History - Weimar

Strengths of Weimar ---

• Germans had equal rights
• freedom for German people
  • religious beliefs
  • freely travel
  • freedom of speech
• parliament elected
• like other countries

Weaknesses ----

• republic had many enemies
• president was elected every 7 years - too long to go with a bad president
• opposition groups were free to criticise / attack the government
• president had too much power
• unpopular - signed the armistice / treaty of Versailles
• coalition government

This was the belief that the German army had been close to winning the war

They were betrayed by the politicians of the new republic who agreed to the armistice

Theory was out forward by leading members of the army and was later supported by Hitler and the Nazis

It was believed by many Germans who refused to accept defeat.

The theory was an issue, as it meant that from the start of their leading, they were unpopular with many people

The treaty of Versailles was the document listing the consequences of Germany's involvement in the war .

The German people hoped to be fairly treated.

They felt that they did not start the war

They acted in self defence, and other countries did more damage therefore they should be punished as well.

The Germans had been unable to keep up with payments for reparations.

1922

France refused to give Germany an extended period of time in which to pay

They marched into the Ruhr industrial area of Germany

Determined to get laymen tin kind for the money owed

Took over the Ruhr and make the workers in factories work for them

German govt unable to offer armed resistance

Workers went on strike and refused to work

Some set factories on fire, and burst mine pipes so they flooded

Hyperinflation is where money becomes worthless
Due to not being able to keep up with the payments, Germany printed more and more money
Eventually there was too much and it lost its value

Good

• debts could be payed off
• rich didn't suffer
• had land to grow food
• farmer - rises in food
• property owners gained
• foreigners could exchange money and buy more

Bad

• pensions lost
  savings lost
• wages fell behind