Summary - The Extent of Political Stability by 1928

Comparison of 1929-32 and 1924-28 in terms of political stability

• In comparison of early Weimar years and 1929-32, the years 1924-28 can be interpreted as a time of political stability

Summary of political violence in these years

• Political violence receded and there were no attempts by extremist groups to overthrow the Republic by force

• Parties of the extreme left and extreme right suffered a loss of support in the elections of these years

What did the election of Hindenburg show

• The election of Hindenburg in 1925 can also be seen as a sign that traditional conservatives were beginning to adapt and accommodate to the new reality of a democratic republic

Summary of the weaknesses in the Weimar political system

• Weaknesses in the political system remained

• Stable cabinets were as elusive as they had been in the post-war years

• Parties represented narrow sectional interests - making it difficult for politicians with a national appeal and national programme to emerge

Summary of political divides within Weimar

• Although Weimar Republic’s politicians understood the need to compromise in order to establish coalition governments

• Their parties however and the interests of those they represented, placed severe constraints on their freedom of action

Summary of coalition governments

• Due to political divides were fragile and temporary alliances

• Even in the favourable circumstances of 1924-28, stable governments proved impossible to achieve and respect for democratic institutions was further eroded