Essay Plan: Mid-1920s Period of economic and political calm?

• Intro: The years 1924-28 refers to the ‘Golden years’ of Weimar Germany in which there was significant post-war recovery and helped Germany to gain a strong European presence following the disastrous impacts of WWI. Political stability was restored and the threat of extremist takeover was minimised and the government began economic recovery following the hyperinflation crisis. However, these improvements in economic and political stability were fragile and left Germany vulnerable to future instability. 
• Para 1: Political Stability

  • Compare with earlier uprisings (e.g., Spartacist Uprising, Munich Putsch).
  • Political moderation seen in declining support for extremist parties.
  • Locarno Treaties and League of Nations membership boosted international standing.
  • Improved relations with France and autonomy in the Ruhr.
  • Growth in votes for pro-Weimar parties (SPD, DDP) and reduced influence of anti-Weimar parties by 1928.
  • Hindenburg’s election and the DNVP’s acceptance of democracy signified party unity.
• Para 2: Political Instability

  • Unstable Coalition Governments:
  • Proportional representation led to frequent coalition breakdowns (7 governments between 1924-1929).
  • Example: 1926 government collapse over a flag dispute.
  • Continued Influence of Extremist Parties:
  • Nazis and KPD retained support, revealing persistent undercurrents of discontent.
• Para 3: Economic Improvement

  • Stabilization Post-Hyperinflation:
  • Dawes Plan (1924): Structured reparations, foreign loans, and currency stabilization via the Rentenmark.
  • Infrastructure and industrial growth by 1928, housing boom, and improved welfare schemes.
  • Employment and Wage Improvements:
  • Decline in unemployment and rise in wages by 25% (1925-1928).
• Para 4: Economic Instability:

  • Stresemann’s warning about "dancing on a volcano": economy vulnerable to Wall Street Crash (1929).
  • Short-term loans made the recovery unsustainable.
  • Agriculture’s decline, high middle-class debt, and limited benefits for the Mittelstand.
  • Social discontent from the unequal distribution of prosperity (e.g., 1928 "Farmers’ Revenge" riots).
  • Young Plan prolonged reparations, stirring nationalist opposition and providing Hitler a platform.
• Para 5: Conclusion

  • Summarize the duality of the mid-1920s stability: real progress in international diplomacy and temporary economic recovery.
  • Reinforce thesis: Despite some achievements, political and economic stability in Weimar Germany was built on weak foundations that failed to resolve deeper issues.
  • Conclude that this period’s vulnerabilities foreshadowed future crises, leading to the Great Depression and the eventual rise of extremism.