Problems Faced by the Weimar Republic (1919-1923)

Introduction

• Overview of the challenges faced by the Weimar Republic between 1919 and 1923.
• Focus on structural issues and key events contributing to the instability.

Government Structural Problems

• Proportional Representation System:

  • A major issue leading to fragmentation within the Reichstag.
  • Results in 37 different parties, making agreement difficult, particularly in crises.

• New Democratic System:

  • Transition from a constitutional monarchy (Kaiser) to a republic creates discontent.
  • Many Germans view the new system as illegitimate and unfamiliar, leading to resentment.

• Article 48:

  • Allows the president to rule by decree in emergencies, undermining democratic principles.

Rebellions Against the Weimar Government

• Spartacist Revolt:

  • Socialist group aiming to replace the government with a system similar to the Soviet Union.
  • View the Weimar government as another failed regime.

• Kapp Putsch:

  • Led by Wolfgang Kapp, aiming to restore the monarchy and establish a strong, militaristic leadership.
  • Reflects conservative dissatisfaction with the new democratic government.

Treaty of Versailles (1919)

• Association of Grievances with Weimar Government:

  • The signing of the treaty links the government to its unpopular terms.

• Key Grievances:

  • Article 231: Blame for WWI placed solely on Germany.
  • Territorial Losses: Loss of East Prussia and the creation of the Polish Corridor.
  • Military Restrictions: Army limited to 200,000 troops.
  • Reparations: Imposed reparations of 6.6 billion, leading to widespread resentment.
  • Coal and League of Nations: Loss of resources and exclusion from international organizations.

Crisis of 1923

• Rhineland Occupation:

  • French troops occupy the Ruhr following German default on reparations.
  • Highlights the government's inability to manage economic obligations.

• Hyperinflation:

  • Resulting from the Ruhr occupation and the government's decision to pay striking workers.
  • Economic collapse reflects government mismanagement and weak responses to crises.

Conclusion

• Summary of the key problems faced by the Weimar Republic, emphasizing the need to explain rather than just describe these issues.
• Importance of understanding structural weaknesses, external pressures, and their impact on the government's legitimacy.