Weimar Republic

• What was the Weimar Republic?

  The Weimar Republic was a democratic government established in Germany after World War I.
• What type of government was the Weimar Republic?

  It was a representative democracy.
• What was the main legislative body of the Weimar Republic?

  The Reichstag was the main legislative body.
• What was the electoral system used in the Weimar Republic?

  Proportional representation was used in the electoral system.
• How long was the presidential term in the Weimar Republic?

  The presidential term was seven years.
• Who had the right to vote in the Weimar Republic?

  All adults over the age of 20 had the right to vote.
• What were the strengths of the Weimar Republic?

  • Genuine democracy: All Germans over 20 could vote
  • Bill of Rights guaranteed freedoms of speech, religion, and equality under the law
  • The Reichstag could pass laws
• What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Republic?

  • Proportional representation made it difficult to pass laws
  • Frequent changes in government led to instability
  • The reliance on Article 48 weakened confidence in democracy
• What was the Treaty of Versailles?

  The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that ended World War I and imposed heavy penalties on Germany.
• What was the "War Guilt Clause" in the Treaty of Versailles?

  Article 231, known as the War Guilt Clause, placed the blame for the war solely on Germany.
• What were the military restrictions placed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

  Germany's army was limited to 100,000 troops, and its navy was reduced to 15,000 personnel.
• What was the significance of the Ruhr region in the context of the Weimar Republic?

  The Ruhr region was significant as it was occupied by French and Belgian troops due to Germany's failure to pay reparations.
• Who led the Spartacist uprising against the Weimar government?

  The Spartacist uprising was led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht.
• What was the Kapp Putsch?

  The Kapp Putsch was a failed coup attempt in March 1920 against the Weimar government.
• What was the response of the regular army during the Kapp Putsch?

  The regular army refused to attack the rebels during the Kapp Putsch.
• What were the main challenges faced by the Weimar Republic?

  • Signing the Treaty of Versailles and accepting blame for the war
  • Economic difficulties and hyperinflation
  • Political extremism from both the left and right
  • Frequent changes in government and instability
• Who was posted as Chancellor in October 1923?

  Gulay Stream
• What was Stresemann's strategy regarding the political situation in Germany?

  To stabilize the country and regain respect in foreign affairs
• What was the purpose of introducing the Rentenmark in November 1923?


  To restore confidence in the currency based on agricultural land and property
• When was the Rentenmark replaced by the Reichsmark?

  October 1924
• What was the significance of the Reichsbank controlling the Reichsmark?

  It increased people's confidence in the currency
• What was the Dawes Plan and when was it agreed upon?

  The Dawes Plan was a series of measures to address reparations, agreed in August 1924
• What did the Dawes Plan entail regarding the Ruhr?


  The French agreed to leave the Ruhr, which they did in 1925
• How much did the USA agree to loan Germany as part of the Dawes Plan?

  800 million marks
• What was one of the outcomes of the loans from the USA to Germany?

  It led to significant investments in German businesses and public works
• What was the impact of the Dawes Plan on Germany's industrial production by 1928?


  Germany achieved the same levels of production as before the war
• What was the Young Plan and when was it achieved?

  The Young Plan reduced reparations from £5.6 billion to £1.65 billion, achieved in 1929
• What percentage of Germans voted to accept the Young Plan in a referendum?

  85%
• What were the criticisms of the Young Plan by right-wing politicians?

  They objected to any further payment of reparations
• How did the economic recovery from 1924 to 1929 compare to the previous years of hyperinflation?

  There was recovery, but the extent is debated
• What role did American loans play in the recovery of the German economy?

  They helped large businesses pay off debts and invest in new technology
• What was the unemployment rate in Germany by 1926?


  Less than 1.5 million unemployed
• How did the government address the housing shortage in Germany?

  By passing the Housing Shortage Law and building over 2 million homes
• How many war veterans received pensions in Germany during the 1920s?

  750,000 war veterans
• What was the impact of Stresemann's policies on the Weimar Republic?

  It became a more secure and stable state
• What was the significance of the Locarno Pact signed by Stresemann?


  It reassured France and marked a period of cooperation between Germany, France, and Britain
• When was Germany invited to join the League of Nations?

  September 1929
• What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928?

  It was an agreement not to use war to solve international disputes
• How did the economic recovery affect different social classes in Germany?

  It did not affect everyone equally, with the lower middle class feeling ignored
• What was the impact of the Weimar Republic's policies on workers' wages and conditions?

  Wages increased and working conditions improved