...democratic change, in contrast to a political overhaul such as we see in Germany, France, and Italy. In these cases, democracy simply cannot thrive as democracy, by nature, requires gradual social change and must overcome bargaining costs and stabilizing change. The evidence that stands today, tested by the outcomes of history, maintains exactly this: democratic transition must be slow and concessional, thus mitigating the exit costs and cost of unilateral decisions or actions in terms of bargaining. Moreover, the difference between a stable and unstable democracy does not depend on education, economics, nor the middle class; rather, the success and stability of a democracy is formulated vis-à-vis it’s institutional factors. (Magagna 2/18). As actors, states are indeed rational and thus adhere to cost-benefit analyses in terms of bargaining power. In this analysis of political instability, it is evident that the sources are as follows: the potential benefits of transition exceed the costs of bargaining, fragmented party support creates a democratic deficit, linkage between democracy and redistribution, and the integration of violence unravels the social peace democracy needs to survive. These aspects of the degradation of democracy and consequential transition are most observable in post-war Germany and the modern world. In 1918, Germany was a strong world power in the midst of a war-torn Europe, ravaged by a period of great instability and a destabilization of empires of...
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...The Weimar Republic and Democracy World War 1 had an immense effect on the world. One result of the war was the Versailles Peace Treaty, which took a great toll on Germany. This treaty, and the war itself, served many negative consequences and deeply affected the political climate of the new found Weimar Republic. With the conclusion of WWI, Germany needed to form a peace treaty with the Allies and therefore were obligated sign the Treaty of Versailles. When the Allies announced the conditions of this treaty, the Germans were shocked – it was even worse than what the most cynical expected; there was all around opposition. However, as a losing nation they knew their hands were tied and they did not have much, if any, arguing power. Although Germany was not included in the treaty negotiations, the delegation was allowed to state its opinion. One demand of the treaty was for Germany to acknowledge that they alone were guilty of causing the war. “Such a confession in my mouth would be a lie” (Brockdorf-Rantzau 9). Germany was willing to admit that they contributed to tragedy in the war, but refused to take full blame for this would simply lead to more destruction in Germany’s future. The German delegation’s goal was to not upset the Allies further, but to instead try to gain some support from them and lessen the severity that they felt the conditions included. “I believe we should proceed to restore those parts of Belgium and Northern France... we cannot accomplish it without...
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...1. Analyse the problems of the Weimar republic After the First World War, Kaiser resigned due to November Revolution and later on, in 1919, a federal republic met in Weimar, Germany to replace the imperial form of government, which is known as Weimar Republic. This Republic lasted until 1933, and was destroyed by Hitler. It went to three stages. In the first stage, which was from 1919-23, there was instability when the republic was struggling to survive. In the second stage, from 1923-29, there was stability when Gustav Streseman was the leading politician. This stability was due to the Dawes plan of 1924 in which USA provided huge loans. In the third or last stage, from 1929-33 there was instability again which led to the downfall of the Weimar Republic. The short term cause was the world economic crisis, which has disastrous effects on Germany, resulting in 6.5 million unemployed. This sudden situation made the government unable to cope with the situation and by the end of 1923 the Weimar republic seemed on the verge of collapse. There were several long term causes for that. Some of them were: 1. It had a number of disadvantages from the beginning the Republic was formed. a. It had accepted the humiliation and unpopular treaty of Versailles Treaty: The republic was not strong enough to reject the defeat and dishonour. b. There was a traditional lack of respect for democratic government: The Germans always favoured the army, and thought that the Democrats...
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...the armed forces and the republic quickly regrouped. Seeckt disbanded the Freikorps units and within two weeks and merciless suppression from the government buried insurgent hopes that Germany might become a Soviet Republic in Russia. In sum, the government absorbed the Freikorps units into Reichswehr. They played a crucial role in preventing the communists takeover of the Germany, but at the same time, worked to undermine the government. The idea that the Freikorps established a military precedent for the Nazi regime is more evident, if we look shared personal. Members of Hitler’s inner circle such as Himmler, Hess, and Heydrich were all members of the paramilitary group. The Nazi movement was rooted in the ideals of the Freikorps, that is, past military members who blamed the SDP and the republic for stabbing Germany in the back. This shared history created further justifications for the militarism of the Nazi party. So far we have outlined rebellion movements from both the communists and former German military, but the political right was not exempt from aggressive actions. Right wing groups subscribed to the “November Criminals theory”, and as they gained political power, in the late 20s and 30s a pattern...
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...was the main significant force responsible for the political and economic collapse of stability in Weimar Germany. Furthermore another angle of this debate could blame alternative factors for political and economic stability between the years 1919-23 such as the forming of coalition governments causing political instability and the famous Occupation of the Ruhr causing so called economic instability. Firstly it could be argued that the Treaty of Versailles was the leading factor which caused political instability. A significant element of the Treaty of Versailles which was known as Article 231 stated Germany must admit to starting WW1. This angered the German people. Despite at that moment in time German people united against article 231 and were a collective unit by the time 6 months had passed it was a completely different set of events. The Reichstag were issued an ultimatum to sign the Treaty (all of its terms) or be bombed. Germany understandably had no choice but to sign it. However the government felt no need to explain the Ultimatum to the public which made the public think the government were corrupt which developed the well known “stab in the back” theory. The people felt a sense of betrayal from the politicians which severely threatened the existence and support of the Weimar government, which suggest that it is fairly accurate to assume the Treaty of Versailles was mainly responsible for political instability during 1919-23. Furthermore despite the fact the...
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...statement. Economic Problems were largely the main consequence of the Treaty of Versailles and played a vital role in the instability and volatility of the Weimar Republic. At the end of the war many countries had to rebuild, especially after the widespread devastation and financial ruin that the war left them in. Germany, just like Britain and France had to recover, however at the Treaty of Versailles they were made out to be guilty and therefore had to pay huge reparations; this was a double blow to Germany , on top of rebuilding costs Germany had to pay 132 Billion Marks (equivalent of $33 Billion). This, coupled with the already outstanding war debt of 150 Billion marks crippled the government financially. The pressure took its toll and when Germany failed to pay its reparations (December 1922) the Ruhr was resultantly taken away. With no industrial and agricultural output the crisis escalated rapidly; inflation became hyperinflation. Hyperinflation was devastating the economy, causing widespread starvation and unemployment, (the devaluation of the currency also meant that many families lost their savings). This then instigated the use of Barter and Black Market trades. The overwhelming chain reaction of events caused not just economic but political and social unrest as well. The economic ruin certainly had a role to play in the demise of the Weimar republic and the gradual rise of...
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...‘Germany experienced a period of political calm, economic development and social progress in the mid-1920s? How far do you agree with this judgement? (30 marks) It is argued by many historians that Germany experience a period of political calm, economic development and social progress in the mid 1920s for a variety of reasons. There is evidence to support the claim that the economy developed in the mid 1920s, due to the fact that there was significant monetary stability and a growth in available capital. Furthermore, one can argue that social progression was achieved, as a result of the improvement in housing and public health and the development of a Weimar culture. Moreover, it can be argued that political stability was maintained in this period due to the outcome of the 1924 May elections, the Dawes plan and the election of Hindenburg as President. However, while this is true, it is important to remember that there is also sufficient evidence to support the view that Germany did not experience a period of political calm, economic development and social progress as economic instability contributed to the deterioration in social development, as the economic discord between employers and labourers resulted in polarisation. Moreover, the extent of social development in terms of the role of women, youths and the development of the constitution is highly debatable. Additionally, it can be argued that political stability was weakened due to the Young Plan, the 1928 May election...
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...World War Two (WW2) and the situation it created within Germany saw the creation of two rival political systems which were influenced by rival foreign powers. In this aspect, it can be seen as the key turning point in German political systems. When Germany at the end of WW2 was conquered and occupied by the allies between the years 1945-1949 (point zero), the subsequent rift between the capitalist allies (Britain, France and America) and the communist allies (Russia) formed two opposing democratic Germany’s; The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This is significant, due to foreign powers controlling Germany’s political system, as well as the departure from Sonderweg, meaning Germany no longer followed a unique path of development and that nationalism and militarism were on the decline. The significance of the previous German eras, Kaiser Reich (Semi-Autocratic Empire), Weimar Republic (Federal Democracy) and the Third Reich (Dictatorship) are also significant, however in political terms they are not as significant as post 45. The significances of post 1945 can be seen by its success of creating a working democracy in Germany after 1945, the FRG. One reason why the FRG was successful revolves around the sudden decline in German militarism and nationalism. This is evident in the fact that the FRG’s constitution was based on the Weimar Republics concept of ‘Grundgesetz’, which means basic law. The implications of this is evident in that...
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...THIRD REICH, THE RESULT OF PREVIOUS POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC PROBLEMS? Introduction Paragraph: Hitler was able to become Germany’s chancellor in 1933 and after 6 months he was already able to establish a dictatorship. It is surprising how such an abominable personage was able to gain total control over Germany, which had been able to become a democratic republic. As Kershaw stated, “the future of Weimar looked promising. And without the onset of the world economic crisis from 1929 it might have remained so”. Thesis: The rise to power of Hitler and the Third Reich was to a large extent the result of previous political and economic problems, such as Germany’s authoritarian origins, the minimum support the Weimar Republic had, WWI and the Great Depression. Body Paragraph 1 – Political and social structure of German authoritarian origins Germany had always favored nationalism, militarism, and anti-Semitism; all emotions in the German people that went back to Germany’s roots and history. Before the Third Reich and the Weimar Republic, Germany lived a prosperous period known as the Second Reich, during which they became a great empire due to the authoritarian traditions and the military success. This is a view extremely supported by the “structuralists”, who believe that Nazism and Hitler were simply products of German history and that they were forces that still dominated during Weimar Germany, thus making it hard for Germany...
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...Gustav Stresemann The period 1925-1929 is often considered to be the golden era of Weimar Germany's political history. Gustav Stresemann was in power, or in positions of influence and Germany gained political power and the economic difficulties started to be overcome. Stresemann was a hardworking and honest politician who had the respect of many overseas political leaders. He used this respect to great effect and ensured the economic stability of the nation through the successful negotiation of the Dawes and Young plans. These limited the amount of reparation that Germany had to pay and used loans to stabilise a new Germany currency. Sensible and progressive foreign policies enabled Germany to come out of the imposed isolation. Germany was finally allowed to become a member of the League of Nations in 1925 as a result of the Locarno treaties. This, along with the previously mentioned economic developments ensured that German self esteem was significantly improved, and many of the woes of the early 1920's were forgotten as life, in general was improving for the majority of Germans. However not all was well in Stresemann's Germany. There was still political instability as no one party could gain a majority in the republic. This meant that decision making was difficult and could easily be overturned at the whim of a minority of parliamentarians. Unemployment did not fall, indeed it rose in the period: which lead to further economic problems. Further to this it was the case...
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...‘Stresemann Years’ of the Weimar Republic, 1924-29? Timeline: 1924: May: Nationalist vote increases in Reichstag elections August: Reichstag accepts the Dawes Plan 1925: February: Death of President Ebert April: Hindenburg elected President October: Locarno Treaties signed 1926: September: Germany admitted the League of Nations 1927: August: Commercial Treaty signed – between France and Germany 1928: May: Number of socialist votes in Reichstag election increase 1929: September: Allies begin military evacuation of the Rhineland October: Stresemann dies December: Referendum upholds decision to adopt Young Plan. Relative Political Stability * This period of the Weimar = absence of attempts to threaten republic * However – no political stability = parliamentary system failed to develop * Main reason for no development: Coalition government = not enough support to tackle issues that faced democracy (blame with political parties) * Some parties still acted as interest groups representing own sectional group rather than national parties government (due to their inexperience in forming govt) * Due to PR – parties need to be cooperative [eg. DVP’s association with business interest made them refuse coalition with SPD in 1926] – therefore frequent political paralysis * Inability to cooperate = inability to tackle social/economic problems * Therefore not really politically stable Chancellor’s of the Weimar Republic, 1923-30: - Gustav...
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...were of perfect conditions for the rise of an extremist party such as the Nazis. World War One had left Germany in defeat. Germany was put under immense pressure by the treaty of Versailles, which contributed to the disastrous and politically unstable early twenties. Hitler was a strong and manipulating character, with extraordinary leadership skills and his party was very tactical. He was very much underestimated by opposing political parties. All of these factors lead to Hitler and his Nazis' becoming the sole political party in the Reichstag in 1933. The German Empire was formed in 1871 and soon became one of Europe?s most influential countries. It dominated in industrial and military power, and the German people were proud of their achievements. Up until the end of World War One, a Kaiser ruled Germany. From 1888 the Kaiser was Wilhelm II. He was very ambitious and militaristic and a threat to other countries. The German people were very accustomed to success, and when Germany was defeated in World War One, they were shocked and angry. The Weimar Constitution was drawn up to help Germany bounce back. This constitution was genuinely democratic but had some weaknesses. A president ruled with...
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...people are organized in a society with rules or laws which govern their conduct. The state was created to protect the physical and material integrity of the members of a society. (B) Utility and functions of a government organized. In the human history, have existed many types of government, and some have been better than others, regarding the division of property and justice among different social strata comprising citizens who form the state, but all have been "organized" in one way or another. From my perspective, an organized government works as a social regulator, handing territories, resources, responsibilities and justice among the citizens who make up the State, regardless of whether how the government was formed (Monarchy, Republic, etc.) (C) Government in U.K. There are different levels of government, but the national government is made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) who sit in the House of Commons and are democratically elected. The Prime...
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...Course Study Notes: hsctutoringnotes@outlook.com MODERN HISTORY Topics World War One Germany Albert Speer The Cold War 1 Course Study Notes: hsctutoringnotes@outlook.com World War One Themes War on the Western Front Home Fronts in Britain and Germany Turning Points of the War The Allied Victory 2 Course Study Notes: hsctutoringnotes@outlook.com War on the Western Front Reasons for the development of the Stalemate A stalemate is an end of a war movement. It refers to the deadlock resulting from high levels of defence. The stalemate developed from four major reasons: i. The Faults of the Schlieffen Plan ii. The Faults of Plan XVII iii. Problems with Communications and Tactics iv. Problems with the High Command • The Faults in • There was an incredible reliance on speed – quick defeat of the France and a slow response by Russia Schlieffen • Unexpectedly strong resistance by Belgian forces – sabotaged Plan railway lines • Strong resistance from French • Troops were diverted from the West to the Eastern front • The “hammer swing” was shortened, so they approached Paris from the East which was expected • The Treaty of London was disregarded as a scrap of paper • Germans weren’t adequately trained for modern warfare strategies • The Faults in • French underestimated number of soldiers available to Plan XVII Germany • French were preoccupied with revenge for Alsace-Lorraine • Insufficient forces were given to the French...
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...23.13 After its defeat in World War I, Germany, a once frightening and intimidating force, was disgraced by the Versailles Treaty which lessened its prewar territory, drastically reduced it’s armed forces, demanded that Germany acknowledge its guilt for the war and forced it to pay reparations to the allied powers. Once the German Empire was destroyed, a new parliamentary government known as the Weimar Republic was formed. The German people suffered from economic instability, massive inflation and a very high unemployment rate which had worsened during the depression following the New York stock market crash in 1929. The Nazi party had made its mark and taken advantage of the political unrest in Germany, gaining an electoral foothold. The Holocaust, also know as the Shoah, was the heinous and despicable genocide of approximately six million Jews during World War II led by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party between 1939 and 1945 throughout German occupied territory. Although there are a number of parallels between Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, their personal political views became known to the public at very different times; Hitler published his views well before he came in to power, where Mussolini waited until he was the dictator of France. Following World War I, Hitler struggled with his disbelief in Germany’s defeat and was consumed with extreme, revolutionary views regarding German nationalism. In 1919, around the age of 30, Adolf Hitler became a member of the...
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