Germany Post World War 1 Essay

4313 Words9 Pages

Following World War I, Germany found itself a crippled state with a nation of unsatisfied people, due largely to pre-war political conflict, domestic negligence during the War, and consequences of the Treaty of Versailles. For the next decade, Germany was burdened with many economic, social, and political woes. The nation had lost much of its land, including crucial mining regions, and its military was drastically reduced, marked by the demilitarization of the Rhineland. In addition to the crumbling of German pride after the War, the country was plagued by hyperinflation and unemployment. The people of the nation were beginning to lose faith not only in their government, but also in democracy itself.

Relevant History
Prior to World …show more content…

He had considerable influence and largely controlled access to his father. He was also a close friend of Kurt von Schleicher.
Otto Meissner/Meißner: He served as State Secretary, advisor to Hindenburg, and member of the “Camarilla” (1925-1934). He had significant influence over President Hindenburg, and he lived in the Palace of the German President with his family, which provided many benefits.
Wilhelm Groener: He served as Defense Minister, advisor to Hindenburg, and member of the “Camarilla” (1928-1932); at the end of WWI, he was Commander-in-Chief of the German Forces on the Western Front. Although his right-wing views were aligned with those of Hindenburg, he understood the need for a good relationship with workers in order to meet the high production targets for the military.
Clara Zetkin: He was an influential socialist, fighter for women’s rights, and founding member of the Communist Party of Germany in 1918. Zetkin was elected to the Reichstag in 1920.
Wilhelm Frick: He was elected to the Reichstag in 1924, where he associated with the NSDAP radicals led by Gregor Strasser. He would become the first Nazi Party member to hold high office with his appointment as Minister of the Interior of the state of

Open Document