Overcoming challenges to the democratic constitution, 1918-29

Question 1

What happened to soldiers at the end of the war

Answer 1

trained soldiers recruited by private armies, unstable political situation


Republic had lukewarm support from the right.

Question 2

summary of challenges

Answer 2

• lots of parties
• shifts in party members; confusing for voters
• proportional representation
• impossible to have majority in the Reichstag
• Article 48: President to rule by degree in ‘emergency’

Question 3

overcoming economic challenges and undoing ToV

Answer 3

economy was recovering and agreements made to undo some ToV terms
Stressmann encouraged parties to work together as Germany needed a ‘great coalition’

Question 4

Who was Stressemann

Answer 4

Stressmann was chancellor in 1923 and foreign minister until 1929. Held coalition of DVP, Centre Party, SPD and DDP

Question 5

what did Stressemann do

Answer 5

stabilised economy and social conditions, people began accepting government, reduced support for extremists, coalitions changed less often