Register to read the introduction…
Two main reasons for the collapse are: Economic problems and Institutional problems.
Firstly, I will talk about economic problems. The Weimar Republic had some of the most serious economic problems ever experienced by a western democracy in history. Rampant hyperinflation, …show more content…
It is commonly agreed that the 1919 constitution had a number of fundamental weaknesses, which made the establishment of a dictatorship all too easy. Whether a different constitution could have prevented the Third Reich is debatable though; in any case, the 1949 West German constitution (the Grundgesetz which is the German law) acknowledged this criticism and can largely be seen as a strong response to these flaws.
* The Reichstag could remove the Reichskanzler from office even when it was unable to agree on a successor. This "destructive" Motion of No Confidence led to many Chancellors in quick succession and added to the Republic's political instability. As a result, the 1949 Grundgesetz stipulates that a Chancellor may only be voted down by Parliament if a successor is elected at the same time.
* The constitution provided that in the event of the death or resignation of the president, the Reichskanzler (Chancellor) would assume the office (and crucially then possess its powers) pending the election of a new president. This allowed Hitler to unite …show more content…
Under these circumstances, it was a major success to maintain political stability in Germany and prevent a revolution from leading to more extreme government. By the mid-1920s, the German people seemed to have accepted the Weimar republic and there was less demand for a return to the 'good old days' of the Kaiser.
After the success of the republic are much easier to see. Stresemanns's work brought economic recovery and the reintroduction of Germany into the international community of nations. There was also significant achievement I the arts with Gropius, Brecht and Grosz winning international fame
However, this 'golden age' of Germany was to some extent an illusion. Economic prosperity was based largely on foreign loans. At the same time, exports were falling and the government was spending huge sums on welfare and health care. Could it last? Already by 1928 there were serious disputes between unions and employers. Meanwhile, the farmers had never shared in the apparent prosperity. Prices for farm produce fell during the 1920s and many farmers were in
Firstly, I will talk about economic problems. The Weimar Republic had some of the most serious economic problems ever experienced by a western democracy in history. Rampant hyperinflation, …show more content…
It is commonly agreed that the 1919 constitution had a number of fundamental weaknesses, which made the establishment of a dictatorship all too easy. Whether a different constitution could have prevented the Third Reich is debatable though; in any case, the 1949 West German constitution (the Grundgesetz which is the German law) acknowledged this criticism and can largely be seen as a strong response to these flaws.
* The Reichstag could remove the Reichskanzler from office even when it was unable to agree on a successor. This "destructive" Motion of No Confidence led to many Chancellors in quick succession and added to the Republic's political instability. As a result, the 1949 Grundgesetz stipulates that a Chancellor may only be voted down by Parliament if a successor is elected at the same time.
* The constitution provided that in the event of the death or resignation of the president, the Reichskanzler (Chancellor) would assume the office (and crucially then possess its powers) pending the election of a new president. This allowed Hitler to unite …show more content…
Under these circumstances, it was a major success to maintain political stability in Germany and prevent a revolution from leading to more extreme government. By the mid-1920s, the German people seemed to have accepted the Weimar republic and there was less demand for a return to the 'good old days' of the Kaiser.
After the success of the republic are much easier to see. Stresemanns's work brought economic recovery and the reintroduction of Germany into the international community of nations. There was also significant achievement I the arts with Gropius, Brecht and Grosz winning international fame
However, this 'golden age' of Germany was to some extent an illusion. Economic prosperity was based largely on foreign loans. At the same time, exports were falling and the government was spending huge sums on welfare and health care. Could it last? Already by 1928 there were serious disputes between unions and employers. Meanwhile, the farmers had never shared in the apparent prosperity. Prices for farm produce fell during the 1920s and many farmers were in