Survival of the Weimar Republic (1919-1924)

Introduction

Between 1919-1924, Germany experienced revolutions, assassinations, economic problems, and general disorder.
Despite turmoil, the Weimar Republic survived beyond 1924.
Various theories and suggestions explain the survival.

Extremism rose, but no powerful revolutions occurred.
Kapp Putsch (1920): Easily suppressed and disbanded.
Right-wing groups lacked organization.
Hitler (1923) had insufficient support.
Most German workers supported the SPD, not the KPD.
- Communist Party seen as worker's party, yet unsupported by most workers.
Lack of drive and organization among far-left.
Weimar army was anti-far left, hindering leftist group formation.

Friedrich Ebert:
- Moderate socialist taking strong actions against communism.
- Called upon the army in 1919 to handle the Spartacist uprising.
- Resisted Kapp Putsch using Article 48 and stood against Munich Putsch.
Gustav Stresemann:
- Came to power in August 1923, member of the DVP.
- Instrumental in Weimar's "Golden Age" (1924-1928).
- Ended passive resistance in the Ruhr and resumed reparation payments.
- Introduced new currency, ending hyperinflation.
- Improved relations with Western nations.

German animosity directed more towards France, especially during the Ruhr occupation.
Hyperinflation crisis exaggerated; less severe poverty compared to post-1929 crash.
Workers minimally affected by hyperinflation.
Generally passive feelings towards Weimar Republic.
- Lack of extreme poverty meant less political interest.
- Politics took a backseat to economic well-being.

Extremism and economic issues at the time may be exaggerated.
Despite strong opposition, actions by Ebert and Stresemann improved the Republic's standing.
Multiple smaller factors also supported Weimar's survival.