Weimar Constitution and Politics 1918-29 Flashcards
When was the first election of the Weimar Republic, how many people voted and what was the coalition?
19th Jan 1919, 82.7% turnout; SPD coalition with Centre Party and German Democratic Party (DDP)
National Peoples Party (DNVP) - attitudes and members?
Conservative, nationalist, monarchist; supported the army; disliked social reform and the republic; members were wealthy landowners and anti-semitic
German Peoples Party (DVP) - attitudes and members?
Right-wing party led by Gustav Stresemann; accepted but did not support the republic; nationalist, supported the army; wealthy middle-class industrialists
Centre Party - attitudes and members?
Catholic party defending the Church; members had conservative values but supported social reform; anti-communist
German Democrats (DDP) - attitudes and members?
Liberal professionals; pro-republic and representative constitution; supported social and industrial reform, especially for workers and the army
Social Democrats (SPD) - attitudes and members?
Largest party 1919-29; pro-republic since 1917; supported moderate social reform; members included workers and liberal middle class
Independent Social Democrats (USPD) - attitudes and members?
Split from SPD in 1917; supported more radical change and social reform; included Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht
German Communist Party (KPD) - attitudes and members?
Wanted workers’ revolution, communist state, abolition of private ownership; supported by young, poor, and unemployed
When was the Weimar Constitution passed and what made the government unpopular before this?
Passed 31st July 1919; Treaty of Versailles signed 28th June 1919 caused unpopularity
What was the issue of too many parties in the Reichstag?
Only 60,000 votes needed for a seat; about 29 parties during 1920s; hard to make decisions; voter confusion
What was the issue of Proportional Representation in the Reichstag?
People voted for parties in 35 areas, not individuals; representatives came from party lists; people felt disconnected from politicians
What was the issue of a party being unable to gain a majority in the Reichstag?
9 short-lived coalitions from 1919-1923; coalitions broke down often; president abused Article 48
What was Article 48?
President’s right to suspend the Reichstag and rule by decree in an emergency
How did Economic Recovery help overcome constitutional challenges?
Under Stresemann: improved international standing and economy; stable coalition (DVP, Centre, SPD, DDP); fewer political assassinations; only 6 coalitions 1924-29
How did Gustav Stresemann help battle constitutional problems?
Abandoned anti-republic views; promoted multi-party cooperation; wanted peaceful foreign relations
What indicator showed a level of support for the constitution?
Voting turnout, e.g. 82.7% in 1919
What factor, as it improved, also helped improve support for the constitution?
Economic improvement reduced support for extremist parties; economic decline increased extremism
Who was allowed to vote under the new Weimar constitution?
All men and women over 20
Which party gained 38% of the vote in the first Constituent Assembly elections (the biggest share but not enough to rule outright)?
SPD
Name one achievement of Muller’s Grand Coalition 1928-29.
Young Plan
Unemployment insurance
Due to not being able to form a strong majority in the Reichstag, what was used to enable these Chancellors to pass laws?
Article 48
Give a specific example of how the judiciary failed to support the Weimar republic…
Hitler - 5 years for treason / not tried in special court
354 far right murders - only 28 ever sentenced for their crimes
Erzburger
Ban of political parties
NSDAP in 1923
Freedom of expression
Article 118
