Impact of the Depression 1929 - political impact Flashcards
The strains on the political system caused by the Depression had consequences such as ?
Caused the collapse of the Grand Coalition
Provided an opportunity for the parties of the extreme left and right.
Led to an intensification of political violence.
What was the Grand Coalition ?
Grand Coalition was one of the most broadly based governments - representing five political parties from the SPD on the left to the moderate right wing in the DVP.
What caused the Grand Coalition to split / disagree ?
Unemployment soared and the rising cost of unemployment benefit placed a severe strain on state finances.With falling tax revenues adding to the problem - state budget was in serious deficit.
What did the right ( the DVP ) want to do ?
Wanted to reduce unemployment benefits
What did the left ( the SPD ) want to do ?
SPD wanted to protect the level of benefits of benefits and raise taxes.
In March 1930, Muller resigned, who was his successor ?
His successor was Heinrich Bruning ( appointed by Hindenburg )
Who influenced Hindenburg’s appointment of Burning ?
General Groener and General Kurt von Schleicher ( Groener’s political adviser ) .Their role in the appointment was an indication that the army had begun to play a ky role in politics.
What did Bruning do that was significant ?
Bruning’s coalition excluded the SPD , the largest party in the Reichstag , which meant that his government did not have enough support in the Reichstag to pass laws.
Significance of no government having a majority support in the Reichstag ?
Governments had to rely on presidential decree. Even before Hitler was appointed Chancellor in January 1933 and began to establish a Nazi Dictatorship, this shows that Weimar democracy was effectively dead in the water.
