Stresemann's Foreign Policy Achievements

Question 1

Why was Stresemann determined to improve relations with Britain and France?

Answer 1

• Doing so would improve Germany’s international prestige

- It would allow him to gain co-operation in reducing the worst features of the ToV (particularly reparations)

Question 2

Which countries signed the Locarno Treaties in 1925?

Answer 2

Germany, Britain, France, Belgium and Italy

Question 3

What was agreed in the Locarno Treaties?

Answer 3

That Germany, Belgium and France would all keep their existing (post-WWI) borders

Question 4

Why were the Locarno Treaties significant?

Answer 4

They marked Germany’s return to the European international scene and begun a period of co-operation (sometimes described as the ‘Locarno Honeymoon’)

Question 5

When did Germany join the League of Nations?

Answer 5

September 1926

Question 6

Why was it important for Germany to be part of the League of Nations?

Answer 6

It needed to join in order for the Locarno Treaties to come into effect.

Question 7

Why was Germany’s role in the League of Nations significant?

Answer 7

It confirmed Germany’s return to ‘Great Power’ status and brought Stresemann considerable prestige

Question 8

In what year was the Kellogg-Briand Pact signed?

Answer 8

1928

Question 9

What was agreed in the Kellogg-Briand Pact?

Answer 9

• That the 65 countries who signed it (including Germany) would only use their armies for self-defence and solve all international dispute ‘by peaceful means’

Question 10

What other foreign policy successes did Stresemann achieve?

Answer 10

• In 1925, France withdrew from the Ruhr
• the Allies agreed to the Dawes and Young Plan
• In 1927, Allied troops withdrew from the west bank of the Rhine (five years ahead of schedule)

Question 11

Who became President in 1925 and why was this significant?

Answer 11

President Hindenburg - a key German war leader. This was significant as it seemed to show that the old conservative order now accepted the Republic

Question 12

Overall, how can the period between 1924 and 1929 be summarised?

Answer 12

As one of greater political stability and the restoration of international prestige to Germany as a result of Stresemann’s successes

Question 13

How many seats did the Nazis win in May 1928?

Answer 13

12 (down from 32 in May 1924)