Weimar Flashcards
What were the main problems facing the Weimar Republic in its early years?
Treaty of Versailles terms, economic crisis (hyperinflation 1923), political extremism, uprisings (e.g. Spartacist and Kapp Putsch).
What was the significance of the Treaty of Versailles for Weimar?
It caused national humiliation, territorial loss, disarmament, and reparations (£6.6 billion), undermining trust in the Republic.
What was the Spartacist Uprising and when did it happen?
A left-wing revolt led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht in January 1919, crushed by the Freikorps.
When was the Kapp Putsch and what happened?
March 1920; right-wing Freikorps attempt to overthrow the government, failed due to general strike.
What caused hyperinflation in 1923?
Passive resistance during the Ruhr Crisis led to economic collapse and excessive printing of money.
How was hyperinflation resolved?
Stresemann introduced the Rentenmark in November 1923, ending hyperinflation.
What was the Dawes Plan (1924)?
It reorganised reparations payments and brought in 800 million marks in US loans.
What was the Young Plan (1929)?
Reduced reparations from £6.6bn to £1.8bn and extended the payment period to 1988.
What were Stresemann’s key foreign policy successes?
Locarno Pact (1925), League of Nations entry (1926), Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928) - improved Germany’s international status.
How did Weimar culture flourish in the 1920s?
Growth in cinema (e.g. Metropolis), cabaret, Bauhaus architecture, liberalism in art and literature.
What were the Golden Years (1924–29)?
A period of stability, economic growth, cultural flourishing under Stresemann’s leadership.
How democratic was the Weimar Constitution?
Highly democratic: proportional representation, universal suffrage, civil liberties; but Article 48 weakened it.
What role did Article 48 play in Weimar’s downfall?
Allowed the President to bypass the Reichstag in emergencies, overused later, undermining democracy.
How did the Great Depression affect Weimar Germany?
Unemployment soared to 6 million by 1932, US loans withdrawn, extremism grew (Nazi vote rose).
What were the election results for the Nazis in July 1932?
Nazi Party became the largest with 37.3% of the vote (13.7 million votes).
