The Weimer Republic 1918-45)

The Weimer Republic was the name by which Germany was called after World War 1. Kaiser William 11
had abdicated to Holland living Germany without an effective leader. The Weimer was named after a
small town of Weimer where the new democratic constitution was drafted and adopted. The new
constitution changed Germany from a monarchy into a parliamentary democracy characterized by multi-
parties, universal suffrage (extension of voting rights to all citizens eligible to vote), freedom of speech
and proportional representation.

Problems Faced by the Weimer Republic

Political problems

Proportional Representation

The Republic allowed proportional representation whereby a party got seats in parliament (Reichstag) in
proportion to the number of votes it received at the polls. The system led to may political parties being
formed and none of them could have absolute majority to form a government. Therefore, they entered
into coalitions which also failed because of their ideologies leading to instability in the government.

The Versailles Treaty

The new government was closely associated with the hated Versailles Treaty. Its leaders had signed the
treaty in 1919 which humiliated the Germans. Therefore, those who signed it were seen as betrayers
and referred to as “The November Criminals”. The terms were a serious blow to Germany as she had to
pay reparations and agree that she alone had caused the war.

The Germans were used to a monarch system

The Germans preferred the old system whereby they were ruled by kings. They hated a democratic
government where they were ruled by political parties and therefore did not support and respect the
new government. They wished the Kaiser could come back and rule them.

Political Violence

They were a lot political uprisings which included the following: (Describe any of the following
rebellions) (8)

The Spaticistst Uprising 1919

It was a leftist communist group which favored change and not supportive of the Weimer Republic. It
wanted Germany to be ruled by Soviets (workers` council) like in Russia. It staged a rebellion in Berlin
which was crushed by the German army. The German army was supported by the Freikorps (ex-
soldiers). Its leaders Rosa Luxemburg and others were shot and killed after being captured.

1
The Kapp Putsch/ Uprising 1920

It was a rebellion from the right wingers against the Weimer Republic. It used the Freikorps (ex-soldiers)
to stage a rebellion in Berlin in an attempt to overthrow the government. The right wingers mostly hated
the Versailles treaty and those who signed it as well as communism. It was led by Dr. Kapp. The rebellion
was defeated by the people of Berlin. Kapp was imprisoned and resigned thereafter.

The Munich Putsch 1923

It was a rebellion led by a new nationalist, Adolf Hitler which came to be known as the Munich Beer Hall
Putsch. Hitler and his supports wanted to take over control of the Bavarian government. He was joined
by the Nazi storm troopers and his supporters. The plan backfired as 16 Nazi storm troopers were killed
by the German army while Hitler was arrested and charged with treason. However, he got away with a
lighter sentence as he was a given a five year prison term of which he served only 9 months in a
luxurious building. While in prison, he wrote his autobiography titled Mein Kampfy (My Struggle). The
autobiography later on became the Nazi political bible.

Political assassinations

They were mainly carried out by Freikops (ex-soldiers) who targeted Socialist Party leaders who were
against the new government in Germany. Some of the victims included Walter Rathanau and Gustav
Ezrberger.

Socio Economic Problems

Bankruptcy

Germany had spent a lot of money during World War 1. Therefore, the new government did not have
enough money to run country and provide basic needs like food, medicine and heath.

The occupation of the Ruhr

This was an industrial area which was attacked by France and Belgium when Germany failed to pay the
reparations. The French and Belgian troops did so as to get payment in kind resulting in workers at the
Ruhr going on strike. This affected German economy as production stopped altogether.

Hyper-Inflation

The sudden increase in prices of basic commodities like bread in Germany made her currency, the Mark,
to lose its value. It became difficult for Germans to buy basic commodities leading to poverty and
starvation.

Payment of reparations

The reparations figure was too high (6 600 million British Pounds) which made it difficult for Germany to
quickly recover. When Germany failed to pay the reparations, France and Belgium attacked her and thud
further worsening her economic problems.

Loss of territories

2
Her loss of territories in Europe, Africa and the Pacific worsened her economic problems. This was
because she could have obtained raw materials from such territories to revamp her economy.

Unemployment

After World War1, many officers found themselves jobless because of disarmament which limited
Germany`s soldiers to 100 000 men. Besides, factories and banks had closed down making people to
resort to theft, looting and violence.

Food shortages

Poverty and starvation were the order of the day in Germany because production had stopped. Due to
food shortages, any Germans started to feel bitter against the Weimer Republic. They now wanted to be
ruled by the Kaiser.

The Weimer Republic under Gustav Stresemann 1924-29

He became the new Chancellor in 1923 and later the foreign secretary in 1924.

His achievements

Economic achievements

He introduced the new German currency, the Renten Mark which replaced the old worthless German
Mark. The new currency stabilized the German economy and inflation was reduced. Some industries
even started operations especially at the Ruhr.

The Dawes Plan 1924

He arranged loans from the USA under the Dawes Plan which helped Germany to pay the reparations
easily. Through the Dawes Plan, Germany was able to get 800 million Marks from the USA which
stabilized her economy. Her industries such as chemicals, iron and steel as well as coal started
operations which led to employment of German citizens. The plan also eased international tensions
between Germany and France and therefore, the French withdrew their troops from the Ruhr.

The Young Plan 1929

The Young Plan reduced reparations from 6 600 million to 2000 million British Pounds. It also set a time
frame within which the amount will be paid to 59 years. The plan eased reparations payment burden
from Germany. However, in 1929 the USA was hit by the Great Economic Depression and withdrew her
financial aid to Germany. As a result, Germany` s economy was plunged into crisis.

Political achievements

The Locarno Treaties 1925

In 1925 Germany signed the Locarno treaty with France, Britain and Belgium whereby they agreed to
respect their common borders as set outlined by the Versailles treaty. As a result, in 1926 Germany was

3
admitted into the League of Nations and recognized as a Great Power. This made her to renounce her
claims over Alsace-Lorraine and to keep the Rhineland a de-militarized zone.

Reasons for the Collapse of the Weimer Republic/ Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic

 The Republic had accepted the humiliating and unpopular Versailles Treaty which took away the
German pride by reducing its army, reparations payment, and diktat and war guilt clause. The
Germans hated this Republic because they believed they were stabbed on the back and
therefore could never forgive those who signed it.
 There was traditionally lack of respect for the democratic government. This was because the
Germans were used to being ruled by the King and therefore not willing to be ruled by political
parties. As a result, they did not support the new government hence its collapse.
 Germany was also hit by the World Economic Depression of 1929 which negatively affected her
economy. During that period, the USA was the hardest hit and therefore stopped her financial
assistance to Germany. Her economy came to a standstill as factories closed down and
unemployment figures rose. This led to other social ills like poverty and starvation.
 The Germans were not used to parliamentary system of democracy introduced by the new
government. Coalitions could not stabilize the country as no party could have absolute majority
to form a government. Instead, it created chaos in the government as coalitions kept on
breaking up to form new governments.
 Political parties had little experience on the operations of a democratic government. The new
government failed to make laws that could stabilize a democratic country. This created chaos in
parliament hence the collapse of the Weimer Republic.
 The rise of Adolf Hitler also led to the collapse of the Republic as many Germans had lost
interest in the new government. They wanted an alternative that could solve their problems.
Hitler appealed to the Germans that he could solve their problems and hence rejected the
Weimar Republic.

The Beginning of Hitler`s Political Career

Why and How Hitler was able to come to power in Germany Before 1933

The promise to destroy the hated Versailles Treaty: Hitler and the Nazi party blamed Germany`s
problems on the Versailles treaty as they saw it as a “Diktat” which was intended to humiliate Germany
and weaken her. The treaty had militarily and economically crippled Germany and her pride was also
destroyed. Hitler and the Nazi party promised to destroy and reverse the terms of the treaty. This made
the Germans to support Hitler and the Nazi party because they hated the treaty.

The fear of Communism: Communism was feared throughout Europe and industrialists in Germany
hated it too. Hitler and the Nazi party were anti-communists and for this reason, they wanted to destroy
it in Eastern Europe as well as within Germany. Communists in Germany wanted their country to be
ruled by Soviets (workers’ councils). Communists in Germany were to be persecuted as well as the Jews.

4
This resulted in violent actions against the communists. German industrialists and business owners
financed Hitler’s campaigns because they feared that if Communists were elected into power, they will
take over their businesses.

Oratory Skills: Hitler became popular due to his talent as great public speaker. He made moving
speeches which appealed to his audience`s emotions and thus attracting many people to the Nazi Party.
The promises he made during his speeches made many Germans to view him as the Messiah. The party
became so popular that in 1933 Hitler was appointed the Chancellor of Germany.

Modernized Campaigns: Nazi campaigns were instrumental in the rise of Hitler to power. Their
campaign methods were modern and effective. The party abused the state media such as television and
radio as well as newspapers and posters to spread the Nazi propaganda. They relied heavily on their
propaganda specialist, Joseph Goebbels who used every possible method to spread their messages
hence Hitler`s popularity and rise to power.

The use of Brown Shirts/storm troopers: These were the Nazi [private army. The Nazi party gained
support from the unemployed Germans who were given food, employment and shelter. Therefore, the
Nazi party because it gave them small wages, uniform and a new purpose of life. The storm troopers
were used by the Nazi party to disrupt communist political rallies. By so doing, they attracted many
unemployed and unhappy young people into the party who admired discipline and fighting qualities of
the storm troopers. They were later joined by the police and the army and thus making Hitler more
popular in Germany.

How Hitler consolidated his Power in Germany between 1933-34 (Explain how Hitler consolidated his
power in Germany between 1933 and 1934)

The Enabling Act Law, March 1933: This law was aimed at giving Hitler swiping powers to rule Germany
without consulting the Reichstag for four years. The law gave Hitler full control of Germany as he could
make laws and act on them as he was above the German constitution. It made that Hitler could draft
laws which came into effect the same day they were published. For example, he banned all political
parties in Germany and thus making Germany a one party state. Therefore, Hitler had changed Germany
into a totalitarian state which consolidated his power as he became unopposed.

The Supreme Leader (Der Fuhrer): In 1934 President Hindenburg died. Now that Hitler was the
Chancellor of Germany, he combined the positions of the Presidency and Chancellery and made himself
the Supreme Leader of Germany (Der Fuhrer). Der Fuhrer had to be obeyed without questions. Every
soldier had to swear an oath of “unconditional obedience to Hitler”.

The Reichstag Fire: On the eve of elections in 1933, the Reichstag building was set on fire and a
communist was arrested on allegations of starting the fire. Hitler used the incident as evidence that the
communist were plotting against his government. Hitler demanded special emergency powers to deal
with situation. On the night of the fire incident, about 4000 leading communists were arrested and
imprisoned by the Gestapo at concentration camps while others were exiled. Hitler employed those
dirty tactics so win absolute majority in the elections and consolidate in power in Germany.

5
The Night of Long Knives 1934: One of the greatest threats to Hitler’s` totalitarianism came from within
his Nazi party. As a result, in June 1934, Hitler eliminated some of his opponents who have grown too
powerful within the Nazi party as he considered a threat. One such character was the Ernest Rohm who
was the commander of the storm troopers. Other members of the storm troopers were also shot and
killed in what came to be known as “The Night of Long Knives”. A few days later about 400 people were
killed who were suspected to be Hitler`s enemies and thus consolidating his position in power.

Hitler`s Domestic Policy/ Describe how Hitler organized the German economy. (8)

Economic recovery

Autarky: Hitler was determined to make Germany self-sufficient. He wanted Germany to stop
depending on imports especially raw materials. Germany made trade deals with less developed nations
whereby she paid them with manufactured goods in exchange for raw materials.

Public works: Unemployed young men in Germany were used to build government funded projects like
roads, hospitals and schools as well as military barracks.

Rearmament: All young able-bodied men were forced into the army. Rearmament provided jobs in arms
factories like producing weapons of war such as guns and airplanes.

Persecution of the Jews: Many Jews were driven out of their jobs so as to pave way for the Aryan race
or the “Master Race”. Besides, most of their businesses were boycotted and burnt down.

Land re-allocation: Land which lied idle was taken from its owners and given to those farmers and
manufacturers who could utilize. By so doing, it made Germany self-sufficient in food production and
raw materials.

Women were to stay home: Women doctors, teachers and civil servants in Germany were to surrender
their jobs and stay at home. Instead, they were supposed to be at church, kitchen and mound children.

The Main features of the Nazi totalitarian state. Outline the main features of the Nazi totalitarian
state. (8)

 Freedom of press (the media) was controlled) so as to broadcast only Nazi propaganda, that is,
to indoctrinate people about Nazi ideology.
 Freedom of religion was not allowed. For Instance, both Lutherans and Catholics who opposed
Hitler were detained in concentration camps.
 Justice was not a matter of right or wrong but the Nazi judges appointed by Hitler judged
according to whether one was Nazi or not.
 Education was completely dominated by the state as private schools were not allowed. The
curriculum and all textbooks especially History and Biology were to tech about Nazi ideology.
 All political parties except the Nazi party were banned and thus making Germany a one party
state.
 Trade unions were banned and their funds were confiscated while their leaders were arrested.
 All Jews and other suspected enemies of the state were lost their jobs so that the civil service
could be trusted.

6
 Hitler`s Foreign Policy 1933-39

Aims of Hitler`s Foreign Policy. Outline the aims of Hitler`s foreign policy. (8)

To reverse the humiliating g Versailles treaty: The treaty had humiliated Germany as she was the only
nation that had disarmed and lost territories among others. Hitler was determined to reverse the terms
of the treaty in order to restore the German pride by rearming and reclaiming lost territories in Europe.
As a result, he invaded territories like Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland which she had lost. He also
increased the size of the German army and by so doing violating the Versailles treaty.

To unite all German Speaking People into the Reich: After World War 1, many Germans found
themselves living under foreign rule due to territorial terms of the Versailles Treaty. Some German
speaking found themselves in Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland. Therefore, Hitler was determined to
unite them by retaining them to their homeland. He achieved this by invading territories in Europe
which were occupied by German speaking people as stated above.

To create a lebensraum (living space) for the Aryan race): Hitler claimed that the Germans were over-
crowded and therefore needed a living space. However, the living space was not only for settling the
Germans but also for the production of food and raw materials. He was determined to obtain the living
space by attacking countries in Eastern Europe especially Poland and Russia. He did so as believed that
the Russians and the Poles were an inferior race to the Germans.

To Destroy Communism in Europe: He wanted to destroy communism because he saw it as a threat in

How Hitler reversed the terms of the Versailles treaty

Withdrawal from the League of Nations 1933: In 1933 Hitler was annoyed by the French attitude
concerning reduction of her army at the Disarmament Conference and thus withdrew Germany from the
League of Nations. This was because Germany was the only great power which was disarmed by the
infamous Versailles treaty. Thereafter, he embarked on a massive rearmament programme. Hitler
needed a strong army to achieve his foreign policy aims because some of them were to be acquired
through warfare. For example destroying communism and reclaiming lost territories.

The remilitarization of the Rhineland 19336: The Rhineland was the area between Germany and France
which was de-militarized according to the Versailles Treaty as the French felt threatened. However, in
1933 Hitler ordered his soldiers to re-occupy the area. The re-occupation was a success as the German
troops met no resistance from the occupants of Rhineland and France.

Re-union with Austria/Anschluss 1938: Hitler strongly believed that Germany and Austria should re-
unite form one Greater Germany because most people in Austria were Germans who favored unity with
Germany. Austrian economy was weak and the German –Austrians believed that only the union with
Germany could boost their economy. However, before forcing the reunion, Hitler signed the Rome-
Berlin Axis with Mussolini in 1936 whereby the two agreed that Italy will remain neutral when Hitler
invaded Austria. Thus, in 1938 Hitler went ahead and re-united the two without any military
confrontation from Britain and France as he had expected it.

7
The Invasion of Czechoslovakia 1938/39: Czechoslovakia came into existence as a result of the
Versailles Treaty after World War 1. Therefore, the new state contained German speaking people
especially in the Sudetenland area. Hitler wanted them so as to create a Greater Germany and bring
them back under the Reich. To avoid the looming war, at the Munich Conference of 1938, Neville
Chamberlain used the Appeasement Policy to award Hitler the Sudetenland area so as to meet his
demands. Nonetheless, in 1938 Hitler invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia forcing Britain and France to
abandon their Appeasement Policy and marked Hitler`s next move.

Invasion of Poland 1939: Hitler hated the loss of Danzig and the Polish Corridor to Poland via the
Versailles Treaty because they were occupied by German speaking people. He therefore demanded that
they be brought to Germany but Poland refused. When Poland refused, Hitler ordered his troops to
invade Poland on the 1st of September 1939. As a reaction, on the 3 rd of September 1939, Britain and
France declared war on Germany and the Second World War had begun.