“By 1929, the Weimar Republic had overcome the problems of the immediate post-war years.” Discuss.

Responses will offer a considered and balanced review of the problems facing the Weimar Republic in the years from 1919 to 1923 and the extent to which these problems had been resolved by 1929. Problems identified will likely be political, economic and possibly diplomatic isolation. Political problems could include threats to the Republic, for example Spartacus, Kapp and Munich, the frequent changes of government and the levels of political violence (assassination of Rathenau and other politicians). Economic problems were inflation, hyperinflation and Reparations. Internationally Germany was a defeated occupied power.

Indicative content

• The main focus of responses should be the “Golden Years”. Stresemann was the dominant politician during this period and governments were coalitions of pro-Weimar parties. There were no attempted coups and Hindenburg’s election as President in 1925 reconciled the Nationalists to the Republic. The Nazis had a declining share of the vote at just over 2 per cent
  in 1928, so arguably politics had reached a level of stability with voters mostly supporting pro-Weimar parties. Some may argue that the Nazis and Nationalists were still a political force as indicated during the referendum on the Young Plan. It could also be argued that the collapse of Müller’s Coalition showed the weakness of politics.
• Economically, Germany had recovered from hyperinflation because of the introduction of the Rentenmark, followed by a new currency, the Reichsmark. The Dawes and Young Plans seemingly reduced the problems caused by Reparations. Foreign investment contributed to some industrial growth and German exports had grown. However, there were budget deficits
  because of welfare spending and there was a balance of trade deficit. Foreign investment was short term and insecure agriculture faced a recession from 1926.
• Internationally, Germany was once more involved in international affairs, and reference may be made to Locarno, membership of the League of Nations, signing the Kellogg-Briand pact and Stresemann’s leadership.
• It could be argued that despite the apparent prosperity of these years the economy was essentially unstable. Alternatively, it may be argued that Germany was relatively politically stable and it was the Depression that destroyed that stability and caused politics to become polarized.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]