Germany in 1923-1929

Who was gustav stresemann?

He was a right-wing politician and had a wider support than Ebert. Although Stresemann was only chancellor from august 1923 to November 1923, he acted as Germany’s foreign minister from 1923 to 1929, the Weimar republics golden period. He brought Germany back onto the world stage as a peaceful nation, signing the Locarno treaties in 1925 and joining the league of nations in 1926. Stresemann also introduced the Rentenmark, a new German currency that helped contain the hyperinflation crisis and eventually lead to a strong economic era.

Economic achievements

By 1928 Germany was at the same levels of production as before the war and wages for industrial workers rose and there was a higher standard for living.

Economic problems

Germany was largely relying on American loans (Dawes plan) and there was an increased inequality between big and small businesses

Political Achivements

There were no more attempted revolutions after 1923, meaning there was more political stability

Political problems

30% of the vote regularly went to parties that were opposed the Weimar Republic and the DNVP + the Nazi party began to closely cooperate and make themselves appear more respectable.

Cultural achievements

There was a cultural revival in Germany and an increase of literature, dancing, songs, cinema and a “daring and liberated night life”.

Cultural problems

Those living in the country generally saw the new night life as a morale decline which encouraged them to vote for the Nazi party as they shared those same traditional views

Foreign policy achievements

Stresemann signed the Locarno treaties in 1925, guaranteeing that germany was not to try change its western borders with France and Belgium and in 1926, Germany was accepted into the League of Nations.

foreign policy problems

Nationalists attacked Stresemann for joining the League and signing the Locarno treaties as this meant that Germany accepted the Treaty of Versailles.