2. The "Golden Years" of Weimar Germany 1924 - 29

In Weimar Germany, who was Gustav Stresemann?

Nationalist - chancellor in August 1923.

Later established the DVP (People's Party).

What were the aims of the DVP (People's Party)?

Aims:

• to control inflation

• regain Europe's respect

• minimise support for extremist parties

When was the Rentenmark introduced in Weimar Germany?

November 1923.

Gold standard currency, helped to control inflation.

When was the Dawes Plan signed?

August 1924.

True or False? The Dawes Plan was introduced in 1924 by the USA to help Germany with reparations.

True.

Created by an American banker Charles G. Dawes.

The 1924 Dawes Plan reduced the reparations Germany had to pay to the Allies by how many pounds a year?

To £50 million a year.

How much money did the Dawes Plan promise to give to German industry from 1924 to 1930?

$25 billion to German industry from 1924-30.

Did all Germans support the Dawes Plan in 1924?

No.

German economy too dependent on American loans.

Extremists believed should not be paying reparations at all.

When was the Young Plan signed?

1930. (Signed in Jan 1930, written/presented in 1929.)

What was the 1929 Young Plan?

Agreement that replaced Dawes Plan and settled Germany's reparation obligations.

Created by an American banker Owen Young.

What were the aims of the Young Plan?

Aims:

• further reduce Germany's reparations

• extend the repayment deadline (59 years)

• improve relations with the Allies

How much did the 1929 Young Plan reduce the total reparations bill?

£6.6 billion to £2 billion.

Were the German people in favour of the 1929 Young Plan?

Yes.

1929 - 85% in favour, ~ 35 million German citizens.

True or False? The French army left the Rhineland in 1930.

True.

Issue of reparation payments settled in Locarno Treaty and the Young Plan.

When was the Locarno Treaty signed?

December 1925.

What was the 1925 Locarno Treaty?

Agreement between Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Belgium.

What were the aims of the Locarno Treaty?

Aims:

• ensure peace

• accept borders

• demilitarize the Rhineland.

When was Gustav Stresemann awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?

1926.

True or False? France and Belgium promised to keep peace with each other under the Locarno Pact.

False.

France and Germany.

Define the League of Nations.

Association of countries that promote international cooperation and achieve world peace.

When was the League of Nations established?

1919 by Treaty of Versailles.

True or False? The League of Nations was based on President Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points.

True.

Did Germany's membership in the League of Nations increase or decrease German citizens' confidence in the Weimar Republic?

Increase.

However, some did not want anything to do with the League of Nations, associated with the hated Treaty of Versailles.