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WEIMAR Germany - Political and Gov change (theme 1) Flashcards

1
Q

(Parties and electoral systems) What electoral system did Weimar Germany use and what was its impact?

A

Proportional Representation (PR); led to up to 29 parties in Reichstag, causing unstable coalitions.

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2
Q

(Parties and electoral systems) How often were elections held in Weimar Germany?

A

Regular elections were held.

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3
Q

(Parties and electoral systems) What is a plebiscite and when was one used in Weimar Germany?

A

Public petition or state-imposed; constitution allowed for referendum e.g., Young Plan Referendum in 1929.

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4
Q

(Parties and electoral systems) What is proportional representation and what effect did it have?

A

-Parties gain seats based on national vote
-(1 seat for 60,000 votes)
-difficult for 1 party to achieve majority

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5
Q

(Parties and electoral systems) Was there a vote threshold for Reichstag seats in Weimar Germany?

A

No formal threshold; even small parties could gain seats.

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6
Q

(Parties and electoral systems) Why were Weimar coalition governments unstable?

A

-Parties were deeply divided and often refused to cooperate
-e.g. KPD wouldn’t work with SPD
- KDP and NSDAP never supported republic

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7
Q

(Parties and electoral systems) When and why was the NSDAP banned?

A

Banned briefly after the failed Munich Putsch in 1923.

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8
Q

(Distribution of power) How was power distributed in the Weimar Republic?

A

-Parliamentary republic with a President + Chancellor
-also divided between national gov and federal states (Länder).

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9
Q

(Distribution of power) What powers did the Weimar President have?

A

-Could dissolve Reichstag
-Appoint/dismiss Chancellor
-Rule by decree (Article 48).

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10
Q

(Distribution of power) How was the Weimar President selected?

A

-Elected every 7 years by men and women over 20.

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11
Q

(Distribution of power) How was the Chancellor selected and what was their role?

A

-Appointed by President and held accountable by Reichstag
-could be removed by vote of no confidence.

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12
Q

(Distribution of power) Did the President and Chancellor have overlapping roles?

A

No; President was head of state, Chancellor was head of government.

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13
Q

(Distribution of power) Was the Weimar Republic centralized or federal?

A

-Federal - divided between national and state (Länder) gov
-Länder handled police, education, law and order.
-Central gov given greater powers

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14
Q

(Distribution of power) What were the Reichstag and Reichsrat?

A

Reichstag (lower house) was elected by PR; Reichsrat (upper house) represented states.

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15
Q

(Distribution of power) What role did the Reichstag play?

A

-Passed legislation and budget
-PR meant unstable due to many parties
-Members selected after - distance between public + politicians

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16
Q

(Distribution of power) What was the impact of Article 48?

A

Allowed President to rule by decree; used frequently during crises (e.g. Ebert, Hindenburg).

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17
Q

(Distribution of power) How did the Treaty of Versailles impact Weimar?

A

Weakened it through harsh terms and occupation.

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18
Q

(Leaders) What was the ideological landscape of Weimar Germany like?

A

-Pluralistic but unstable

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19
Q

(Leaders) What did the KPD (Communist Party) in WG believe?

A

-supported absolute equality
-a welfare state
-wanted a Marxist revolution
-were linked to the USSR.

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20
Q

(Leaders) What did right-wing parties like the DNVP and NSDAP believe in WG?

A

-nationalist
-militaristic
-supported hard-line capitalism.

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21
Q

(Leaders) What did the SPD (Social Democrats) support in WG?

A

-backed parliamentary democracy
-aimed for equity and welfare

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22
Q

(Leaders) How did the moderate right (DVP) and other moderate parties fare in Weimar Germany?

A

DVP had some support, but moderate parties overall were weak.

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23
Q

(Leaders) What role did opposition parties and the Treaty of Versailles play in undermining Weimar democracy?

A

KPD and NSDAP never fully supported the Republic and used the Treaty of Versailles to fuel opposition.

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24
Q

(Leaders) How did Gustav Stresemann help Germany during the Weimar Republic?

A

-helped manage the hyperinflation crisis and achieved economic stability through the Dawes Plan (1924) and the Young Plan (1929).

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25
(Leaders) What diplomatic achievement did Germany have under Stresemann in the 1920s?
-joined League of Nations (1926) -Treaty of Versailles and reparations remained unpopular.
26
(Leaders) What challenges did the Weimar Republic face in its relationship with elites and institutions?
-struggled with opposition from established elites and institutions -undermined its stability.
27
(Leaders) How did the army impact democracy in the Weimar Republic?
-well respected -only targeted left-wing groups and opposed the government during the Kapp Putsch (1920) -controlled by the Prussian Junker elite, who despised democracy.
28
(Leaders) What was the significance of the Ebert-Groener Pact (1918) in Weimar Germany?
showed the government's reliance on the army to suppress left-wing threats and maintain order.
29
(Leaders) How was the judiciary biased in Weimar Germany?
-controlled by conservatives -let right-wing offenders go free while punishing the left more harshly -Judicial independence (Article 102) was used to challenge the government.
30
(Leaders) How did the civil service affect the Weimar government?
-dominated by ex-soldiers who were often undemocratic -outwardly cooperated with the government -many undermined it
31
(Leaders) How did industrialists and businessmen affect the Weimar Republic?
-controlled major companies, attacked social policies, and opposed the Treaty of Versailles -Hugo Stinnes used right-wing newspapers to criticize the Republic.
32
(Leaders) What was Hindenburg's background and his role in the Weimar Republic?
-former military leader, became President in 1925. He was not fully supportive of the democratic system and had a background focused on the army
33
(Leaders) How did the conservative elite influence Weimar Germany?
conservative elite, largely from the pre-war Kaiserreich, held significant power in institutions and often favored a return to authoritarian rule.
34
(Leaders) How did the judiciary and civil service impact the Weimar Republic?
Many in the judiciary and civil service retained positions from the Kaiserreich and were not loyal to the Republic, often undermining its democratic principles.
35
(Emergency Powers) What was the purpose of Article 48 in the Weimar Constitution?
allowed the president to suspend the constitution and exercise emergency powers to prevent extremist groups, like the Communists, from destroying democracy.
36
(Emergency Powers) How did President Ebert use the emergency powers under Article 48?
manage crises, including suppressing uprisings in places like Saxony, Thuringia, and the Ruhr, as well as handling the hyperinflation crisis.
37
(Emergency Powers) How did the Kapp Putsch of 1920 lead to the use of emergency powers?
restore order and prevent a right-wing takeover.
38
(Emergency Powers) How were emergency powers used during the Great Depression?
used more frequently to bypass the Reichstag and govern without parliamentary approval
39
(Emergency Powers) How did Hindenburg view parliament, and how did he use Article 48?
believed parliament was an obstacle to good government and increasingly used Article 48 in the last three years of the Republic to bypass the Reichstag.
40
(Emergency Powers) What did Article 48 allow the President to do in an emergency?
suspend civil rights and take legislative power from the Reichstag.
41
(Emergency Powers) How could the Reichstag challenge measures taken under Article 48?
majority vote, but as Hindenburg's presidency progressed, Article 48 was increasingly used to bypass the Reichstag.
42
(Emergency Powers) How many times did President Ebert use Article 48 during his presidency?
-136 times between 1919 and 1924 -over 100 times during the hyperinflation crisis of 1923.
43
(Emergency Powers) How frequently did Hindenburg use Article 48 during his presidency?
-5 times in 1930 -44 times in 1931 -60 times in 1932.
44
(Emergency Powers) How was the use of Article 48 viewed during Ebert's presidency?
in the early years was seen as a stabilizing factor, helping manage crises and maintain order.
45
(Emergency Powers) How did Hindenburg’s use of Article 48 impact democracy?
repeated use especially in the years before Hitler's appointment, made emergency powers a regular method of governance, undermining the democratic process.
46
(institutions) What was the army’s official role in the Weimar Republic?
responsible for defending the state and carrying out government policies.
47
(institutions) How did public respect for the army affect democracy?
Popular respect for the army made it harder for democratic values to take root.
48
(institutions) Who dominated the army during the Weimar Republic?
Prussian Junker elite, who opposed democracy and aimed to undermine the Republic.
49
(institutions) How did the army influence the civil service?
Many civil servant jobs were held by ex-soldiers, making the system undemocratic.
50
(institutions) What role did the army play in the Spartacist Uprising?
It fought alongside the Freikorps to crush the uprising.
51
(institutions) What was the army’s response during the Kapp Putsch (1920)?
refused to act against the Freikorps.
52
(institutions)How did General von Seeckt respond to the Kapp Putsch?
As head of the army, he took no action to stop the putsch.
53
(institutions) Which groups did the army mainly target during the Weimar period?
focused on suppressing left-wing groups, not the right.
54
(institutions) What was the Ebert-Groener Pact?
1918 agreement where the army agreed to support the Republic if it acted against the extreme left.
55
(institutions) What condition did the army set to support the Weimar government?
That it would firmly oppose left-wing extremists.
56
(institutions) What was the army’s stance toward the Republic overall?
It was uncertain—sometimes cooperating, sometimes resisting.
57
(institutions) What military powers did the Basic Law grant the president?
The ability to maintain a standing army and declare war or peace.
58
(institutions) What was the role of the civil service in the Weimar Republic?
carried out government administration, including policies and taxes.
59
(institutions) Why was the civil service seen as undemocratic?
dominated by ex-soldiers who were often anti-democratic.
60
(institutions) How loyal was the civil service to the Weimar Republic?
Not very—many were not committed to the democratic system.
61
(institutions) Were teachers considered part of the civil service?
Yes
62
(institutions) What educational reforms did the Weimar government aim for?
A state-run, non-religious school system with mixed intake.
63
(institutions) What problem persisted in schools by 1930?
80% of primary schools were still religious (confessional) schools.
64
(institutions) What was the goal of the 1920 School Law?
To reduce class divisions by introducing four-year Grundschulen.
65
(institutions) What was the state of working-class access to education after age 14?
It remained very limited.
66
(institutions) What were the Weimar Constitution's goals for education?
To support democratic values and establish a uniform national system.
67
(institutions) What changes were made to teaching methods in primary schools?
Progressive teaching was introduced.
68
(institutions) What qualification was required for teachers?
They had to pass the Abitur.
69
(institutions) Why wasn’t a uniform school system fully implemented?
Due to strong parental opposition.
70
(institutions) Who held most power within the civil service?
Administrators and bureaucrats were the dominant groups.
71
(institutions) What was the role of the judiciary in Weimar Germany?
To organise the courts, uphold the law, and administer justice.
72
(institutions) What did Article 102 of the Weimar Constitution state about the judiciary?
That it was independent from the government.
73
(institutions) How was judicial independence used against the Republic?
Judges used their independence to undermine the Republic, often showing right-wing bias.
74
(institutions) What were many judges' political and social views during this period?
Many were nationalist and anti-Semitic, failing to protect Jewish rights.
75
(institutions) How did the judiciary treat violent right-wing offenders?
They often went unpunished or received light sentences for assassinating politicians.
76
(institutions) How did left-wing and right-wing crimes compare in punishment?
-4 of 22 left-wing murders went unpunished -326 of 354 right-wing murders did -showing severe bias.
77
(institutions) What happened after the murder of Rathenau in 1922?
The law was strengthened, but judges rarely used their new powers.
78
(institutions) How did Bavaria handle the new legal reforms post-Rathenau’s murder?
Judges in Bavaria often bypassed or ignored the new laws.
79
(institutions) Who continued to hold key positions in the judiciary?
Judges from the Kaiserreich, who disliked the democratic Republic.
80
(institutions) How did judicial bias affect Weimar democracy?
It legitimised political violence and emboldened Nazi and right-wing movements.
81
(institutions) What was the extent of judicial independence under Weimar?
Judges were constitutionally independent but often used this to promote right-wing agendas.
82
(institutions) Did Weimar sources detail specific oaths for judges, army, or civil service?
No specific oaths were mentioned for these groups.
83
(institutions) What was the army's role in the Weimar Republic?
To defend the state, though its leadership was often anti-democratic.
84
(institutions)What was the civil service’s role in the Republic?
To carry out administration and implement government policy, though many were disloyal to the Republic.
85
(institutions) What were teachers' responsibilities within the civil service?
They were responsible for delivering education.
86
(institutions) How did the judiciary undermine the Republic despite its role?
Though meant to uphold justice, political bias compromised the rule of law.
87
(institutions) What were the political leanings of the army’s leadership?
Right-wing and anti-democratic, dominated by Prussian Junker elites.
88
(institutions) What was the political orientation of the civil service?
Mostly conservative, often anti-democratic.
89
(institutions) Why were many civil servants undemocratic?
Many were ex-soldiers with conservative or authoritarian views.
90
(institutions) What were the political attitudes of the judiciary?
Mostly nationalist and anti-Semitic, with strong right-wing sympathies.
91
(institutions) Were there formal overlapping party structures within institutions?
No formal structures, but individuals often had right-wing sympathies aligned with anti-democratic parties.
92
(institutions) How were paramilitary groups like the Freikorps connected to right-wing politics?
They supported right-wing goals and often included ex-soldiers.
93
(ideologies) What democratic features did the Weimar Republic have?
A constitution with civil rights, universal suffrage, and equality before the law.
94
(ideologies) How was the Reichstag elected?
Through proportional representation (PR).
95
(ideologies) What problems came from PR?
Fragmented politics and unstable coalition governments
96
(ideologies) What was Article 48, and why was it a threat to democracy?
It gave the President emergency powers to bypass the Reichstag, weakening democracy.
97
(ideologies) Why was democracy fragile in Weimar Germany?
Key institutions like the army and judiciary were often led by anti-democratic elites.
98
(ideologies) Was the Weimar Republic authoritarian?
Not fully, but it had authoritarian features like Article 48 and strong conservative elites.
99
(ideologies) How was Article 48 used in an authoritarian way?
Presidents used it to issue decrees and suspend civil liberties during crises.
100
(ideologies) Who undermined democracy from within?
Conservative elites, parts of the army, and the biased judiciary.
101
(ideologies) Was the Weimar Republic totalitarian?
No. Despite extremist threats, freedoms like speech, press, and multiple parties existed.
102
(ideologies) Could anti-democratic parties operate in Weimar Germany?
Yes, they could participate and gain seats in the Reichstag.
103
(ideologies) How did WWI shape Weimar militarism?
It left a culture of militarism; the army kept independence and prestige.
104
(ideologies) What were the Freikorps?
Right-wing paramilitary groups that suppressed left-wing uprisings.
105
(ideologies) Which left-wing groups used violence?
Spartacists and Ruhr rebels.
106
(ideologies) Which right-wing groups used violence?
Kapp Putsch supporters, Nazis (Munich Putsch), and Organisation Consul assassins.
107
(ideologies) How did the Treaty of Versailles impact Weimar Germany?
It caused resentment due to territory losses, reparations, and military limits.
108
(ideologies) How did Stresemann help improve Germany’s global position?
He promoted cooperation and led Germany into the League of Nations in 1926.

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