Topic 1 -Weimar Flashcards
What was German leadership pre WW1
Kaiser was an empower who ruled the Second Reich. He chose and sacked ministers, declared war and controlled foreign policy
What was the German economy like pre WW1
Rapidly growing, in 30 years international trade quadrupled and between 1880-1913 coal production increased by 400%
What was the German military like pre WW1
Trying to compete with GBs navy and build Dreadnoughts to combat Britain building one. 1864-71 military might of Prussia defeated France and Austria to create an empire, Army grew by over 200,000 in 10 years
Human impact WW1
2 million Germans died and 4 million were wounded out of 11 million
Financial cost on Germany WW1
Trebled governments debt from 50 billion to 150 billion marks
What impact did food shortages have on Germany after WW1 (4 points)
-British navy prevented ships bringing food to Germany
-750,000 Germans died from shortages
-After farmers drafted 50% of milk and 60% of meat produced at end of the war
-Potato supply ran out in the Winter of 1916-17
How were attitudes changed after WW1
-War experience made German bitter and angry, looked for someone to blame for the defeat
-During Autumn 1918 unreal spread and locals set up soldiers and workers councils to take over cities
How did opposition change in Germany after WW1
-Increased but not tolerated and group leaders imprisoned
-7th Nov 1918 Munich workers declared general strike and protested by announcing they were separate from the rest of Germany
When and who formed a new government
October 1918 formed by Prince Max of Boden
Why did the Kaiser have no choice but to abdicate
-Navy refused to follow orders
-General strike/protest in Munich
-War could not end till the Kaiser was out of power
-Lost support of army
-Lost support of the German people and government
Why could the war not end until the Kaiser abdicated
When Prince Max approached Woodrow Wilson about ending the war Wilson said he would not discuss peace terms with Germany until the Kaiser and military were out of power
After the Kaiser abdicated who become Chancellor, and who did that Chancellor give his power to.
-Prince Max became chancellor
-Gave his power to Friedrich Ebert (Leader of the Social Democratic Party)
On the 10th November 1918 what did the Chancellor and army agree
Ebert made an agreement with the General Groener that the army would work with the government to keep the communists out of power
What was the Council of People’s Representatives
Group of 6 politicians chosen by Ebert who would head government till a new constitution was constructed.
When were elections held for the Constituent Assembly and what was their purpose
19th January 1919 to create a new constitution
What is a coalition government
A government made up of different parties when none had a majority
Why was there a coalition government
The Social Democratic only had 40% votes rather than majority vote which was 50%
Why was the Weimar Republic given its name
The constitution was agreed on in the town of Weimar due to unrest/violence in Berlin
Name Democratic features of the Weimar Republic (2)
-President elected every 7 years
-Men and women over 20 can vote
Name undemocratic features of the Weimar Republic (3)
-President was supreme commander of the army
-Presidents could dismiss and and call new elections
-Article 48 : President can make laws without gov support
Why was Article 1 a strength for the Weimar constitution
-Confirmed Germany was a democracy
-Stated that political authority derives from the people
Why was proportional representation a strength for the Weimar constitution
-Meant the smaller parties had a fair share of seats in the Reichstag. If a party won 10% of votes it was given 10% of seats.
How was the constitution constructed so no person/group could have too much power
Under normal circumstances laws could only be made if the majority of the Reichstag and Reichsrat voted for them
Why was Article 48 a weakness for the German constitution
-It said in a crisis the president could pass a law by decree without the support of the reichstag.
-By 1930 this was regularly relied on by the chancellor, giving him and the president too much power
-Gives president more power than the people therefore is an undemocratic feature
How was voting changed in the Weimar Government
The age was reduced from 25 to 20 and women now able to vote on same terms as men
Why were Coalition governments a weakness to the Weimar constitution
They often argued and fell apart. Between 1919-23 there were 9 different coalition governments showing a lack of political stability.
Why was local governments retaining some power a strength
-Each of the 18 regions of Germany kept its own local government called a land.
-This controlled key services such as police, courts and schools.
How did Ebert work to win over further support for the new government
-Allowing civil servants and judiciary who had worked under the Kaiser to keep their jobs
-Reassuring nationalist leaders of industry that they could keep control of their business
-Promising trade unions that at an 8 hour day working would be introduced
When was the Treaty of Versailles signed
28th June 1919
What were the 14 points in relation to the Treaty of Versailles
-Woodrow Wilson had 14 points to guide negotiations of TOV.
-1 point was to move away from empires, therefore the German people would stay being ruled by Germany
Who wanted Germany to have a really harsh punishment from the TOV and why?
Clemenceau, the French Prime Minister. This is because most fighting was done in France and they needed money to help rebuild. Also second time being invaded by Germany in the last 50 years.
What is Germany told will happen if the TOV wasn’t signed and how did the German people react
They were told if it wasn’t signed they would go back to war.
The German people were shocked and upset.
Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany
-Lost 13% of land
-Lost huge portion of its colonies
-Had to pay a lot of reparations
What did Article 231 in the TOV state
Said Germany was the only blame for WW1, therefore they had to take all of the punishments
TOV Terms that affected Land areas in Germany - Alsace, Posen and Eupen
-Alsace Lorraine returned to France
-Posen and West Prussia lost to Poland, putting 1 million Germans under Polish rule. Also divided Germany in two, cutting off East Prussia from the rest of the country
-Eupen and Malmedy were lost to Belgium
TOV Terms that affected land areas in Germany - Plebiscites,
-Plebiscites had to take place in upper areas to see whether they should leave Germany. Upper Silesia voted to become part of Poland and Northern Schleswig voted to become part of Denmark
TOV Terms that affected land areas in Germany Colonies, Saar and Danzig
-The output of the rich Saar coalfields went to France for 15 years
-11 German colonies in Africa and Far East given to victorious countries
-German port of Danzig was made an international city (not gov by Germany)
TOV terms that affected the army (5)
-The Rhineland, land which bordered France, was demilitarised
-Army limited to 100,000 men
-Navy limited to 6 battleship + no submarines
-No air force
-No tanks, armoured cars or heavy artillery allowed
TOV terms that affected money
-Germany had to pay reparations of £6.6 billions to the allies
-Cattle and sheep given to France and Belgium as reparations
What does “Dolchstoss” mean and how does this relate to TOV
A stab in the back, the treaty was considered to be a betrayal to the army who had not yet lost the war, and had been screwed by the politicians.
Diktat meaning and relation to TOV
A dictation, as the terms were not agreed on by Germany as they weren’t allowed to influence them
Who were the Spartacists
-Radical Communist group led by Rosa Luxembourg and Karl Libknecth
-Formed German Communist Party after 16 spartacists killed after demonstration against the gov
-Backed by Soviet union and had 400,000 members
Who were the Kapp Putsch protesters
-People who wanted Germany to have strong army and industry
-Looked back at Kaisers Gov with pride
-5000 supporters
What caused the Spartacist Uprising
-In Jan 1919 Ebert sacked police chief popular with workers, causing 11,000 to protest in the streets.
-Unrest after war and success of the Bolshevik revolution hoped they could bring around their own Communist revolution
Causes of the Kapp Putsch
-Weimar announces measures to reduce army and disband the Freikorps
-Uproar in Berlin + Freikorps not complying
-Army in Berlin supporting the Putsch + leading Berlin politician in setting up right wing gov
Events of the Spartacist Uprising
-Freikorps and army fully equipped with modern weaponry
-Crushed within days
-Thousands of workers occupied buildings, organised strikes and created workers council
-Luxembourg and Liebknecht murdered
Events of the Kapp Putsch
-Kapp tried to escape country but hunted and imprisoned
-rest of Rebels not punished (including 400 Reichswehr officers)
-Army refused to stop Putsch as they would not fire at other soldiers
-Gov called for a strike which brought the capital to a halt
What challenge did Spartacist revolt cause of the Weimar
-Showed gov was reliant on army and Freikorps to maintain control and neither of them supported the government
What challnges did the Kapp Putsch create for the government
-Revealed Weimar was weak as they relied on the people after Reichswehr didn’t comply
-Lack of punishment showed right wing leaning judges who weren’t acting in interests of moderate gov
What did the extreme left-wing want in Germany
-Germany to be controlled by the people
-Opposed capitalism and wanted private ownership of land and businesses abolished and given to workers
What did the extreme right wing want in Germany
-Return to strong gov with strong army and powerful leader
-Suppirted capitalism
-Traditional values
-Trended to place nations interest over individuals
Why did the moderate parties struggle after June 1920 elections
-Only had 45% of seats, as extremist parties had around 20% each.
-They struggled to form majority coalitions,
-meanwhile being attacked in the Reichstag by extremist politicians
How many political murder between 1919-22 and who was punished
-Estimated 376 (2 of leading ministers)
-1921- Erzberger leader of Centre Party and TOV signatory
-1922 Rathenau Foreign minister killed by Freikorps.
-354 murders carried out by right yet none sentenced to death, in comparison to 10 left wingers who were.
How did political parties try to protect themselves from political violence
-They recruited ex-soldiers to guard meetings
-KDP has Red Front Fighters
-DNVP had the Steel Helmets
What happened when Germany failed to pay reperations
-Told France and Belgium in December 1922 they can’t pay coal reparations so France and Belgium March into Ruhr, which contains 80% of all German coal, to confiscate the coal and machinery
How does the German Gov react to Occupation of the Ruhr
Cannot send army due to it only being 100,000 because of TOV.
Encourages passive resistance which tells the workers in the Ruhr to go on strike, meaning some were arrested by the French
How were the French viewed after their treatment of workers during occupation of Ruhr
Germany are furious with them, as they killed over 100 workers.
Workers viewed as heroes.
What were the results of the occupation of Ruhr
-Unemployment rate went up
-Shortage of goods as Ruhr was their main industry area
-Prices increasing faster than wages are
How did gov respond to the lack of goods and increasing prices after occupation of Ruhr
Printed more money as they didn’t receive as many taxes
What was the series of events that caused hyperinflation
unemployment > fewer taxes > prices up > more money printed > money loses value > workers sacked
Example of hyperinflation
In 1919 1 stamp was equal to 1 mark
In 1923 1 stamp was equal to 22 million marks
How did hyperinflation have a negative effect on people with savings
-Their saved money became worthless
-Middle class worse effected
How did hyperinflation negatively impact people on fixed incomes
-Pensioners or students or the sick found that their incomes didn’t keep up with prices rising
How were farmers positively impacted by hyperinflation
-Serious food shortages led to a ride in prices, and when they’re high prices people still need to buy food.
-Farmers benefitted from higher prices
How were the working class negatively impacted by hyperinflation
Those with a wage were safe as they were renegotiated daily. However they struggled to keep up with rising prices and normal living became impossible.
-People had to carry bundles of money in baskets or even wheelbarrows. Many workers were paid twice a day so they could rush out and buy goods before prices rose further
Some shops refused money and asked for payment in kind instead
How did hyperinflation positively impact foreigners
-Found they had a huge advantage as they could exchange rollers or pounds for millions of marks and could afford things normal Germans could not
How was the Weimar Government negatively affected by hyperinflation
Uprisings at any chance to take power from the Gov. Communists took over parts of Germany such as Saxony and the Rhineland, and Nazis attempted a Putsch in Munich.
Failed due to gov force and lack of public support. Most blamed Weimar but wanted stability not upheaval at the end of 1923
Why did people in debt benefit from the hyperinflation
-Found it was very easy to pay off what they owed, businessmen and lands owners were groups who benefited from this.
How did Stresemann help economic recovery with the Rentenmark
-Gov could stop printing money to pay the strikers and rentenmark gave the currency value again.
-German people prepared to spend money again and foreign countries would trade with Germany again. Goods shortages improved as a results
What was the problem with marks and what was Stresemanns response
-Hyperinflation destroyed value of the mark
-In September he ended Ruhr strike and introduced the Rentenmark in limited amounts based on property values rather than gold reserves. Later converted into Reichsmark backed by gold reserves.
What was the economic problem before the Dawes Plan and US loans
Germany couldn’t afford to pay the reparations
How did Stresemann respond to Germany not being able to pay reparations
-The Dawes Plan : Reduced reparation payments as for five years they paid less
-US gave loans to help recover almost $3 billions
-Ruhr evacuated by allied troops
How did the Dawes Plan and US loans improve the economy
-Germany had more manageable reparations and US loans helped to pay them
-US loans were used to fund public schemes and support businesses, therefore creating jobs
What was the economic plan before the Young Plan
German gov regularly complained about level payments
What was Stresemanns response - The Young Plan
-Figure reduced from £6.6 billion to £1.85billion
-Now had 59 years to pay with avg. £2.05 billion marks per year
How did The Young Plan improve the economy
Reparations were more manageable as the total was reduced and they had a longer period to pay it
This meant the gov could reduce taxes which increased peoples spending power stimulating further economic growth.
How was Germanys reliance on US loans a limitation of economic recovery
-The loans could be withdrawn at any time.
-Stresemann said in 1929 ‘The economic position is only flourishing on the surface, Germany is in fact dancing on a volcano. If the short-term loans are called in by America, a large section of our economy would collapse’
How was unemployment a limitation on the German economic recovery
-More jobs being created at first led to a fall in unemployment
-But as a whole it increased throughout the period due to the growing population
How were workers a success in relation to the economic recovery
-They were generally better off during this period as wages increased.
-Improved conditions and state arbitration meant fewer strikes
How was the lower middle class a limitation on the extent of the German economic recovery
-Occupations such as skilled craftsmen or small businesses did not fully recover from hyperinflation and felt ignored by the gov who seemed to favour big businesses
How was the right wing a limitation on the economic recovery of Germany
-Opposition to Stresemann economic policies. Young Plan was a considerable achievement but right wing politicians like Adolf Hitler and industrialists like Fritz Thyssen severely criticised further payment of reparations, which they believed shouldn’t be paid at all and extending it to 1988 only passed the burden to the next generation
How were public work schemes successes in relation to the german economic recovery
-US loans could be used to fund public work schemes, including houses and stadiums, these created more jobs.
How was farming a limitation in relation to the German economic recovery
-They experienced problems throughout the 1920s especially after 1927 as they needed to modernise to compete with foreign markets, and were affected by worldwide depression in agriculture. The production did not return to pre-war levels.
How was industry a success in relation to the German economic recovery
-Industrial production doubled and surpassed pre-war levels with more jobs and trade as a result gov income from taxation also increased
What was the Locarno Pact
-Stresemann wanted to improve relations with France and Britain to lighten TOV terms
-The pact agreed to keep existing borders between Belgium, France and Germany. This began a period of cooperation between Germany, France and Britain
When did Germany return to the League of Nations and why was it significant
-Given a permanent seat on the council in September 1926
-Significant because confirmed Germanys return to great power and gained prestige for Stresemann
What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact and why was it significant
-Signed with 64 other nations it was agreed they could keep their armies for self defence
-Shows Germany was a leading nation again
What was the impact of foreign policy on domestic policy
-The amount of reparations reduced and timescale of payment more manageable
-In 1927 allied troops left the Rhine five years before scheduled.
-Showed TOV terms were relaxing and again boosted Stresemanns popularity
Why did Stresemann want to stabilise economy and regain respect for Germany in foreign affairs (overall goal)
To make the political situation in Germany more stable, and make people feel more confident in the Weimar
Why was there greater political stability in the years 1924-29.
-Greater opportunity for those who supported the Weimar, and support for extremist parties grew much less due to economic recovery and success abroad.
-Stresemann faced some right wing opposition but not enough to make them a threat
Who were the two key personalities who helped political stability
-Stresemann was the most popular political leader of the Weimar Republic due to successes abroad
-Paul von Hindenburg replaced Ebert after his death in 1925 as president of the republic. He was one of Germanys war heroes making him a more popular and strong figurehead for the Weimar, compared to Ebert who was associated with the Dolchstoss and Weimar’s unpopular start.
How far did wages for workers change 1924-29
-Benefitted from real wages value increasing. By 1928 there had been an increase of over 10%, meaning Germany had some of the best paid workers in Europe.
How far did wages for middle class change 1924-29
-Did not experience increase in wages and could not claim many benefits
-Unemployment remained high between professionals like lawyers, civil servants and teachers.
-In 1928 almost 184,000 middle class workers were seeking employment and did not qualify for unemployment relief
How far did housing change 1924-29
-Weimar dealt with housing shortages by employing architects and planners to devise ways to reduce shortages
-Gov investment, tax breaks, land grants and low interest loans used to stimulate building of new housing
-Between 1924-31 more than 2million houses were buoy
-By 1929 state spending 33 times more on housing than in 1913
-By 1928 homelessness was reduced more than 60%
How far did unemployment insurance change 1924-29
-In 1880s German chancellor introduced series of reforms which helped the ill and old such as health, accident and illness insurance schemes.
-Weimar implemented unemployment insurance law in 1927 requiring workers and employees to contribute to a national scheme for welfare
-Benefits/assistance for wives, war vets, single mothers and the disabled
How far were Other improvements changed 1924-29
-Under 1920 Reich Pension Law 750,000 war vets, 400,000 war widows and 200,000 parents of dead servicemen were paid.
-Education improved + more young aspirations met. No. of students in higher education pre-war was 70,000 by 1928 increased to 120,000
How did politics increase for women
-In 1919 women over 20 were able to vote
-Equality in education, opportunity in civil service appointments and equal pay in professions.
-By 1926 there were 32 women deputies in the Reichstag which was higher than US and Britain.
-90% of women voted after given the right
How did employment increase for women
-Higher number of women in new areas like teaching, civil service, social work or on assembly line.
-By 1933 100,000 women teachers and 3,000 doctors.
-After war better paid jobs taken back by men and married women criticised for neglecting family
How did leisure improve for women?
-Could now go out unescorted
-Drank and smoked in public
-Wore makeup and were fashion conscious
-Had short cut hair and could wear shorter skirts
Why was there cultural advances/growth in the 1920s
-Kaiser abdicating meant no censorship
-Weimar constitution led to freedom of speech
-economic recovery led to finance for culture
What are the three feature of new german culture
-Objectivism - Showing real life in art
-Modernism - Showing the future
-Expressionism - Artists expressing themselves
Why did the new culture movements spread so much
-Bauhaus movement : Stressed the beauty in tech and was made up of simple shapes. Design college developed the art style which led on to influence all areas of art.
-Government support : Grants given helped fund museums, galleries, theatres etc.
What opposition was there to the culture changing
-It brought Weimar under attack from both right and left who looked down on the new ways
Art example for culture
-Painting by Otto Dix showing a street from 1927. Shows harsh life of war vets and falling behaviour standards in Germanys nightlight
-Showed freedom of speech as there’s no censorship.
-Shows objectivism through portrayals of a hurt soldier and bad standards
Architecture example of culture
-Erich Mendelssohn designed Einstein Tower which was an observatory in Potsdam. Influenced by Bauhaus looks like a rocket. Shows modernism as rockets were something people hadn’t seen before.
Film example of culture change
‘The Cabient of Dr. Caligar’ was one of the first horror films. 1926 sic-fi about life with technology in 20th century. Financed by a government funded agency. Shows economic growth funding culture and has ideas of modernism.
Literature example of culture change
-Eric Remarque wrote a moving anti-war novel called “All Quiet on the Western Front” which described the horror of WW1 and within three months made into successful film.
-Objectivism of the horrors of war
