Summary 5 - The collapse of the Grand Coalition

Question 1

Who became Chancellor in June 1928 and the leader of the Grand Coalition.

Answer 1

Muller

Question 2

When did the grand coalition collapse?

Answer 2

March 1930

Question 3

What were the aims of the Grand Coalition and Muller during his time as Chancellor?

Answer 3

To tackle the economic hardship caused by the Great Depression
To lower the rate of unemployment
Reduce the budget deficit and improve state finances by raising taxes and lowering government spending.

Question 4

What were the main actions of the Grand Coalition and Muller whilst he was in power?

Answer 4

The Young Plan was agreed - lowering the amount that Germany had to pay in reparations.

Question 5

In what ways were the Grand Coalition responsible for the collapse of democracy?

Answer 5

Their failure to deal with the economic impacts of the Great Depression significantly contributed to the fall of democracy. If they had dealt with the consequences of the Depression more effectively then people would not have turned their backs on democracy and voted for anti-democratic parties meaning the Nazi’s would not have been able to gain power.

Question 6

What was the main reason for the fall of the Grand Coalition?

Answer 6

The DNVP wanted to reduce unemployment benefits whereas the SPD wanted to raise taxes and and maintain a high level of government help. The government was effectively in deadlock forcing Muller to resign.

Question 7

In what ways were the Grand Coalition responsible for bringing Hitler into power?

Answer 7

Their failure to deal with the consequences of the Great Depression made many voters turn their back on democracy and vote for anti-democratic parties instead, with the belief that parties such as the Nazi’s would be able to help the economy recover