Negative features of the (WEIMAR) government, 1924-1929 Flashcards
What is evidence of immature party politics?
. Newer political parties lacked the experience and did not know how to use the power that the new constitution gave them
. Did not co-operate well or make the compromises that coalition politics required
The SPD were often…
. Reluctant to co-operate with others
. Government were brought down by trivial issues, collapse of Luther’s 1926 administration over what the German flag should look like
What is evidence of unstable coalitions?
. Forming stable coalition governments proved difficult; debates over foreign policies and domestic policies
. Consequently 7 governments in this period 1923-29 and some governments did not have majority support in the Reichstag
Why was extremist support worrying?
. Support reduced but remained worryingly high
. One-quarter of people voting for parties that wished to see Weimar democracy end
. KPD only obtained 10.6% in 1928
Why was Hindenburg obstructive?
Reluctant to work with the SPD before 1928 - insisted that the far right DNVP be included in coalition - created division
How was agriculture effected?
In recession from 1927
How did Germany depend on the US?
. US loans promoted development and growth
. Effects of Wall Street Crash - meant Great Depression started to affect Germany as credit dried up and US sought repayment of loans
Why was unemployment problematic?
Did not fall below 1.3 million and levels were climbing before the impact of the Wall Street Crash
Evidence of economic weakness?
. Germany suffered from underinvestment
. German economy did not perform as well as comparable economies such as Britain and France
Why were social tensions still problematic?
Tensions remained high between workers and business owners - industrialists and business owners felt constitution favoured workers
