Part 3 : the recovery of Weimar Germany Flashcards
What caused the German economy to crash in 1923?
The French invasion of the Ruhr caused hyperinflation, rendering the German mark worthless.
When was Gustav Stresemann chancellor, and what key policy did he implement to stabilise the economy?
Stresemann was chancellor from August to November 1923. He introduced the Rentenmark to replace the worthless mark.
What were the Dawes Plan (1924) and Young Plan (1929)?
- Dawes Plan (1924): Reduced reparations to £50 million per year and secured US loans for Germany.
- Young Plan (1929): Reduced total reparations from £6.6 billion to £2 billion, extending the repayment period to 1988.
What was the Rentenmark, and why was it significant?
The Rentenmark, introduced in November 1923, replaced the mark at a rate of 1 Rentenmark = 1 trillion marks, stabilising the currency.
What were the key impacts of the Dawes Plan on Germany’s economy?
- $25 billion in loans from the USA
- 50% increase in industrial output between 1923 and 1928
- Improved trade and manageable reparations
What were the Locarno Treaties, and why were they important?
Signed in December 1925, the Locarno Treaties ensured peace between France and Germany, recognising Germany’s western borders and improving its international reputation.
When did Germany join the League of Nations, and what was the impact?
Germany joined in September 1926, boosting national confidence and gaining international respect, although some Germans opposed it due to its association with the Treaty of Versailles.
What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928)?
A pact signed by 62 nations, including Germany, agreeing to resolve disputes without war. It improved Germany’s image but did not remove military restrictions.
When did Stresemann win the Nobel Peace Prize, and why?
Stresemann won it in 1926 for his role in improving Franco-German relations.
What factors contributed to the cultural explosion in Weimar Germany?
- Freedom of expression under the Weimar Constitution
- Reaction to the First World War
- Economic recovery after 1924
- New technologies (radio and film)
- Government grants for the arts
Who was Walter Gropius, and what was the Bauhaus movement?
Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus movement in 1919, combining art and technology to create practical designs like the Einstein Tower.
What were key characteristics of Weimar Expressionist art?
Grotesque figures, violent scenes, and social criticism aimed at questioning society, with famous artists like Otto Dix and George Grosz.
What were the new musical styles popular in Weimar Germany?
Jazz and cabaret became popular, with figures like Josephine Baker and Eric Borchard leading the scene. Cabaret often featured political and sexual themes.
Name three iconic Weimar films and their significance.
- The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920): One of the first horror films with a twist ending.
- Nosferatu (1922): The first vampire film, directed by F.W. Murnau.
- Metropolis (1926): A sci-fi film about technology’s impact on society, directed by Fritz Lang.
What was All Quiet on the Western Front (1929) about, and who wrote it?
Written by Erich Maria Remarque, it was an anti-war novel depicting the horrors of World War I.
What was the political situation in Weimar Germany between 1924 and 1929?
There was increased stability, support for extremist parties fell, and no political assassinations occurred during this period.
What did the May 1928 election results show about extremist parties?
The Nazi party only won 12 seats in the Reischstag, indicating decreased support for extremism.
What were the arguments that Weimar did not politically recover?
- Extremist parties still existed
- The Weimar Constitution had flaws
- Six coalition governments were formed between 1924 and 1929, leading to difficulties in law making.
What were the main reactions to the ‘New Woman’ in Weimar Germany?
- Young women embraced new roles, focusing on careers and freedom.
- Conservatives and older generations saw it as a decline in moral values.
What was expressionism in Weimar art?
A movement using exaggerated, grotesque figures and violent imagery to make people question society.
Why did conservatives and extremists criticise Weimar art?
They believed it challenged traditional values and undermined authority, while communists saw it as a waste of resources.
How did Jazz influence Weimar music?
Jazz became popular among young Germans but was criticised by conservatives for being “non-German” and associated with black culture.
What was the role of cabaret in Weimar Germany?
Cabaret mixed music, dance, and comedy, often focusing on political and sexual themes, and became a symbol of Weimar liberalism.
What technological development revolutionised cinema in Weimar Germany?
The introduction of sound films (‘talkies’) in 1927.
Why is Metropolis (1926) significant in film history?
Directed by Fritz Lang, it was one of the first sci-fi films, focusing on the impact of technology on society and influencing later films like Star Wars.
What was the public reaction to liberalism in Weimar Germany?
- Young people embraced it as a form of self-expression and freedom.
- Older generations and conservatives viewed it as a sign of moral decline.
Who was Gustav Stresemann, and what were his main aims as chancellor?
He was chancellor for a brief period in 1923 and later served as foreign minister. His aims were to stabilise the currency, regain respect in Europe, and reduce support for extremist parties.
What was the significance of Stresemann’s foreign policy?
His policies improved Germany’s international relations, leading to the Locarno Treaties, Germany joining the League of Nations, and signing the Kellogg-Briand Pact.
When did Stresemann win the Nobel Peace Prize?
1926, for his efforts to improve Franco-German relations.
