Opposition, control and consent - Support for the Weimar Republic

Question 1

What political parties supported the Weimar constitution?

Answer 1

The SPD, Centre Party, DDP and DVP to varying degrees. SPD showed the most support.

Question 2

What percentage of people supported pro-Weimar parties in 1919, 1924 and 1928?

Answer 2

1919 - 80%
1924 - 49%
1928 - 76%. This shows support for democracy when Germany was stable

Question 3

What percentage of people supported the Nazis in 1928?

Answer 3

2.6%. This shows lack of support for extreme right wing parties.

Question 4

Give three other examples to show that people supported democracy.

Answer 4

• People in Saxony were happy when the communist government was removed in 1923.
• between 1924 and 1929 there were no attempts at putsches or political assassinations
• The Grand Coalition in 1928 commanded a secure majority in the Reichstag (60%)

Question 5

Who upheld the constitution despite his authoritarian past?

Answer 5

President Hindenburg

Question 6

What evidence is there that support for extremists still existed 1923-29?

Answer 6

A quarter of people voted for parties that wished to see Weimar democracy end: KPD(Communists) gained 10.6% of the vote in 1929.