WEIMAR RECOVERY FROM CRISIS Flashcards
Explain why the Weimar Republic was able to recover from crisis, 1924 to 1929. (12) Paragraph 1
P1: IMPROVED ECONOMY
E1: Stresemann introduced a number of important reforms and negotiated agreements with Britain and the USA which helped the German economy to recover. As the economy recovered, the people of Germany began to feel more positive about the Republic and support for the moderate parties increased. Firstly, in 1923, The Rentenmark replaced the old currency, which ended the hyperinflation crisis. The Rentenmark also helped to restore the confidence of the German people in the currency and in the economy. Soon after, in 1924, The Dawes Plan was introduced which was an agreement made with the US. Reparations were temporarily halved to £50 million per year and U.S. banks would provide Germany with loans of $25 billion to help German industry recover. Lastly, in 1929, the Young Plan was introduced which involved an agreement with the US. Reparation payments were reduced to £2 billion and Germany was given an extra 59 years to pay. As international trade improved, more jobs were created in Germany and unemployment began to fall
A1: Consequently, this explains that agreements and reforms with Britain and the US allowed German trade to recover and begin to flourish. Therefore, as a result, the Weimar Republic was able to recover from crisis due the improved economy.
Explain why the Weimar Republic was able to recover from crisis, 1924 to 1929. (12) Paragraph 2
P2: IMPROVED STANDARD OF LIVING.
E2: Living standards had suffered because of the economic problems between 1918 and 1923. However, there were many gradual social improvements after 1924. The Weimar Government funded many of these improvements. In 1924, over 4% of the total workforce was unemployed. However, there were gradual improvements. In 1926, the unemployment fell to 2 million and by 1928 it was at 1.3 million. The economic recovery and recovery of industry meant that more workers were employed and real wages increased by 25% between 1925 and 1928, which made German workers the best paid in Europe. The Weimar government also improved working conditions as they shortened the length of the working week from 50 hours to 46 hours in 1927.
A2: Consequently, this explains that the Weimar Republic was able to recover from crisis due to the improved standard of living, installing an improved trust within the German people, leading to the people of Germany turning away from the more extremist parties and focusing there support towards the moderate parties.
Explain why the Weimar Republic was able to recover from crisis, 1924 to 1929. (12) Paragraph 3
