The Weimar Republic - A Golden Era Flashcards
What increased ahead of inflation?
Wages
When had heavy industry recovered to 1913 pre-war levels by?
1928
Unemployment remained below what throughout the golden era? (Percentage)
10%
There was a lot of what and a lack of what in terms of investment, and why?
Large foreign investment, lack of internal German investment. Due to war bonds - Germans lost trust in government economically.
What rose by 40% in the golden era?
Exports.
What became commonplace in German business and what benefit did it have?
Cartels - it made costs of goods lower.
IG Farben became the biggest manufacturer in Europe of what?
Chemicals.
In the golden era the government started the biggest social welfare scheme of it’s kind - when and what was it?
1927 - compulsory unemployment insurance. It covered 17 million workers.
Despite an economic recovery, what persisting problem did the government have and why?
Balance of payments problem - due to exports still being lower than imports, despite increases.
What big persistent problem in government did the Republic carry through from the Crisis Years and why?
Coalition governments, due to proportional representation.
Who was made president in 1925 and why?
Hindenburg - because Ebert died suddenly.
What was the problem with Hindenburg being President?
He was a nationalist - he didn’t sympathise at all for the Republic’s socialist values.
What significant events happened in government in 1928? (Two things)
Müller’s Grand Coalition - significant because it had a 60% majority. The SPD also took part in government, they hadn’t done so since 1922.
Who was the Foreign Minister from 1923-1929?
Gustav Stresemann.
What was the Dawes Plan and when was it?
The revision of the Treaty of Versailles - it allowed Germany to pay it’s reparations according to it’s financial ability for the next 5 years. Occurred in 1924.
