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Weimar Republic: collapse of the Weimar Republic 1929-1933 (How did it…
Weimar Republic: collapse of the Weimar Republic 1929-1933
Why did it collapse?
Only 2 parties supported the republic (SPD and centre party)
Many hardships were blamed on the republic (hyperinflation and depression)
German constitution had many faults (proportional representation, article 48)
The German people mostly blamed their defeat on the republic
Germany never had a true understanding of a democratic revolution
Democracy was always overshadowed by nationalism with very little experience
The republic was disliked by the civil service, the judiciary and the educational system who were all conservatives. The upper class also disliked the republic
How did it collapse?
During 1929 – the govt. was coalition of the SPD, DDP and Centre under Chancellor Hermann Muller. Coalition were disputed over payments to the unemployed as the SPD wanted to maintain relief payments to keep the support of the working class. DDP and
Von Papen still was chancellor and ran Germany using Article 48
Centre opposed this and the govt. became divided and fell on the 27th Mar. 1930
Hindenburg was pressured by the Army General Schledicher who wanted to form an authoritarian state. With his advice, Hindenburg, using Article 48 started Presidential Rule, marking the end of Parliamentary Rule and appointed Bruning as the new chancellor. Used Article 48 66 times in office
Bruning worsened German’s economic condition by cutting expenditure and raisin taxes. Despite the strong opposition, Article 48 ensured that his economic policy was passed. Bruning also asked for new elections in September
Nazis saw this election as an opportunity to project themselves as a party of Acton. Nazis won 107 seats from the 12 won in 1928. NSDAP 3rd largest party.
Despite Nazi success, Bruning still stayed in power due to SPD support and implemented his economic policy. This worsened the economy as the Reichsbank collapsed, food prices increased and unemployment reached 4.6mil.
1932 Presidential Elections saw Hindenburg, Hitler and 2 other candidates in the running for President. Despite Hitler’s popularity, Hindenburg remained in power at 53%, Hitler at 36.8%.
After regaining power, Hindenburg & Schleicher removed Bruning for his failure at economic reform and his plan to unsettle the army by banning the SA/SS
Schledicher requested that Hindenburg appoint Franz von Papen as chancellor. Despite his low support, this was just another example of Presidential Rule
1932 Elections saw violent classes between Nazis and commos. NSDAP got 37.4% of votes and now the largest political party, more than the SPD
Hitler demanded the chancellorship but Hindenburg disliked Hitler. Instead offered Hitler a position of vice-chancellor. Hitler rejected the offer.
Another election called by Reichstag. Nazis did not want an election and vote declined to 32% (but still largest party). Communists increased from 89 to 100
2nd Dec. 1932 – with no support, Von Papen was removed and instead of Hitler, Hindenburg appointed Schlieidcher as chancellor
Schleidcher tried to offer Strasser leader of NSDAP in Reichstag vice-chancellor.
Ian Kershaw stresses the structural weaknesses of the govt., the socio-economic dislocation and the continuing power of the conservative elites
Hitler was furious and made all Nazis sera an oath of allegiance to him.
Von Papen worked with Hitler to overthrow Schledicher
Schleicher was dismissed and Hitler became chancellor on 30th January 1933, made von Papen vice Chancellor.
Alan Bullock stressed the importance of Hitler's personality and the role of this personality over structural weaknesses
J. P Taylor blamed the economic crisis for the rise of the Nazis, claiming that the 'depression put the wind into Hitler's sails.'