Opposition and control Flashcards
Which treaty led to political discontent and opposition?
The Treaty of Versailles
Why was the Weimar government always going to have trouble controlling opposition?
- came to power through revolution and was trying to set up a new liberal democracy
- right wing groups wanted strong government
- left wing felt WR was not radical enough
- Democracy meant people free to criticize government
Give examples of left wing uprisings
Spartacists
communist uprisings in Bavaria (1919), Saxony and Thuringia (1923)
How did the government put down left wing uprisings?
The army and/or Freikorps
What was Reichsexekution?
a takeover by the federal government and army until the Weimar government could be put back in place (used in Saxony)
Why did the spartacists want to overthrow the government in 1919?
The government had dismissed the police chief of Berlin who was a radical USPD member (communist)
what did the spartacists do, and what happened in their revolt?
Armed workers took over buildings like newspaper offices in Berlin. Freikorps easily crushed the rebellion and executed the leaders
Name two right wing uprisings
Kapp Putsch 1920
Munich Putsch 1923
Describe the events of the Kapp Putsch
- Wolfgang Kapp and Freikorps leaders wanted to overthrow the government. They supported Ludendorff.
- Took over Berlin on 12 March 1920 and proclaimed a new government
- Trade unions did not support this so carried out a general strike. Four days after the strike, the Kapp government fell
When did Hitler carry out the Munich Putsch?
November 1923
Who supported the Munich Putsch?
The Nazis and Ludendorff
Although seemingly a failure, how could the Putsch be seen as a success for Hitler?
- Got publicity at his trial
- wrote mein Kampf in prison
- Hitler realised that he should attempt power by legal means
What was the Ebert-Groener pact (1918)?
Pact between Ebert and army leader
said army would support gov as long as gov opossed left wing parties in the Reichstag
What agreement was made between Ebert and the trade unions in 1918?
Stinnes-Legien agreement
for their support, Ebert would pass laws on working hours and union representation
Which rebellions were easiest for the WR to put down?
Left wing, as the army and Freikorps could be used
How many political assassinations were there 1919-22?
376 assassinations
326 went unpunished
suggests lack of support for Democracy
How many governments were there 1923-29?
7
some didn’t have a majority in Reichstag, making it difficult to pass laws
What political parties supported the W constitution?
SPD
centre party, DDP, DVP
What percentage of people supported pro-Weimar parties in 1919, 1924 and 1928?
1919- 80%
1924 - 49%
1928 - 76%
(more support when G is stable)
What percentage of people supported the Nazis in 1928>
2.6%
Lack of support for extreme right wing parties
Give examples that show that people supported democracy
- People in Saxony were happy when communist gov was removed in 1923
- No Putsches or political assassinations 1924-29
- Grand Coalition 1928 commanded secure majority (60%) in Reichstag
Who upheld the constitution despite their authoritarian past?
President Hindenburg
What evidence is there that support for extremists still existed 1923-29?
A quarter of people voted for parties that wished to see W democracy end e.g. KPD
