Topic 2 The Golden Age

Question 0

Economic recovery can’t be exaggerated

Answer 0

Recovery not just confined to Germany
Economic growth was not even farmers had declined income
1918 peak of golden era unemployment was still 1.8m
Dependent on short term foreign loans especially USA therefore if it was no more Germany faced complete economic collapse
Exports limited because resources still reduced because of t of v despite change of attitudes Locarno treaties

Question 1

Dawes plan 1924

Answer 1

£40m loan from USA 
Allowed Germany to re equip industry by 1928
Production levels rose above 1913
Social and health schemes for workers 
1925-1929 exports rose by 40%

Question 2

Election of Hindenburg as president

Answer 2

Expected military support from him
But instead carried out duties strictly within constitution
However he had no real sympathy with the republic and it’s ideas
He associated with anti republican people
Preferred DNVP in coalitions and if possible excluded SPD

Question 3

The republic coped rather than made real progress 1924-1929

Answer 3

No putsches 
Para military activity contained 
But stable govt still not established
Coalitions collapsed over minor issues 
Therefore apparent stability of these years are simply a mirage

Question 4

Culture

Answer 4

Strict censorship had been removed
Developments were new and exciting but did nothing to improve reputation of govt
Right wing groups claimed that traditional values were being undermined

Question 5

Art

Answer 5

Architecture such as the Bauhaus
Radio and cinema developed to reach mass audiences
Theatre had greater contact with reality
Cabaret and nightlife especially in Berlin open attitudes towards sex
Culture divide between tradition and innovation democracy was blamed for the decadence
Most Germans preferred traditional forms of entertainments eg church festivals and beer halls