The Stresemann era: foreign policy achievements

Question 1

Why was foreign relations important?

Answer 1

• Weimar republic had built confidence
• German domestic reasons - would strengthen the Weimar government
• Would weaken support for extremist parties eg. communists
• Bring trade benefits for Germany - improved foreign relation with Britain and France
• Status of Germany - before they were outsiders (pariahs)

Question 2

What were the Locarno Treaties (1925)?

Answer 2

• Germany signs the treaties
  
  • Germany accepts the western borders set out in the ToV
  • Improves relation with Britain, France and the US
  • Enables the ending of the Ruhr occupation
  • Leads to membership of the League of Nations
  • However stays silent on the Eastern borders (Future disagreements)
  • Extremists eg. NSDAP see this as weak and accepting the ToV

Question 3

When and how did Germany become a member of the league of Nations?

Answer 3

• Becomes a member in 1926
• Linked to signing of the Locarno Treaties
  
  • Boosts the Weimar government because Germany is no longer seen as a pariah
  • Improves relations particularly with Britain and France
  • To extremists it was associated with ToV
  • See this as weakening Germany as its dealing with its enemies (Britain and France)

Question 4

What was the Kellogg Briand Pact (1928)?

Answer 4

• With 60 other countries
  
  • Signals war will not be used to deal with disputes
  • Signifies Germany’s status and boosts foreign relations
  • Extremists thinks it weakens Germany