Weimar Germany Flashcards
The establishment and development of the Weimar Republic 1919-Jan 1933
1
Q
When were the elections for the Constituent Assembly?
A
January 1919
2
Q
What were the issues after the first elections which indicated fragility in the constitution?
A
Parties were very different. Disagreements occurred and the Democrats lost votes from the extremists
3
Q
What were the results from the Reichstag election (Jan 1919)? - turnout/ democratic parties/ dnvp
A
83% voted for democracy (high turn out) 76% were pro-democratic parties There were solid votes for SPD, DDP and Zp, resulting in a coalition government. DNVP received 10% with conservative support.
4
Q
When was the Weimar Republic declared?
A
February 1919
5
Q
What were the circumstances under the Weimar declaration?
A
Kaiser fled. The new democratic government was declared in the small town of Weimar as it was too dangerous in Berlin due to the amount of revolutions.
6
Q
What were the issues surrounding Weimar’s proportional representation?
A
Not many laws were passed due to no strong parties.
7
Q
When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?
A
June 1919
8
Q
What were the main issues in the Treaty of Versailles?
A
Rhineland was demilitarised There were limitations enforced of the Army and Navy Wages fell, prices doubled (inflation). Indebtedness from cost (84% was borrowed) Exclusion from League of Nation, lost 30% of territory
9
Q
What was the Treaty of Versaille general descriptions from the public?
A
The people viewed the government as ‘November criminals’
Described the TOV as the ‘Dikat’
10
Q
Who were the Spartacists?
A
Established in January 1919 Saw themselves as Communist revolutionaries Marxists Rejected the Weimar system. Key member Rosa Luxemburg
11
Q
What did the Spartacists do?
A
They prevented the government from meeting in Berlin.
12
Q
What other left-wing uprisings happened in 1919 (not the Spartacists)?
A
Red Bavaria- crushed by the Freikorps which killed 1,000
13
Q
How were the Spartacists crushed?
A
They were easily crushed. The government had to flee and request assistance from the right. Rosa Luxemburg were arrested and murdered in Berlin , by members of the Freikorps.
14
Q
How big was Freikorps membership?
A
400,000
15
Q
What happened in Kapp Putsch?
A
In March 1920, the Freikorps and Wolfgang Kapp marched into Berlin to declare a new national government.
16
Q
What were the Kapp Putsch’s aim?
A
They attempted to stop Treaty’s military dictatorship (‘Dikat’), blaming Weimar.
17
Q
How were the Kapp Putsch crushed and who was punished?
A
Workers from the left and Comrades went on strike to ‘shut down the economy’ Wolfgang Kapp died and the government took no action against the army, only one was punished.
18
Q
How many people served a prison sentence from the Kapp Putsch?
A
out of the 705, 1 served a sentence
19
Q
How many different cabinets were there over the course of the Weimar Republic?
A
20
20
Q
Who were the DNVP?
A
German Nation People Party- right wing from old conservatives.
21
Q
Who were the DVP?
A
German Peoples Party- conservatives and monarchists
22
Q
Who were the KPD?
A
Communist anti-republicans
23
Q
Who were the NSDAP?
A
Nazi Party- anti-republican and anti-semitic nationalists.
24
Q
Who were the SPD?
A
Social Democrats - moderate, trade unionists, working class
25
Who were the ZP?
a Central Party- Catholics
26
What did the government fall out over which shows how much the Constitution was chaotic?
Fell out over the flag in 1926
Fell out over religious schools
27
What did Germany ask for in 1922 from the Allies?
They asked for a payment holiday, which the allies refused
28
What happened to the German government in 1923 after allies rejected their request for a payment holiday?
Government defaulted on the payments.
Workers also went on strike- which Cunor (Chancellor) supported passive resistance in the Ruhr.
29
When was Hyperinflation?
In the year of 1923. It never returned, but people was always scared that it would.
30
What were the causes for Hyperinflation?
France occupied to Ruhr as Germany couldn't keep up with Reparations The Government printed more money and the German Mark got devalued. The government were avoiding unpopular policies such as taxation.
31
What were the initial results in Hyperinflation? What were the initial responses?
The confidence in currency was lost, resulting in bartering.
Increased profits, continued investments, people could pay increased wages for an increased price, there was economic growth.
32
What were the stages leading up to Hyperinflation?
The French occupied the Ruhr in Jan 1923 Caused a loss in economic resources causing passive resistance. The economy was disrupted, massive new demands were made to support the strikers, increasing welfare need.
33
Who benefitted from Hyperinflation? (three)
Workers were protected and had a job were paid higher wages. People who rented The unemployed as benefits increased weekly. Owners of foreign exchange People in debt as they paid money at a fraction of the real cost Rich businessmen could take advantage of bankrupted small companies and entrepreneurs Cheap credit cards, using loans to extend holding and were easily repaid.
34
Who lost from Hyperinflation (three)
Old people with fixed pensions The majority Those with savings Unskilled workers who lost 30% of spending power Normal businesses as it was impossible to trade, resulting in unemployment. Prices rose faster than wages Middle class with savings and had businesses (destroyed) Civil servants lost income.
35
What events caused the Munich Putsch?
Nazi Party grew to 55,000 members. Key nationalists politicians supported them. Helped Hitler give the SA army something to do.
The Weimar was in crisis, almost losing control of the population. Stressman ended Passive Resistance, which they percieved as a 'betrayal' The Bavarian Government encouraged them.
36
What happened in the Munich Putsch?
November 1923. Meeting of 2000 right wing supporters met in Munich Beer Hall, persuaded by Lundendorff. 2000 armed Nazis marched to Munich and met with police and Bavarian soldiers. Hitler was arrested and tried from treason in 1924.
37
How many Nazis were shot dead in the Munich Putsch?
14
38
What happened in the trial after the Munich Putsch?
Hitler used the trial as a platform to attack the Weimar. This caused great fame and he got minimum possible sentence of 5 years which he managed to get it down to 9 months. Released in December 1924.
39
Whats the significance ins Judge Georg Neithardt in the Munich Putsch?
He was a judge who sympathised with Hitler, changing his time in prison. He changed it from 3 months to 1 month with probation. He is potentially a key member that changed history.
40
The negative consequences of the Munich Putsch
The Nazi Party was excluded. Hitler was prohibited from speaking to public until 1927 Easily crushed and resultabley powerless The party nearly fell to pieces in Hitlers absence
41
The positive effects for the Nazis from the Munich Putsch
Hitler wrote Mein Kampfe in prison. It sold millions. Propaganda campaigns grew. Especially from the trial. Hitler Youth Merges with right wing partys, gaining more seats SS in 1925 Strategy in securing a successful rise to power Hitler became famous, the face of the Nazi party. Nazi party reorganised to prepare for power legally under the all-powerful Fuhrer
42
What was the difference in assassinations between the two extremes which suggests the government were more lenient on the right?
22 assassinations by the political left on the right- 10 received the death sentence
354 right assassins on the left- 28 found guilty but 0 were executed
43
When was the Dawes plan created?
1924
44
What was the fixed rate of the Dawes plan?
The overall amount was fixed to 132,000 million marks in 1921. A schedule was formed for a five year annual payment rise varying levels according to economic performances.
45
What were the conditions of the Dawes Plan?
Allies maintain railway control and Reichsbank and custom duties sanctions for non payment must be agreed. 800 million marks loan to help stabilise the currency
46
What was the impact of the Dawes Plan?
Helped economic recovery. Led to reparations being paid as schedule
47
When was the Young Plan established?
1929
48
What were the new fixed rates in the Young Plan?
Overall amount meant the total was reduced to 37,000 million marks (1/4 of the 1920 figure). The schedule became an annual payment Lower that the Dawes Plan, To be paid off fully in 1988. Final settlement
49
What were the new conditions of the Young Plan?
Allied supervision was discontinued. Demiliterisation of the Rhineland. Evacuation of the Ruhr from the French.
50
What was the impact of the Young Plan?
Germany participated in negotiations for the first time Allied troops were withdrawn in June 1930 Major internal opposition, resulted in a referendum campaign.
51
What were critics views of Stressmanns overall outcomes?
His conciliatory diplomacy was seen as a 'sell-out' by nationalists. His rearranged reparations were opposed by the the nationalists. They saw his economic recovery too dependent on US loans. Saw Germany not strong enough to exert real pressure Saw there being very few concessions achieved in the changes to Versaille Saw the support for Weimar as too fragile.
52
Examples of Stressmanns golden reforms:
Unemployment insurance established in 1927 for Labour exchanges Locarno Pact - reassuring Germans of the French and assured the French about borders Joined League of Nations in 1926 with a permanent seat in the council Ending the ineffective passive resistance caused world sympathy. Kellog-Briand Pact- an international effort to avoid war, signed by Germany, France and Britain as a peaceful settlement 5 million put back into Germany from international trades.
- German exports rose by 40%
- Industrial production (by 1927)- returned to the level at 1913
- 5 billion invested into Germany from overseas investors
53
How was Stressmanns economy golden?
He Stabilised the currency to Rentenmark from reichsmark (which was devalued) in 1924 Between 1924-1928 there was modest recovery. In 1927m the industry production became the same as 1913. Increase in welfare state- a period in relative prosperity
54
How was Stressmann's economy not golden?
The proposal of loans meant Germany relied of them too much. German industry were too dependent. Severe economic issues- peoples savings were destroyed during inflation and the government couldn't afford to fix it There were compensated investments in war bods with 12.5% of its original value spreading through 30 years German exports were higher- industrialists reduced techniques to reduce workers Available jobs decreased and an increase in unemployment (especially young men). 2 million unemployed.
2 million unemployed before the Wall Street Crash.
US economy having high tariffs
A slump in farmers income- 1/3 of the German population were farmers and peasants and their income 44% below national income.
55
How did the non-golden aspects of Stressmanns economy affect the occupational environments?
Wages disputes caused strikes to become more bitter Employers and workers fought over distribution over profits (to wages / reinvestments). Employers resulted to authoritarian movement
56
How did the non-golden aspects of Stressmanns economy affect the poor?
Welfare state needed to be dismantled due to costs and increase in burden of tax on business. Massive peasant protests towards public officials and building trades.
57
How did the non-golden aspects of Stressmanns economy affect agricltural societies.
1927- agriculture depression due to the worlds over production and fallen prices 1929- 1/3 to 1/2 farms failed to make profit Rural society affected by slump and felt anger from welfare policy and trade policies. Encouraged imports for exports in industry goods.
58
How did Stressmann's foreign policy turn out golden?
Stressmann used every chance he could to revise the Treaty of Versailles Germany joined to League of Nations with cooperative policies Allied disarmament and commission was withdrawn. In August 1927 they removed 10,000 troops. Britain and France evacuated the Rhinelands and revise Dawes Plan. Reduced overall payments in 1929. From 132 billion to 40 billion
59
What happened in 'German October' (Autumn 1923- just after the Russian Revolution)?
The KPD and SPD were plotting for a large scale military action. Stressmann acted decisively and rapidly - using the army to crush these governments and replace without communists.
60
What was the Locarno Pact?
Locarno Treaty in 1925 established borders and gained support from Britain and European Great Powers to demilitarise the Rhineland. Wanted no repetition of the French occupation in Ruhr.
61
How were the golden years unstable for the government?
Unstable coalitions in the Republic In order to have a strong government to command Reichstag, requiring SPD, ZP, DDP and DVP/DNVP Difficult cooperations and disagreements over socio-economic issues Foreign policy caused complication between the DNVP, ZP and DVP Centre party started moving right- causing more difficulty with SPD Special interest parties like liberals who lost votes during the inflation
62
How was the golden years culture positive?
Tolerant atmosphere, moderate art and architecture flourished under the Weimar Republic. Large scale modernistic designs for buildings and furniture by Bauhaus groups Literature and painting reflected the changes made since 1914.
63
How was the golden years culture negative?
Backlash and criticism from cultural and political conservatives Bitter campaigns from nationalists e.g 'All Quiet on the Western Front' Modern art form (modern poetry, art, opera) seen as offensive Jazz was aid to be treason against civilised music.
64
Was the Weimar Republic generally golden for politics?
Weimar never won loyalty- being attacked from the left and right. The right felt betrayed from the Treaty of Versailles and the Left were crushed like from workers uprisings in Ruhr 1920. Incapable of a strong government and difficult decisions were hard to make Weimar was disliked but did not collapse.
65
How far was the Weimar Republic generally golden for the economy?
Weimar burdened by economic legacy of the lost war and heavy costs of the welfare state (More expensive than reparations). The economy needed time to enjoy a long period of sustained growth to cover widows, ex soldiers and the unemployed. Reliance of borrowing money caused repercussions
66
How far as the Weimar Republic generally golden for culture?
Political persuasions scandalised by art forms Fear of growth of feminism and the new woman Some large cities were optimistic, such as Prussia, who had an impressive recovery.
67
How did the Weimar Republic impact women?
High turn out of female voters , e.g. in 1919= 90% 2.6 million houses were built Health care improved Leisure boomed e.g. cinema, dance halls, theatres, cafes, restaurants. The New Woman aesthetic 1925 = 29% women married and had a full time job, 22% of the workers on production line in engineering Falling birth rate = in 1920s: 2.27 children to 1929: 1.98 children They were expected to stop work when married The high qualified rarely rose clerical levels and wages were said to be 10-25% lower than men
68
What did Stressmann describe the Weimar Republic as in 1923? What did she mean?
'dancing on a volcano'
That they were dangerously dependent on foreign loans.
69
Quote about the Weimars stability?
'deceptive stability'
70
The Nazis under Weimar Republic?
Administration of Nazi party was chaotic. Offered a movement of 'Germany Awake' for the youth- looking for something to blame and reflecting their underlying tensions. The 'Wilderness Years' were not the what the coverage seemed as the youth movement became well established in this decade.
71
When did Hitler became leader of the Nazi party?
1921
72
What happened to the Nazi's under economic growth?
In 1925-8 the party organisation improved, so it was in a strong position to exploit discontent when the slump hit Germany.
73
How did the Nazi party develop in the years?
They were helped by the upper class including Lundendorff, Lehmann, Bechstein, Röhm and the army which obtained weapons for the SA.
74
What happened in the Nazi's 'wilderness years'.
The 'Wilderness Years' were not the what the coverage seemed as the youth movement became well established in this decade. The Wilderness Years were during the years of economic recovery where the Nazis were building discrete support.
75
What were the general impact of the election results on the Nazis in 1929?
Received local election gains. Nazi's gain their first ever majority in city of Colburg, Hitler helps lead anti-young plan referendum campaign. Hitler starts to become a Demogogue.
76
When was the anti-Young Plan formed?
December 1929
77
Who did Hitler join forces with in creating the Anti-Young Plan?
Alfred Hugenburg (DNVP leader and media tycoon)
78
How else was the Anti-Young Plan described by the creators?
'Law against the enslavement of German People'
79
What did the creators do to push the Anti-Young Plan?
Forced a referendum winning 5.8million votes
80
What was the impact of the forced referendum from the Anti-Young Plan
Not enough to force charge but enough for national publicity
81
What were the 1932 elections for the Nazis?
In March, Hitler gained 37% vote in the presidential election and again in July. But in August, Hitler lost 2 million votes
82
When was Goebbels put in charge of Nazi propaganda
February 1931
83
What issues did the Nazis face in December 1932?
The Nazis fall into serious financial problems. Hindenburg also inflicts pressure to seize power when Hitler was refused as chancellor by August. Gregor Strasser resigns
84
What were Hitlers fundamental views?
Anti-semitism- wanting German blood to not be defiled by Jews. Social Darwinism- Germans being the master race Pan-Germanism- German expansion Anti-Marxism Anti-democracy- belief in the Fuhreprenzip as democracy is weak Anti-Capitalist
85
What were the aims of the 25 point programme?
All citizens have equal rights, everyone should work, abolition incomes unearned by work, profit sharing in industries, developed provision for elderly and maintenance.
86
How did the 25 point programme criticise the Weimar's aims?
Believed in abolition of interests on mortgages, strong central power of the Reich. Unconditional authority of politically central parliament over the entire Reich
87
How was Bavaria a good base for the Nazis?
Right wing government with many ordinary southern Germans who opposed social democrats. This government had plans to topple Weimar.
88
Impact of the Wall Street Crash on the German in 1929?
Their prosperity was built on American loans, so the people rushed to the banks to withdraw saving/ convert to foreign currency. Banks then collapsed. German industry suffered from falling exports by 55% Agriculture suffered falling prices Unemployment reached 6 million by 1932
89
How does Mary Fulbrook describe Hitlers rise to power?
'Peculiar combination under specific historic circumstances'
90
Presidential election by July 1932?
Hitler won 13,420,000 and Hindenburg won 19,360,000.
91
Impact of the depression on the workers?
1/3 of workers registered unemployment. Others worked short hours and/or had pay cuts. This increased poverty so people couldn't pay for rents/ mortgages
92
How did the benefits system exacerbate the impact of the depression?
Income for government fell so there was a struggle to pay the benefits. The benefit system was only designed to cope with 800,000 unemployed, not 6 million.
93
What was the political impact from the depression?
As unemployment was at its peak by July 1932, .any unemployed joined the Nazis (the biggest party) or Communist Rot Front- belonging to the extremists. Weakened coalition as disagreements occurred over unemployment and insurance system.
94
How did the depression affect the political unity towards the welfare system?
Disagreements over unemployment and insurance system. SPD refused to cut, DVP supported cuts. Industrialists wanted to abolish the welfare system.
95
How was Nazism a product of an economic crisis?
Nazism was a product of capitalism in a crisis. Businessmen used Hitler to protect their threatened interests and delay financial crisis that occurred across Europe.
96
How was Nazism a product of political confusion?
Nazism was an emotional response to the publics disorientation over political and economic issues. Wanted a stable leadership.
97
What were some of Brunings economic and political policies?
If defeated with no majority, he'd ask for Reichstag to be dissolved with the emergency decree- risking a return of hyperinflation and causing a crisis so reparations would be cancelled. Harsh financial proposals
98
Consequences of Brunings economic and political policies?
Reputation of the hunger chancellor Dependent on Hindenburg Chaotic alliances Nazi support grew to be the second largest party in the Reichstag
99
What of Brunings policies caused the public to turn to the Nazis
Deflation policies Raising expenditure cuts Lowering prices
100
How did Bruning try to convince allies to end reparations?
Made cuts to the civil servants and increase presidential decree to guilt internationals to stop reparations
101
What happened under Von Papen (May-December 1932)?
Ban on SA and SS lifted Increased violence Nazis became the largest party in Reichstag- Hitler offered himself as vice chancellor
102
What happens under Schliecher (Dec 1932- Jan 1933)
Attempted reconciliation to win socialists Support with public works programme Von Papen manoeuvred behind Schleicher to get Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as chancellor and Papen as Vice Chancellor (backstairs intrigue)- with conservative elite support
103
How was the Backstair intrigue possible?
Schliecher could gain majority in the Reichstag so Hitler was strengthened. HIndenburg lost confidence in Schliecher. He believed he could control the Nazis so ordered Papen to talk to Hitler
104
How did Hitlers appointment for chancellor come at a perfect time for the Nazis?
Hitlers popularity depended on unemployment by December 1932. The Nazis were nearly bankrupt- economy was starting to recover and were having difficulty making promises they couldn't fulfil.
105
How did elites exploit Nazis rise to power?
Landowners and Industrialist were concerned about lack of effecting government Some saw the possibility of using the Nazis power support to channel the political system in a more authoritarian direction.
106
What was compulsory in the Weimar Republic when the workers struck?
Every strike received a compulsory arbitration for workers to talk to Employers and trade unionists. This frustrated employers as that had to keep making concessions.
107
What was the tactic to suppress the Nazis power in Hitlers appointment as chancellor?
Put Hitler in office but surrounded by Papen as vice Chancellor and other conservatives to make it easier to control.
108
What were the Nazis propaganda tactics by 1932?
National leaders were masters of propaganda Drew upon the popular anti-communism- sturring up fear, hatred and violence at election meeting so the SA could crush it and be seen as 'dealing with the communist threat'.
109
How did the Nazis gain and maintain support from the Industrialists by the early 1930s?
Nazis aimed to gain support from the powerful industrialist. Hitler made a deal with the other main right wing party to cooperate (1931) Received financial baking from big businesses
110
Examples of Nazi propaganda for the 1932 elections?
Radio used for propaganda In 1932 elections, Goebbels charted panes to fly Hitler all over Germany in order to speak to 4 or 5huge rallies a day Radio broadcast, millions of election posters, rallies, rallies, parades and marches in every town, making vague promises.
111
How were the Nazis flexible in their rise to power?
Change ideas that risked losing support when they found out how alarmed industrialists were at nationalising industry
112
How was Hitler an anchor for the Nazi party?
No opposition could match him as he was created as a superhero
113
How were the opposition parties to the Nazis weaker than the Nazis?
Were weaker than Nazis and consistently underestimated the Nazis The Nazis support was more consistent Other parties quarrelled instead of uniting to face Nazi Challenge
114
What has benefitted the Nazis over the final years running up to power?
The Nazis and Communists benefitted from the Depression and Bruning's policies Young unemployed men were attracted to the SA Seen as a dynamic political movement
115
What were the consequences of lifting the ban on the SA?
Street violence between SA and Communists- the government could no longer keep order on the streets Von Papen took the opportunity to take over Prussia
116
What were Von Papens failures in 1932?
Von Papen determined to dissolve the Reichstag but Goring ignored these attempts. Permitted a vote of no confidence against the Von Papen which he lost by 512 to 42 Von Papen didn't want an election but ZP and NSDAP threatened Article 59
117
What is Article 59?
Reichstag to take legal action in supreme court.
118
What the November 1932 elections like for Nazis?
Blow for the Nazis. Had no sufficient money for dynamic campaign. Middle class saw Hitler as delusional so he lost 2 million votes Nazis joined communists in transport strike scares.
119
What did Von Papen want to do in 1932 to regain power but what stopped him?
Von Papen wanted to use the army to dissolve Reichstag and suppress parties, but Schliecher (Ministry of Defence) opposed due to fear of a civil war.
120
What were the consequences of Papens search to dissolve the Reichstag?
Hindenburg wanted to support Von Papen but once Schliecher said the army couldn't support him, H dismissed VP
121
What were Schleichers failures?
Schliecher received no majority support- tried to persuade SPD and trade union by offering Public Works Scheme which scared industrialists and landowners into pressuring Hindenburg into the removal.
122
What happened in January 1933?
Hitler became chancellor and Von Papen controlled him and 2 other Nazis in cabinet
123
How did Hitler continue his propaganda as chancellor?
His campaign reassured voters that he'd take firm protection of state, revive agriculture and attack on unemployment.
124
What opportunities did Article 48 bring Hitler?
Hindenburg allowed Hitler to have power by forbidding political meetings and opposition newspapers. Abolished Prussian government- controlling the Prussian police and reinforced auxiliary SA men
125
How did Hitler take advantage of the Reichstag Fire in his political stance?
Accused Communists- playing on the fear of Communist uprising
126
What was the name of the decree which Hitler released in response to the Reichstag Fire?
'Decree for the Protection of the People and the State'
127
What did the Decree after the Reichstag Fire mean for central government?
Had powers to arrest individuals, censor publications, private house searches, dismiss land government if they refused measures to 'restore public security'
128
What did the Decree after the Reichstag Fire mean for SA?
Off leash to attack enemies- seizing left wing.
129
What was the atmosphere in the March 1933 elections?
Campaign of terror from the SA
130
What were the results for Nazis in March 1933 election?
43.9% (18% from electoral majority). This showed that there was little desire to return to Weimar. Zp became right wing
131
What fraction of workers were unemployed in 1932?
1/3 of workers
132
What has Müller's chancellorship (1928-1930) been described as?
The last genuinely democratic government.
133
How many laws were passed under Bruning (the hunger chancellor) in 1932?
66 laws- showing that he was a presidential government.
134
How had the votes for the Nazis increased from 1928-November 1932
1928= 12 seats
1930 = 107 seats
July 1932 = 230 seats
November 1932 = 196 seats (due to the lifted ban of the SA, unleashing street violence and therefore turning away of middle class)
135
How many votes did the left party collectively receive? What does it mean for democracy?
37.4% (Nazis received 33%)- but they never joined together, resulting in their demise)
Highlighted the rejection of democratic elections
136
How many newspapers did Alfred Hughenberg own?
150 newspapers
137
Why did Von Papen only last a few months?
He faced a vote of no confidence by the Riechstag.
138
So what were the main causes of Hitler's rise to power?(good for essays)
Propaganda- Hitler laid down the root across society during times of struggle- receiving support from elites, farmers, industrialist, youth, etc.
The Great Depression and the Economy turning sour
The Role of Hindenburg
The Weimar Constitution (instability)
The fear of the left (elite concerns)
