GOLDEN YEARS IN GERMANY Flashcards
Explain why the years 1924 to 1929 were known as the ‘Golden Years’ for Germany. (12) Paragraph 1
P1: IMPROVED LIVING STANDARDS DUE TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY
E1: Living standards had suffered as a result of the economic problems between 1918 and 1923. However, after 1924, there were many gradual improvements. Stresemann’s economic policies such as the Dawes Plan, the Young Plan and the Rentenmark introduction led to a rapid economic recovery and enabled industry to recover: this meant that more workers were employed and real wages increased by 25% between 1925 and 1928. This made German workers the best paid in Europe. The Weimar government also improved working conditions as they shortened the length of the working week from 50 hours to 46 hours in 1927. Finally, total unemployment fell dramatically: in 1924, over 4% of the total workforce was unemployed, however, by 1926, the unemployment fell to 2 million and by 1928 it was at 1.3 million.
A1: Consequently, this was significant as it represents that the years 1924 to 1929 were Golden Years for Germany as a result of the rapid economic recovery which enabled wages to increase and unemployment to fall within Germany, leading to an overall improvement in living standards altogether.
Explain why the years 1924 to 1929 were known as the ‘Golden Years’ for Germany. (12) Paragraph 2
P2: IMPROVED LIVING STANDARDS DUE TO WELFARE REFORMS.
E2: The Weimar government introduced a number of social reforms and increased spending on welfare for the unemployed, the elderly, and widows. Help for the unemployed was improved. The ‘Unemployment Insurance Act’ of 1927 was passed which introduced unemployment insurance for over 16 million workers. Workers paid 3% of their wages and in return were provided with 60 marks per week in benefits if they fell sick or couldn’t find work. Housing was also improved. By 1923 there was a shortage of 1 million homes in Germany. The government invested huge amounts in house-building and in 1925 the government introduced a new 15% ‘rent tax’ which was used to fund the creation of building associations. From 1925 to 1929 these new building associations built over 64,000 homes. In total, over 2 million homes were built, 200,000 were renovated, and overall homelessness was reduced by more than 60%. Finally, war veterans were also offered help. The Weimar government passed the ‘Reich Pension Law’ of 1920 which provided pensions for 750,000 war veterans, 400,000 war widows, and 200,000 parents of dead servicemen.
A2: Consequently, this explains that 1924 to 1929 were Golden Years for Germany as welfare reforms led to significant improvements in unemployment levels, housing and treatment of veterans, resulting in significant improvements in standards of living within Germany.
Explain why the years 1924 to 1929 were known as the ‘Golden Years’ for Germany. (12)
P3: NEW FREEDOMS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
A3: The Social Democrats (SPD) who came to power in 1918 believed in giving women the right to vote. In November 1918, in the very first week of the new Republic, the government gave women the vote and the right to stand for elections. The war had also helped change attitudes due to the contribution to the war made by many women. Women took full advantage of their new political rights. In the Weimar elections, the turnout of women voters were consistently over 90%. By 1926, 32 women had been elected to the Reichstag and almost 10% of members were female. The Weimar government also strengthened the rights of women. Article 109 of the new constitution gave women: equal rights with men; equality within marriage; and protection from discrimination in the workplace. Additionally, many women took advantage of new working opportunities and were able to gain financial independence for the first time.
A3: Consequently, this shows that the years 1924 to 1929 were Golden Years for Germany as changes to rights for women led to significantly improved freedoms and opportunities for women.
