation - the German currency became useless.
What happened in August 1923?
The government fell, due to a loss in control of the economy, strikes sweeping the country - from rising unemployment and the failure of wages to keep up with the cost of living.
After the government fell in August 1923, who took over as Chancellor?
Gustav Stresemann, leader of the German People’s Party (DVP)
Which parties formed the coalition created by Gustav Stresemann?
1 Socialists (SPD)
2 The Centre Party
3 The German Democratic Party (DDP)
4 The German People’s Party (DVP).
What was Gustav Stresemann’s first major step as Chancellor?
He called off the passive resistance in the Ruhr to remedy the disastrous economic situation.
How was the hyperinflation and currency situation dealt with?
A new currency, the Rentenmark, was created. (In 1924 the Rentenmark was withdrawn and a new German mark was introduced)
