Weimar Germany - Booklet 1, Government Flashcards
Why was Weimar created to be a democratic system? (2 answers)
It was hoped that it would lead to sympathy for Germany in peace negotiations and therefore Germany could be treated more leniently.
Germany’s main political parties demanded a new system which gave them more of a say in the running of he country.
Give three qualities of left-wing politicians.
Idealist Belief in promoting equality High levels of redistribution of wealth Emphasis on welfare - helping out worst off in society Expanded role for government Generally supports working class
Give three qualities of right-wing politicians.
Value tradition, authority Belief in freedom as superseding equality Low levels of redistribution of wealth Private enterprise, free market economy Less welfare Government power to be minimised Generally supports middle to upper class
Name the 7 influential German Political Parties.
NSDAP DNVP DVP SPD KPD Centre Party DDP
Describe the SPD - Who were their core of voters? Which President was its leader? Where were they on the political spectrum?
Represents working class - this is the voter core, supports parliamentary democracy, supported policy of fulfilment with ToV, led by Ebert during his presidency. Centre-left.
Describe the Communist party - Where in the world were they most influenced by? Did they support the Republic? Did they want revolution?
KPD - Influenced by USSR, supported Communist revolution, overthrow of democracy, destruction of capitalism.
What was Article 48 in the Weimar constitution?
An article that gave the President the ability to pass laws without the approval of the Reichstag. To be used in emergency.
Could the President dissolve the Reichstag?
Yes they could.
Describe the voting system used in the Weimar Republic. Why was it problematic?
It used a proportional representation system, in which the threshold needed to gain a seat was 60,000 votes. This low threshold meant that a large number of parties gained political representation, including some extremist parties. It also resulted in coalition governments. The parties chose the representatives from a party list, meaning also that they weren’t directly elected.
Which parties did not support democracy?
DVP, DNVP, NSDAP, KPD.
Name the Communist and Nazi paramilitary groups.
The Red Front and the SA.
Which party gained the most seats for the first time in the August 1932 elections?
The Nazi party.
In what years was Hindenburg President of the Weimar Republic?
What were his main views.
1925-1934.
He wasn’t convinced by democracy and was terrified of a left wing takeover, which Hitler exploited to strengthen his own hold on the nation.
Which Chancellor oversaw economic reform following the hyperinflation crisis in 1923?
What were his main reforms? (3 answers).
Gustav Stresemann.
Ended passive resistance.
Policy of Fulfilment and improved foreign relations.
Young Plan 1929.
Name the leader of the Grand Coalition of 1928.
Hermann Muller.
