UNDERLYING INSTABILITY Flashcards
Explain why there was underlying instability in the Weimar Republic by 1929. (12)
P1: UNDERLYING ECONOMIC INSTABILITY.
E1: Despite the significant economic improvements, there were still economic problems below the surface. The German recovery was fundamentally based on foreign loans from America such as the Dawes Plan which provided them with $25 million in loans. However, this meant the recovery was very precarious as Germany was only able to meet the reparation payments due to the loans. Stresemann himself was deeply concerned that the recovery was very superficial and in 1929 he said that the German economy was ‘only flourishing on the surface’, and that it was ‘dancing on a volcano’. By this, Stresemann meant that, if American loans were recalled, German industry would collapse and the economic recovery would also collapse. While industry flourished, agriculture struggled and by 1929 agricultural production was only at 79% of the pre-war levels leaving many farmers deeply upset with the Republic. This meant that the economic recovery was not being experienced by everyone.
A1: Consequently, this explains that the underlying instability stemmed from the underlying economic instability which was frowned upon by the German people, which left Germany at risk of sudden economic collapse.
Explain why there was underlying instability in the Weimar Republic by 1929. (12)
P2: UNDERLYING POLITICAL INSTABILITY
E2: Despite the increased popularity of the moderate parties, support for the extremist parties had not gone away and was still present. The right-wing parties such as the German National Party (DNVP) remained popular and were still the second largest party in the Reichstag by 1928 with 73 seats. This showed that a significant portion of the population were not happy with the Weimar Republic and many continued to support the right-wing. Although the Communists (KDP) lost support in the 1920’s, they were still the fourth largest party in the Reichstag by 1928 with 54 seats. This also shows that support for radical extremists had not gone away. A significant portion of the public supported this radical anti-Republic party. Finally, support for individual right-wing politicians, such as Alfred Hugenburg (DNVP) and Adolf Hitler (NSDAP) continued to grow. Three right-wing leaders became popular for their criticism of Stresemann’s reforms and foreign agreements.
A2: Consequently, this shows that there was an underlying political instability within Germany as a result of continued support for the right-wing and extremist parties and continued criticism of Stresemann and his reforms.
Explain why there was underlying instability in the Weimar Republic by 1929. (12)
P3: UNDERLYING PUBLIC DISSATISFACTION.
E3: Despite the Weimar Republic’s social reforms and welfare improvements, not everyone was pleased by the social improvements of the 1920’s. While the working conditions and wages of working people improved, business owners resented their loss of profits and felt like they were suffering under the Weimar Republic. Similarly, many middle-class Germans did not benefit from these new social improvements and felt like they were being ignored. Worse still, unemployment was highest among the professions and in 1929 there were still over 180,000 middle-class workers seeking work. These were many of the same people who had lost their savings due to hyperinflation.
A3: Consequently, this shows that the underlying public dissatisfaction within Germany contributed to the overall underlying instability in Germany as many felt they were suffering in silence alongside increased unemployment rates.
