Germany in the Interwar Period
1. The German Revolution of 1918/19
- You can explain the events that led to the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
Germany lost WW1 in late 1918. Millions had died, there were food shortages and the economy was collapsing.
Many Germans blamed Kaiser Wilhelm II and the military leadership for the disaster.
Sailors in Kiel mutinied after being ordered into a final naval battle they believed was pointless.
In November 1918, workers’ and soldiers’ councils formed.
On 9 November 1918:
Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated
the Monarchy ended
Phillpp Scheidemann proclaimed a republic in Berlin
On 11 November 1918, Germany signed the armistice ending WW1.
Elections were held in January 1919 for a national assembly in the city of Weimar.
A democratic constitution was written in 1919. Germany became a parliamentary democracy. This new state became known as the Weimar Republic.
2. The Years of Crisis
- You know the many factors that threatened the Weimar Republic.
Many Germans viewed the republic as weak for accepting the treaty of Versailles.
Political Extremism: Both communist and the right-wing nationalist tried to overthrow the government. For example, there was the Spartacus League by the communists, the Kapp Putsch by conservatives and army supporters and the Beer Hall Putsch by the Nazis.
Economic problems: Germany struggled to pay reparations. In 1923, French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr industrial region. The Government printed huge amounts of money, causing hyperinflation.
Political situation: There was a lack of support for democracy and a trend to the right.
- You can explain the weaknesses inherent in the Weimar Constitution.
Article 48: The president could rule by emergency decree without parliament. This was intended for emergencies, but was later abused.
The president was very strong over all. He could appoint and dismiss chancellors, dissolve the parliament and call elections. This created tension between democracy and authoritarian powers.
Germany had little experience with democracy before 1919, making the system fragile.
3. The Spectrum of Political Parties
- You have a rough overview of positions of the Weimar Parties.
Left Wing
SPD: moderate socialist party, supported democracy and the republic, favored workers’ rights and social reforms
KPD: communist and revolutionary, wanted a soviet-style system, opposed capitalism (and often opposed the SPD)
Center
Center Party: represented Catholic interests, supported democracy, often participated in coalition governments
DDP: liberal and democratic, supported civil rights and parliamentary government
Right Wing
DNVP: Conservative and nationalist, opposed the treaty of Versailles, many members disliked democracy
NSDAP: Nazi Party lead by Adolf Hitler, extremely nationalist, anti-democratic, antisemitic and anti-communist, promised strong leadership and national revival
4. Great Depression and the End of the Republic
- You can name reasons for the fall of the Weimar Republic and the rise of the National Social- ists.
The Great Depression hit Germany severely because American loans were withdrawn, businesses collapsed and unemployment rose to millions. People lost faith in the democratic parties.
Political instability: Coalition governments collapsed frequently. President increasingly used Article 48 instead of parliament and democracy appeared ineffective.
The crisis increased support for the KPD and especially for the NSDAP (Nazis). The NSDAP used effective propaganda and exploited peoples fear of communism.
Conservative elites supported Hitler: some conservatives believed that they could control Hitler and use his popularity for their own goals.
- You know the events surrounding the so-called „Machtergreifung“ (Hitler’s appointment as Reich Chancellor).
In 1932, the Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag. President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor on 30 January 1933. Conservative politicians believed they could control him.
Consolidation of power: After Hitler became chancellor the Reichstag Fire was used to suspend civil liberties, communists were suppressed, the Enabling Act of 1933 gave Hitler dictatorial powers, other parties were banned and then Germany became a dictatorship under Nazi rule.