HistoryExtra podcast Weimar Germany: everything you wanted to know
Oct 14, 2023
Explore the political instability, liberal social attitudes, and cultural achievements of the Weimar Republic in Germany. Learn about the establishment of the Weimar Republic, Germany's reparation payments, and the occupation of the Ruhr Valley. Discover the life and achievements of Gustav Stresseman, the impact of German treaties, advancements in LGBTQ+ rights and women's rights, and the rise of anti-Semitism. Understand the factors contributing to the downfall of the Weimar Republic.
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State Actions Temporarily Restrained The Nazis
- The Weimar state did ban the Nazi Party and Hitler temporarily after the 1923 Munich Putsch, and restricted public speaking until 1927.
- Enforcement was inconsistent and later relaxations let the Nazis reorganise and grow.
Army Alliances Prop Up The Right
- The Reichswehr and Freikorps alliances bolstered right-wing forces; the army preferred monarchy or conservative orders and used paramilitaries to suppress left uprisings.
- That tacit support preserved a right-leaning power network inside the state.
Political Fragmentation Lost Public Trust
- Public support for the Republic eroded as coalitions fragmented: pro-republic parties fell from ~72% of Reichstag seats in 1919 to anti-republic majorities by 1932.
- Frequent chancellor turnover and faceless coalitions made the system seem unstable and illegitimate to many voters.