foreign policy under stresemann

What job did Stresemann have for most of the period 1923-29?

Foreign Minister

What is the job of the foreign minister?

They are the minister in charge of relations with other countries.

How was Germany regarded by other countries in 1923?

• Germany was regarded with distrust and suspicion due to several factors:

  • The aftermath of World War I left the nation in political turmoil.

  • The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, leading to resentment.

  • Hyperinflation in 1923 caused the value of the German mark to plummet, resulting in social unrest.

  • The rise of extremist political factions raised concerns among other nations about stability in Europe.

  • Many countries feared that a weakened Germany could lead to further aggression, straining diplomatic relations.

What was the Locarno Pact and which countries were directly involved?

• Definition: The Locarno Pact was a series of agreements signed in 1925 aiming to guarantee the borders of Western Europe as established by the Treaty of Versailles.

• Key Participants:

  • Primary Signatories: Germany, France, and Belgium

  • Guarantors: Britain and Italy, who promised to defend the borders if any nation was violated

• Purpose: To foster a spirit of reconciliation after World War I by committing to peaceful dispute resolution and reducing the risk of future conflicts.

Who signed the Locarno Pact?

Germany, France, Britain, Belgium and Italy.

What was the significance of the Locarno Pact?

1) It showed Germany was being welcomed back into the international community. 2) It helped pave the way for Germany to join the League of Nations the following year (1926).

When was the Locarno Pact signed?

1 December 1925.

When did Germany join the League of Nations?

1926.

What part of the League did Germany join?

The Council - as a permanent member.

Why was Germany’s acceptance into the League important?

1) It helped restore a sense of national pride and prestige to Germany.

2) It showed Germany was once again considered a ‘great power’ in Europe.

3) It showed other European countries saw Germany once again as a responsible nation.

What did Stresemann receive in 1926?

The Nobel Peace Prize.

What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact?

An agreement by 65 nations to settle all disputes through peaceful means.

What was the significance of the Kellogg-Briand Pact?

It was a high point for international co-operation and showed widespread support for peace.

How was the Kellogg-Briand Pact seen at the time?

As a turning point in history towards a more peaceful world.

Why did the Kellogg-Briand Pact not have the desired effect?

The Wall Street Crash hit in 1929, a year after the pact was signed. The severe economic consequences meant many nations (Japan, Italy, Germany etc.) turned to radical, often aggressive solutions to their problems.

When was the Kellogg-Briand Pact signed?

1928.

How was Germany regarded by other countries in 1923?

Germany was seen with distrust and suspicion due to several reasons:

• Aftermath of World War I: Germany was struggling politically, facing unrest and instability.

• Treaty of Versailles: This treaty imposed harsh penalties and reparations on Germany, causing feelings of humiliation among its citizens.

• Hyperinflation Crisis: In 1923, the German economy suffered from hyperinflation, with prices skyrocketing. By the end of the year, 4.2 trillion marks were needed to equal one US dollar, leading to widespread poverty.

• Rise of Extremist Groups: Economic hardship allowed extremist groups to gain popularity, creating fear in other nations about potential unrest and aggression from Germany.

• International Skepticism: Other countries were wary of Germany’s situation, viewing it as a potential threat to European stability and security.

• Strained Relations: Diplomatic relationships with many nations were tense, as they were cautious about engaging with a country in such turmoil.

Overall, Germany was largely regarded as a nation in crisis.

Who was unhappy with Germany’s foreign policy during this period?

Nationalists criticized Stresemann for signing the Locarno Pact.

What were the key points of the Young Plan?

1) Reduced reparations from £6.6bn to roughly £2bn. 2) Led to the final removal of British, French and Belgian troops from the Rhineland.

When was the Young Plan signed?

January 20, 1930.

What were the key objectives and long-term impacts of the Locarno Pact?

• Key Objectives:

  • Border Security: Ensure Germany respected its western borders, particularly the demilitarized Rhineland.

  • Peaceful Dispute Resolution: Establish arbitration procedures to settle conflicts and prevent military escalation.

• Long-Term Impacts:

  • Stabilization: Improved relations between Germany and its western neighbors, contributing to a period of relative peace in Western Europe.

  • International Integration: Paved the way for Germany’s acceptance into the League of Nations, enhancing its international standing.

  • Criticism and Later Resentment: Although it brought short-term stability, the pact also sowed the seeds for future discontent among nationalist groups in Germany.