How Stable Were The Streseman Years? (the Golden Years) Flashcards
How did the SPD weaken the process of democracy?
They contradicted the process of representation. This reluctance of the SPD as made worse by the election of President Hindenburg who tried to exclude the SPD from government, this made political consensus unlikely.
Political stability: the SPD
Between 1924-1928 they resisted becoming involved in collation governments because collation with “bourgeois” parties would go against their beliefs.
Political stability: Hindenburg
Had a great influence in deciding who would be members of coalition governments and he made sure the SPD were not. This made effective coalitions difficult. Even when they were included, like in the Muller government of 1928, it wasn’t very successful because the DVP and the centre party shared Hindenburg’s reluctance.
Political stability: May 1928 election
Was a turning point as the left made considerable gains and the parties of the centre and right saw their share of vote drop. Thus the SPD was now prepared to form coalitions but political polarisation now meant that forming stable majority governments was impossible. Splinter parties became more popular.
Political stability: Muller’s government of 1928, the Grand coalition
Was eventually brought down because the SPD rejected the compromise of the centre party regarding unemployment. The inability of the parties to agree was indicative of a narrowing of their interests which caused voters to look for extreme parties, which would seem to represent their wider concerns.
It was economically stable: the Dawes plan, 1924
The plan agreed that the French would leave the Ruhr and the reparations could be paid over a longer period of time. Germany would also receive an international loan of 800 million marks to cover 4/5 of the reparations, this would help stimulate the economy.
Wasn’t economically stable: Dawes plan
Reichstag wouldn’t support it, there was trouble accepting that Germany would continue paying reparations. Collapse of SPD in the May 1924 elections made pushing through an agreement even harder. It was eventually passed due to the support of the DNVP.
Was economically stable: Young plan
Grand coalition was formed of DDP, DVP, centre and BVP. They aimed to pass it through. Germany was worried about paying higher annual reparations starting in 1929. The Young plan proposed increasing the time scale for payments, up to 1988. It proposed to reduce the annual figure from 2,500 million marks to 2,000 million. This plan was passed by the reichstag.
Wasn’t economically stable: Young plan
In 1929 leader of the DNVP formed the Reich committee for a referendum to oppose the Young plan. The committee won the support of anti republican groups, including NSDAP. The referendum was defeated and the young plan was eventually defeated and passed in 1930. It was overshadowed by the Wall Street crash.
Was economically stable: new currency
Introduction of the new currency, the rentenmark saw monetary stability and an end to hyperinflation.
Wasn’t economically stable: foreign capital
The influx of foreign capital had potential dangers. A downturn in the world economy would lead to the rapid withdrawal of investment.
Was economically stable: foreign capital
Influx of foreign capital, 25.5 billion marks was sent to Germany between 1924 and 1930. This led to the reconstruction of industry.
Wasn’t economically stable: growth rates in industry
Growth rates in industry did not mean that conditions increased at the same pace. This caused some polarisation of employers and employees.
Wasn’t economically stable: unemployment
Remained considerably high, in late 1928 those out of work stood at 3 million, 15% of the workforce.
There was social stability: article 119
This article of the constitution put family at the centre of German life. It became the responsibility of adults to make sure that they protect and nurture their children.
