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The Weimar Republic 1918-29 - Ebert and the Wiemar constitution (Strengths…
The Weimar Republic 1918-29 - Ebert and the Wiemar constitution
Setting up Weimar Republic
Nov 1918 - July 1919 - Council of Representatives in charge as Ebert as leader
Ebert made sure that many things were kept the same
taxes + public services (schools) kept running
army - not reformed
no nationalisation of industry (state would not take them over) - businesses + economy continued to operate
won support of trade unions (groups of workers who protect rights of working people)
Riots + demonstrations - still common in cities. Germany unstable but Ebert achieved some control
1919
Allies - agreed peace but only if Germany become a democracy
19th Jan 1919 - successful elections held, suc. SPD - 40% vote, Centre Party - 20% vote, Other parties - 40% vote
New representatives met in Weimar because of t unrest in Berlin
Strengths of Constitution
Women also had the right to vote
Voting age reduced from 25 to 21
More democratic than Britain
Central government had more power
Reichstag was elected under system called Proportional Representation. Even smaller parties had a fair share of seats in Reichstag
Constitution carefully constructed - 1 person/group could not have too much power
The Weimar Republic
1) President
Head of Republic
Election every 7 years
Played no part in day to day running of country
Chose the Chancellor
2) Chancellor
Head of government in Republic
Chose all government ministers
Chosen by President
Most important ministers work closely to make decisions
3) Reichstag
German Parliament
All laws had to pass through Reichstag
Controlled taxation
Elected by public every 4 years
4) German Public
Men and women of 21+ years old
Weaknesses of Constitution
Proportional Representation - small parties won seats in Reichstag (29) - no single party had clear majority
Lack of strong government during a crisis. Article 48 - in a crisis, chancellor could ask president to pass laws without support of Reichstag
1930 - chancellor kept relying on president to pass laws. Made constitution seem weak. Made people think that a single powerful leader was better than an elected parliament
Only way that governments could be formed - coalitions (several parties to join together). Often would argue and fall apart.
Weimar Republic was not choice of public. During the Revolution - relied on army to control public riots
Several parties elected to Reichstag - opposed to democracy + despised new constitution