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How far do the early problems of the Weimar republic suggest that it was doomed from the
start?
Origins of the Weimar Republic. Effects of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany. Problems of the
Weimar Republic 1918-24 (political weakness, challenges from the Left and Right, Spartacists,
Kapp Putsch, Munich Putsch, invasion of the Ruhr and hyperinflation).
How did the Nazi Party develop its ideas and organisation up to 1929?
Early career of Hitler; founding of the Nazi Party; Munich Putsch; Mein Kampf; decline in support in
the Stresemann years.
How did Hitler change Germany from a democracy to a Nazi dictatorship, 1933-1934?
Reichstag Fire; Election of March 1933; Enabling Act; elimination of political opposition – political
parties, Trade Unions. Night of the Long Knives; death of Hindenburg; Hitler becomes Führer.
To what extent did the German people benefit from Nazi rule in the 1930s?
Economic policy; increased employment through public works programmes, rearmament and
conscription; self-sufficiency. Effects of Nazi policies on people living in Germany.
The story of Germany 1919-1939 is the story of how an almost perfect democracy,
where people had freedom and human rights, was overtaken by a right-wing dictatorship, which
turned out to be perhaps the nastiest government in human History.
Was the Weimar Republic doomed from the start?
Setting up the Weimar Republic
Before 1919 Germany had been – under Kaiser Wilhelm II – virtually a dictatorship. There was a
Reichstag (a parliament), but it could not make laws and did not appoint the government. The Kaiser did
all that.
But the First World War changed everything. As Germany sank into defeat, the government fell
apart. The navy mutinied (rebelled) and there were food riots. German had to sign the Armistice in
November 1918, and the Kaiser fled to Holland.
After a short period of political chaos, the members of the Reichstag met in the small town of
Weimar, near Berlin, and set up a new government in February 1919. It was a Republic (it did not have a
king – which is why we call it the ‘Weimar Republic’) and it was a democracy.
The Weimar Republic was a very good democracy. It had a Bill of Rights to protect the freedoms
of the people, and it gave the vote to all men and women over the age of 21. The voting system was one
of ‘proportional representation’ – which elected MPs exactly in line with the wishes of the people. The
people elected the Reichstag, which appointed the government and made the laws. The Republic did
have a President – Frederick Ebert – but he was elected too.
To what extent did the German people benefit from Nazi rule in the 1930s?
For many people the Nazi regime was the happiest time of their lives. Nazi economic policies (including
‘Autarchy’ – the desire for Germany to be self-sufficient – re-armament and government work
programmes) gave full employment, prosperity and financial security - many observers stated that there
was no poverty in Germany. German ‘autobahns’ provided work and improved transport. A Nazi
scheme called ‘Strength through Joy’ gave workers free picnics, visits to the theatre and even free
holidays. There was law and order (few people locked their doors), and the Nazis knew the excitement of
ceremonies and rallies. Germans had hope, and self-belief, and there was a feeling that Hitler ‘keeps me
safe from all harm.' Nazi philosophy idealised women and the family, and the Law for the
Encouragement of Marriage gave newly-wed couples 250 marks for each child they had (Mothers who
had more than 8 children were given a gold medal). Also, Nazi culture was very youth-oriented, and the
HJ and BDN were treated with respect, and provided with fun activities.