Weimar Republic

• • 1918- democratic government of Weimar- many parties were also fighting for power.
  • FIRST elections 19 January 1919- Ebert's party (SPDs) won majority of votes but not majority seats. - New republic depended on coalitions.
  • Ebert - GERMAN PRESIDENT Scheidemann - CHANCELLOR.
  • Berlin too dangerous for the republics new members- meet in the town of Weimar- that name given to new republic.
  • Emergence of anti-socialist parties.
• The constitution

  • Main author- HUGO PREUSS a solicitor and nationalist.
  • FEDERAL AND DEMOCRATIC republic was formed. Term 'reich' used because of connections with German tradition and national unity.
  • Parliament established- Reichstag- elected every 4yrs.
  • Second chamber was established- reichstrat to deal with radiation and separatism in Germany.
  • Reichstrat members represented the provinces but their role was subordinate to the reichstag.
  • They had a veto against any law.
• • Provinces governed the police, communication, courts and education.
  • It was very difficult for any party to gain a majority in the reichstag- some parties had to come together to form a coalition government. They often did not agree- bad leadership for country.
  • Between 1923 and 1930 - 10 government coalitions.
  • President elected every seven years - head of republic and armed forces. He could appoint and sack a chancellor. Also could call for new election.
• Article 48 (Undermines democracy)

  • In a crisis - president had the right to issue decrees using article 48.
  • President could pass laws without consultation with the temporary reichstag and use the army to restore order.
  • Reichstag could refuse any measure introduced under the crisis powers.
  • Main officials in the government were accountable to the reichstag.
  • Although constitution was the new, traditional groups preferred the old rule (DVP and DNVP)