GCSE

The period 1924-28 is sometimes referred to as the ‘Stresemann Era’ or the ‘Golden years of the Weimar Republic’. Stresemann’s policies had seemed to have worked!. By 1928 Germany seemed PROSPEROUS and PEACEFUL. However, some people think that Stresemann’s policies only gave the ‘appearance’ of recovery and that many of the earlier problems still existed. What is the evidence for both sides? GCSE Check out my moves Lamar! Shannon! I like your hair!

GCSE Go to PAGE 13 & 14 of text book Read VERY CAREFULLY Write in as many reasons as you can into the table under the right sections

GCSE The Economy was improving. Heavy industry had recovered to pre war levels and new roads and hospitals were being built with American money Exports and wages were up Social Welfare had improved Economy grew faster than GB or France. Companies like FORD and GILLETTE built factories in Germany

GCSE There were no more putsches after 1924. 1928 election showed people supported moderates not extremist parties Communists and Nazis seemed to be losing support A stable Grand Coalition started under HERMANN MULLER Germany had signed the Locarno Treaty and had rejoined the League of Nations Germany seemed accepted again by the world

GCSE Industry was growing unsteadily. Small businesses were under pressure from larger companies Agriculture was depressed Unemployment was increasing and welfare costs were up Germany was OVER RELIANT on American loans from the Dawes plan

GCSE HINDENBURG was made President – he was not enthusiastic about democracy. Even though there was less to argue over, no government lasted longer than 2 years Angry Germans still wanted an end to Versailles Many still remembered the humiliation of hyperinflation and blamed this on the democrats

GCSE STRESEMANN'S Successes

ECONOMIC POSITIVES 1. The Economy was improving Factories used American money and methods to succeed. Economy grew faster than GB or France. By 1929 Germany was producing 33% more than in 1913. Companies like FORD and GILLETTE built factories in Germany

CULTURAL POSITIVES 2. This became known as the Golden age. Night life and cabaret hugely popular. New artists like George GROSZ and playwrights like BRECHT were famous

POLITICAL POSITIVES 3. Germany accepted as world power again Allowed more time to pay REPARATIONS Signs up to peace treaties French left the Ruhr

GCSE STRESEMANN'S Weaknesses

Economic weakness? 1. Unemployment and poverty still high Growing prosperity based on USA loans – What would happen if USA wanted the money back ?

2. Political weakness? Stresemann wasn’t popular with either the Nazis or with Communists Many people also were still angry over hyperinflation and lost savings BUT both the Nazis and the Communists made little progress in these years because people were much better off and their EXTREME ideas did not appeal to people

TASK Weimar and Nazi Germany book Read pages 14-17 Answer Questions 1-3 with Detailed answers