Nature of the Weimar Republic and the Political, Social, and Economic Challenges Flashcards
What was the Weimar Republic, and when was it established?
A democratic government created in 1919 after Kaiser Wilhelm II’s abdication.
What voting system did the Weimar Constitution use, and why was it problematic?
Proportional representation, which led to fragmented parliaments and unstable coalitions.
What was Article 48, and why was it significant
Allowed the President to rule by decree in emergencies, enabling authoritarian control and later exploited by Hitler.
Which groups posed threats to the Weimar Republic from the political left and right?
The far-left (Communists, Spartacists) and the far-right (Freikorps, Nazis).
How did proportional representation affect Weimar politics?
It led to fractured parliaments and unstable coalitions, complicating governance.
Why was the Treaty of Versailles a political challenge for the Weimar Republic?
Germans resented the treaty’s harsh terms and blamed the Weimar leaders for signing it, labeling them “November Criminals.”
Name two major uprisings that threatened the Weimar Republic.
The Spartacist Uprising (1919) and the Kapp Putsch (1920).
How did WWI veterans impact Weimar society?
Veterans faced unemployment and mental health struggles, with many joining the paramilitary Freikorps.
What was the “stab-in-the-back” myth, and how did it affect the Weimar Republic?
A belief that civilian leaders betrayed the military, fueling distrust in Weimar politicians.
How did the cultural changes of the “Golden Twenties” impact Weimar society?
Progressive arts and lifestyle shifts led to social divides, with traditionalists viewing these changes as immoral.
How did reparations payments affect Germany’s economy?
Reparations drained resources, creating a budget deficit and making Germany reliant on foreign loans.
What caused the 1923 hyperinflation crisis in Germany?
Printing excessive money to pay reparations, causing the German mark to lose value drastically.
What was the Dawes Plan, and why was it important for Germany?
A U.S.-backed plan in 1924 to stabilize Germany’s economy through loans, making Germany dependent on foreign aid.
How did the Great Depression impact the Weimar Republic?
The 1929 economic collapse led to mass unemployment and poverty, reducing faith in Weimar’s economic policies.
