POLITICAL GOLDEN AGE Flashcards
What was the result of the elections in 1924 and 1928?
The SPD against seats in each of these three elections and remain the largest single party support
for the centre party declined slightly between 1924 and 28
the KPD lost seats in December 1924 but made some gains in 1928.
DNVP remained the largest party on the national list right wing
The Nazi party support throughout the period.
How many coalition governments were there between November 1923 and June 1928?
Seven coalition cabinets, however despite being the largest party, the SPD was not part of most of these coalitions
What happened in June 1928?
The formation of the Grand coalition led by Muller of the SPD seem to offer the prospect of more broadly based stable coalition government. It lasted nearly 2 years.
Why did Parliamentary democracy not really work?
There were fractional rivalries within parties
parties represented narrow sectional interests and none therefore were able to speak for the wider national interest
We were the communist party (KPD) ?
Believed in revolutionary over the threat of political system
large working class following industrial areas but never a mass party
policies and tactics dictated by the Soviet union
concentrated on attacking SPD thus dividing working class
Who are the social Democratic party (SPD) ?
Largest party throughout period
a reform socialist party but still used old revolutionary rhetoric
links to trade unions which provide the support
What was the centre party?
Represented interests of Catholic Church in Germany
appeal to Catholics of all classes
involved in all coalition and cabinets throughout this period
Who are the German Democratic party (DDP) ?
Liberal pro Republican party
main support base amongst academics and professional groups
Who were the German peoples party (DVP)?
Pro Republican
participated in all coalition governments
Main support came from industrial
The German national peoples party (DNVP) ?
Anti-democratic monarchist and nationalist
traditionally represented conservative landowners
Who were the German national socialist workers party (NSDAP) ?
Led by Hitler
Ultra nationalist open the anti-Semitic and anti-democratic
change tactics of the Munich beer hall
1929 campaign against young plan opportunity to become a national party
What were the strengths of Hindenburg as president?
He was a former military commander which reassured conservatives that the government of the Republic was in safe hands. He respected the constitution and didn’t abuse his powers
wanted national unity.
What were the negatives of Hindenburg as president?
Fundamentally a monarchist and antidemocratic
became increasingly impatient with party Political rivalries was prepared to use article 48.
What are the attitudes to the Republic from elites and other social groups?
The older elites have been hostile to the Republic from the beginning the election gave them some reassurance.
The middle class was diverse and not universally hostile to the Republic
Working class voters especially members of trade unions supported SPD and valued democratic freedoms.
