history: weimar germany Flashcards
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what was the stab in the back myth
The german army already resented the new government and were loyal to the kaiser - making rebellions more likely, The germans felt that they had been ‘stabbed in the back.’ This was due to the government surrendering in 1918
Made the treaty unpopular as germany was deprived from resources and the government had given up on them and the fight and delibarately betrayed them and the german army
describe the territorial terms that the germans had to face due to the treaty of versallies
The treaty had disadvantaged the germans of large wealth earning areas such as coalfields of silesia and the rich agriculture of silesia
describe the financial terms that the germans had to face due to the treaty of versailles
The treaty stated that coal from the saar reigon was to be goven to France for 15 years for reparations. Germans had to pay reparations of £6.6 billion and had to pay for merchant ships that had been sunk by german submarines. Cattle and sheep also had to be given to france and belgium for reparations.
why was there an economic crisis by 1923 in germany (debt from the treaty)
The germans had to pay reparation of £6.6 billion. However, they were unable to do this as the treaty confiscated wealth earning areas including the saar and upper silesia. They lost 50% of iron and 15% of coal. The german economy was crippled with debt and unable to afford the demands dictated by the treaty. It was left without key industrial areas that would have helped it to rebuild after the war
why was there an economic crisis by 1923 in germany (loss of resources and industry)
This was due to the french occupation of the Ruhr. Germany had failed to send coal to france and as a punishment, french troops invaded the ruhr, an industrial heartland and confiscated machinery goods. The german government could not send troops as they only had an army of 100,000 men and many people lost their jobs during this occupation. Led to economic crisis because the occupation caused german unemployment and meant the ruhr exported fewer goods. This created a cycle of economic decline and reinforced frustrations with the weimar republic for being too lenient on the french occupation
why was there an economic crisis by 1923 in germany (hyperinflation)
shortage of goods led to increasing prices and the german population were unable to afford these prices. The government printed more money to pay off debts. This diluted the value of the currency and created a cycle of hyperinflation where money became worthless. This caused a crisis because the german currency had no value and the population struggled to afford goods whilst prices continued to rocket. Millions of germans lost their life savings and foreign businesses stopped importing goods to germany. Hyperinflation only enhanced deep resentment towards the republic
what was the rentenmark
It was the new currency bought into germany, which was more stable and worth value as it was linked to gold. More trusted by the german population
what was the dawes plan
the reparations for the treaty of versailles were halved to £50 million a year and the US banker charles dawes arranged loans to help germany recover. Therefore, international trade increased and unemployment fell as the industry was able to take on more workers
what was the young plan
This was further amendments made to the reparations meaning the debt was given an extension of 59 years and was reduced to £2 billion. Therefore, this led to the support of 85% of the population and allowed the stability of the Republic to thrive
