Key Issue 2 - The Recovery of Weimar Flashcards
What was the period from 1924 to 1929 often called and why?
A golden age due to significant changes in culture, the standard of living and the position of women. However not all sections of society welcomed the social developments in the period.
In summary, what did Gustav Stresemann do?
He was able to work successfully with Britain, France and the USA to improve Germany’s economic and international position.
Outline the Dawes Plan.
In August 1924, Gustav Stresemann persuaded the French, British and Americans to change the payment terms of the reparations. The plan was accepted by Germany and the Allies and came into effect in September 1924.
State three terms of the Dawes Plan.
- réparations payments would begin at 1 billion marks for the first year and would increase over a period of four years to 2.5 billion marks per year; these payments were far more sensible and manageable and were based upon Germany’s capacity to pay
- the Ruhr area was to be evacuated by Allied occupation troops in 1925
- the German Reichsbank would be reorganised under Allied supervision
- the USA would give loans of 800 million marks to Germany to help its economic recovery
What was the Rentenmark?
In November 1923, Stresemann introduced a temporary currency called the Rentenmark. Gradually it restored the confidence of the German people in the currency. In the following year, the Rentenmark was converted into the Reichsmark, a new currency now backed by gold reserves.
What was the Young Plan?
Thé réparations figure was reduced from £6 billion to £1,850 million. The length of time Germany had to pay was extended to 59 years.
What was the extent of the recovery to businesses and the public?
Public works provided new stadiums, apartment blocks and opera houses. Big businesses had benefited from hyperinflation and had been able to pay off many of its debts and benefited from a period of industrial growth.
What was the extent of the recovery to workers?
Many workers were generally better off during this period as wages increased and the average working day remained at eight hours. Moreover there seemed to be better relations between workers and their employers, with fewer strikes. In addition, unemployment, which had risen to 9 million by 1926, fell to the 6 million mark over the following two years.
What was the cycle of payments?
The USA loaned money to Germany. Germany payed reparations to Britain and France. Britain and France payed back their war loans to USA.
What were the farmers’ situation in the 1920s?
They were affected by a worldwide depression in agriculture and needed to modernise in order to remain competitive on both the home and foreign markets. However, lack of profit led them into further debt and discouraged investment in new machinery.
Which class felt that their interests were being ignored by the Weimar Republic?
Thé lower middle class - they believed the Weimar Republic favoured big businesses.
What was the Locarno Pact?
Germany signed the Locarno Pact with Britain, France, Belgium and Italy in 1925, which meant the countries agreed to keep existing borders. It marked Germany’s return to the European international scene.
What was the League of Nations?
An international organisation established in 1920 to try to maintain peace. Germany was given a permanent seat on the council in September 1926.
When was the Kellog-Briand Pact signed and how many countries signed it?
In 1928
65 nations
What was agreed in the Kellog-Briand Pact?
That the countries would keep their armies for self défense and solve all international disputes ‘by peaceful means’
What were the results of Stresemann’s foreign policies?
- in 1925 France withdrew from the Ruhr
- the Allies agreed to the Dawes and the Young Plans
- in 1927 Allied troops withdrew from the West Bank of the Rhine, five years before schedule
Who was elected president in 1925?
Hindenburg, a war leader between 1914-1918
Which party won the majority of the votes between 1924 and 1929?
Social Democrats
What happened to extremist groups between 1924 and 1929?
They got less votes because of the economic recovery and successes abroad
How many members in the Reichstag did the Nazis have in:
a) May 1924
b) May 1928
a) 32
b) 12
Name three social developments that changed the standard of living during the Golden Age.
- wages
- housing
- unemployment insurance
- the position of women
- cultural changes
How did wages change in the Golden Age?
By 1928 there had been an increase in wages of over 10%, meaning Germany had some of the best paid workers in Europe.
What effect did wages have on the middle class?
Many had been bankrupted by the hyperinflation, but they didn’t really experience a rise in wages and couldn’t claim benefits. Even though unemployment fell, it stayed high amongst those who worked in professions, such as lawyers, civil servants and teachers.
How many middle-class workers were seeking employment in April 1928?
184000
