Collapse


 * 1 Weimar Republic**


 * collapse of the Weimar Republic 1929–1933

__5.3 The failure of the democratic republic__


 * Lack of Democratic Tradition**
 * Strong militaristic, nationalistic tradition. Germany was unified by force not a struggle for freedom.
 * Disorder caused by the depression could be easily blamed on the democratic republic.


 * Flaws in the constitution**
 * Proportional representation caused instability.
 * Article 48 gave the president emergency powers in times of crisis. This was used extensively by Ebert from 1920 to 1923 and continuously by Hindenberg 1930-33.


 * Powerful opponents**
 * Civil service, judiciary, education system still loyal to the old system.
 * Junker aristocracy, industrialists, army retained their influence.


 * Psychological disillusionment**
 * The republic was associated with the armistice, Treaty of Versailles, reparations and political and economic instability up to 1923.


 * Failure of the party system**
 * Extreme left and extreme right were committed to the destruction of the republic. For a democracy to thrive, the opposition parties needs to be supportive of the system.

__5.4 The failure of the Weimar Republic - Historical Debate__
 * Doomed from the start?
 * Collapse caused by Depression and Nazi movement?
 * Was Nazism the inevitable replacement?

Failure was inevitable because of reasons outlined in previous section. Historicans: Karl Dietrich Bracher, Eberhard Kolb (German); Richard Bessell, Ian Kershaw (British).
 * Determinist**

Not inevitable: had survived many challenges up to 1923.
 * Alternative**

__5.5 Why did the Nazis come to power__

The Nazis exploited the crisis caused by the depression and the weakness of the Weimar constitution.
 * Why did they gain mass support?
 * What circumstances allowed Hitler to come to power?

Had **wide support** across all classes as a result of their extreme nationalist stance. The **left was divided**. Bitter enmity between the KPD and the SPD which reduced their attack on the Nazis. Nazi **propaganda** was strong and consistent in its opposition to the republic. The **weakness of the right** in suppressing Hitler in the hope of using him for their own benefit gave Hitler his chancellorship, which he never relinquished.
 * Hitler’s role** was vital - a great orator who could inspire an audience; a skilful political tactician and an opportunist.