Political Developments And The Working Of Democracy

Question 1

Attitudes to the republic from the elites and other social groups

Answer 1

Old elites had been hostile to the republic from the beginning

Middle class was diverse and not universally hostile to the republic. Those who had lost savings and did not share in prosperity of the golden age remained hostile

Most working class voters especially trade union members supported the SPD and valued democratic freedoms and social benefits of the period

Question 2

When did Hindenburg become president

Answer 2

Nineteen twenty five

Question 3

Positive effects of the election of Hindenburg

Answer 3

Positive
He was a former military commander and his election reassured conservative that the government of the republic was in safe hands

After his election he repeated the Weimar constitution and did not abuse his powers

He appealed to the political parties to work with him

Question 4

Negative effects of the election of Hindenburg

Answer 4

Was fundamentally and monarchists and anti democratic

He became increasingly fly impatiens with party political rivalries and was prepared to used article fourty eight to bypass the reichstag

Question 5

When were the two elections

Answer 5

Nineteen twenty four

Nineteen twenty eight

Question 6

Why did the pro republican parties fail to engage and represent concerns of the ordinary voters

Answer 6

Under proportional representation system deputies chosen from party list so no direct connection between deputies and constituents

Factional rivalries within parties

Forming coalitions invitably involved the parties in making compromises in their principles

Question 7

Main topics included in political developments and the working of democracy

Answer 7

Reichstag elections and coalition governments

Development of political parties

Election of hindenberg as president

Attitudes to the republic from the elites and other social groups