Weimar: Politics (1918-29) Flashcards
Why was the weimar government initially hated due to the treaty of Versailles?
- Resentment of the treaty was widespread, and many Germans thought that they could’ve won the war
- elements of treaty that were deeply resented, and the fact Germany was not allowed to take part in negotiations
- Forced to accept responsibility for starting war
What happened to the number of trained soldiers who were released at the end of the war?
They were recruited by almost all the political parties and formed armies.
Why had the government managed to stay in power, unlike Prince Max’s government?
The most likely alternative to weimar was a left-wing government.
Thus many right wing supporters who wanted return of an imperial government supported, (even if lukewarm) the government, than run the risk of opposing it and ending up with left-wing gov.
How many votes did it take to gain a seat in the Reichstag. But what was the problem with this and more parties?
It took 60,000 votes to gain a seat
Was very democratic but didn’t take into account that the more parties there were the more difficult it was to work effectively
How did parties splitting pose challenges to the constitution?
Members would move between parties. For example, in 1920 the USD split over policy and around half of them left to join the KPD causing confusion within voters.
What was the method and the problem with proportional representation?
Pr meant people voted for parties in one of 35 electoral areas, rather than for a specific person.
Then their representative in the Reichstag was chosen from the party list. If a member died/resigned, there wasn’t a by-election to replace, but the next person on the list took their place.
Thus many began to film that there were lots of politicians, but none specifically interested in them
Why was it impossible for any party to have a majority in the constitution?
All the chancellors had to form coalition governments. There were different short lip coalitions between 1919 and 1923.
Each party focused on what they could get out of the coalition and not how to best go together as they had different aims, so the government spend lots of time arguing about policies
What would happen when the coalitions broke down?
The chancellor asked the president to use article 48 to rule by decree. This was only intended for emergency dust, making the government look like it was in constant crisis.
How was Hindenburg presence one way the Weimar government overcame the challenges and stayed in power
He was in high Ministry commander during the first world war, and a strong support of the Kaiser.
So, despite swearing an ode to uphold the constitution, he really favoured a more authoritarian system of government
How did Gustav Stresseman contribute to Better coalitions in the government and an increased economy?
- urge parties to work together and manage to achieve it. Did this by speaking against the “trust no one betray everyone” attitude and convinced coalition of parties to be prepared to follow modern policies .
- Also believed economic recovery and peaceful relations were important for the stability, of Germanys political system.
What was Stresemann’s role during 1923 and then 1929
He was chancellor, 1923, becoming foreign minister until 1929
In relation to the parties themselves, what did Streisand do between 1923 and 1929
He managed to hold together a coalition of the DVP, centre party, S P,D and DDP, by forming working relations based on trust.
(Even with opposition from the more extreme groups)
How many political figures were assassinated between 1924 and 1929
Zero
Why were the government becoming more receptive by the public in the year 1924 to 29
Economy has improved so social conditions, stabilised and political violence died down.
The government had been powerful long enough for people to accept. It was now the political system in Germany, as long as things continue to improve.
When did Stresseman die?
1929
