Impact Of The Depression

Question 1

What was the impact of the depression on Weimar government?

Answer 1

The grand coalition collapsed as parties disagreed over unemployment benefits

Subsequent governments lacked reichstag support and there were 4 chancellors between 1928-33

Question 2

What evidence is there that the German political system became more authoritarian after 1929?

Answer 2

Chancellors relies extensively on emergency presidential decrees rather than on parliamentary government.

There were 44 emergency decrees in 1933

Question 3

What evidence is there of increase in politically motivated violence?

Answer 3

During July 1932 election there were 461 riots in Prussia in which a number of people died.

Street violence added to air of instability in Germany and served to increase propelled discontent

Question 4

Name 3 reasons why Weimar democracy failed

Answer 4

1. There was hostility from Germany’s elites
2. Ongoing economic problems
3. Limits popular supports