Weimar Republic Flashcards

Flashcards covering the weaknesses and recovery of the Weimar Republic, 1919-1929.

Spartacist Uprising

Communist-led revolt in January 1919 that was crushed by the Freikorps. It was short-lived and poorly organized but ideologically dangerous.

Constitutional Weaknesses (Weimar Republic)

Proportional representation led to unstable governments, and Article 48 allowed presidents to rule by decree. This was an ongoing problem but not a specific crisis.

Kapp Putsch

Right-wing coup in March 1920 by Freikorps and Wolfgang Kapp. The army refused to protect the government, which fled Berlin. It was saved only by a general strike.

Treaty of Versailles

Caused long-term resentment, damaged national pride, created hatred for Weimar, reparations

Proportional Representation (Weimar Republic)

Caused political instability and weak coalition governments and allowed extremist parties to gain power.

Hyperinflation (Weimar Republic)

A direct and immediate threat to the economy and democracy that destroyed savings, caused daily suffering, and destabilized Germany.

Ruhr Crisis

Triggered hyperinflation after Germany printed money to support strikers and France seized a key economic area which collapsed coal output.

Reparations

£6.6bn payment led to hyperinflation, resentment, economic ruin. Directly triggered most other problems.

Rentenmark

Stabilized currency, ended hyperinflation but didn't generate money or solve debt (short-term confidence).

Locarno Pact (1925)

Improved relations with France and Belgium and helped rebuild trust and foreign investment.

League of Nations (1926)

Gave Germany a place on the world stage and helped rebuild trust and foreign investment.

Dawes Plan

US loans of 800 million gold marks which funded jobs, industry, and reparations and was key to economic growth.

Gustav Stresemann

Ended hyperinflation (Rentenmark), reduced political violence