Rise of the Nazis 1. Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic Higher History

Weimar Republic - Background After WW1, the German ruler, Kaiser Wilhelm II, abdicated and fled to Holland. The democracy that governed Germany in his absence met at the town of Weimar. It became known as the Weimar Republic. Click on image to view video clip.

Born at a bad time! Finlay McKichan has put forward the theory that the Weimar Republic was “a Republic that nobody wanted”. In turn, it can be argued that it was doomed from the start.

1. Stab in the back The first reason that many Germans disliked the new Weimar Republic was for surrendering in the war. When Germany surrendered there were no allied troops in Germany – so many Germans believed that they had not lost the war, in other words the new democratic government surrendered too soon. The German government leaders who signed the Armistice on November 11, 1918, became known as the "November Criminals".

Analysis The stab in the back theory meant that German people would always view the Weimar government with contempt In the views of ordinary people, the Weimar government had given up on Germany in WWI and betrayed the Germans and no matter what they did while in power they would never be forgiven

Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic 2. Treaty of Versailles The Weimar Republic was also very unpopular for signing the Treaty of Versailles.

THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES The hated Diktat The war ended in November 1918, and in June 1919 a conference met at Versailles near Paris to try and sort out the terrible mess that the war had caused. Although the conference said it wanted lasting peace, the leading members France and Britain decided to punish Germany harshly. Germany was not allowed to take part and defend themselves. In later years the Germans would say this was a Diktat (dictated peace) that everyone in Germany hated. Hitler stated it was a vindictive treaty designed to keep Germany weak and poor.

Treaty of Versailles Summary A dictated peace – a ‘Diktat’. Germany lost 10% of its people and 13% of its land e.g. Alsace and Lorraine. War Guilt Clause. German army reduced – 100,000. Not allowed submarines or an air force, Germany lost the ability to defend itself Was fined reparations of £6.6 Billion to pay for damages to its enemies Article Worst of all Germany was forced to sign the War Guilt clause which made them accept the blame for starting the war. Click on image to view video clip.

ANALYSIS The fact that the Weimar Republic had surrendered and signed the T of V – made Weimar unpopular with the German people. Click on image to view video clip. The Nazi Party were against both and Hitler constantly referred to them in his speeches to help gain support.

3. Lack of Law and Order The inability of Weimar to control law and order was a further reason why the German people were unhappy. Spartacist Revolt 1919 over 700 died. Constant riots, violent strikes and street battles saw over 300 political deaths/assassinations. ANALYSIS – To the German people Weimar was not in control of law and order. They wanted an alternative government that could ensure peace in the country. Hitler seemed like the strong leader that could achieve this.

ANALYSIS SUMMARY There were still many groups in Germany who would always associate democracy with defeat, weakness and something ‘foreign’ imposed on them. The Nazi Party constantly highlighted the weaknesses of Weimar like a lack of law and order and many Germans hoped that by supporting the Nazis, the pre- war stability of the Kaiser would return.

“HOW THE NEW GOVERNMENT WAS TO BE RUN” PRESIDENT (Head Of State) CHANCELLOR Elections held every four years. Parties elected by proportional representation (e.g 10% of the vote equals 10% of the seats). THE REICHSTAG ( Parliament|) 42 1 Members (1919) 647 Members (1932) Appointed by the president. The President was very important: Chose the Chancellor (Prime Minister) Could call elections whenever he wanted Article 48 – he could even pass laws without the Reichstag in emergencies.

4. Constitutional Problems The new Weimar constitution was supposed to be the fairest in the world, e.g.: Most adults 20+ could vote No one was discriminated against because of their religion Elected Members would represent you in the Reichstag

Problems The voting system – Proportional Representation was too fair, too many parties were elected - in one election alone Germans had to choose between 35 different parties. It was very confusing for voters. No one party had enough votes/MPs in the Reichstag to rule alone. This meant that governments were often made up of more than one party – called coalition governments. Often coalitions would quarrel and fall out with each other which led to election after election (9 elections up to 1928). This made democratic government seem weak.

Article 48: Powers of the President Even though the new constitution was very democratic it had Article 48 in case of emergencies. This meant that the President could rule by himself. Later this allowed Hitler to gain complete control. Emergency Decree

ANALYSIS Germans were confused by democracy, most had been led by a strong leader, the Kaiser and began to long for a simpler time with one strong man leading them, Hitler said he was that man. All the elections made Weimar governments look weak and corrupt, the Nazi Party had never been in government so were seen as something new and incorruptible. Groups such as judges, civil servants, the army teachers – would never support the new style of government that wanted to give a say to the lower classes. They liked what Hitler said about getting rid of democracy.