Problems Facing the Weimar Government

Question 1

How was voting in Germany done?

Answer 1

By proportional representation.

Question 2

What was the problem with proportional representation?

Answer 2

It made it difficult to gain a majority, plus there was a large number of parties, so governments often formed in coalitions.

Question 3

What was wrong with the constitution?

Answer 3

They were not very popular. Many men who had been powerful under the Kaiser continued to wield influence, particularly in the army.

Question 4

How was the association with the treaty of Versailles bad for the Weimar government?

Answer 4

They were associated with something very unpopular. Viewed as traitors as they were the November criminals who signed the treaty.

Question 5

What happened when Germany fell behind in their repayments?

Answer 5

In January 1923 the French and Belgians sent troops into Germany’s main industrial area, the Ruhr, to seize raw materials in lieu. They were entitled to do this under the treaty.

Question 6

How did Germany respond to the entrance of the French?

Answer 6

They responded with a policy of passive resistance, refusing to work. This not only annoyed the French but it meant that Germany was not receiving any benefit from the things made in the Ruhr.

Question 7

How did the Germans decide to pay?

Answer 7

They printed more money which led to a sharp decline in the value of notes in circulation.

Question 8

In January 1919 how many marks could you get to the dollar?

Answer 8

14.

Question 9

In July 1919 how many marks could you get to the dollar?

Answer 9

39.5

Question 10

In January 1923 how many marks could you get to the dollar?

Answer 10

17,792.

Question 11

In July 1923 how many marks could you get to the dollar?

Answer 11

353,412.

Question 12

In September 1923 how many marks could you get to the dollar?

Answer 12

98,860,000.

Question 13

In November 1923 how many marks could you get to the dollar?

Answer 13

200,000,000,000

Question 14

What effect did hyperinflation have on workers?

Answer 14

They were often paid 2-3 times a day and rushed to spend what they had before prices went up.

Question 15

Why were there food shortages?

Answer 15

Farmers didn’t want to sell their food for worthless money.

Question 16

What showed how worthless money was?

Answer 16

Children used banknotes as building bricks.

Question 17

What were the good things about hyperinflation?

Answer 17

You could pay of debts very easily now and there some businesses which were sold off very cheaply.

Question 18

How were the middle class hit by inflation?

Answer 18

Savings became worthless, especially pensions. Those who lived on fixed incomes, such as landlords, were also hit.

Question 19

When was the crisis resolved?

Answer 19

By Stresemann when he took charge in late 1923.

Question 20

Why did the middle class willing to vote for extremists?

Answer 20

The middle class had been badly shaken so when the second economic crisis in 1929 struck they lost faith in the Weimar.

Question 21

What did the Munich Putsch show about the Weimar?

Answer 21

They were very lenient with him although he was going to do something illegal. Moreover many people agreed with Hitler so it made the Weimar look bad for sending him to prison.