The Reasons for Early Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic

The Reasons for Early Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic

Germany suffered a great tragedy during its clash with various

European countries, which became the First World War, the biggest war

of its time. An unanticipated defeat led the Germans leading them

into an age of darkness. A government was formed under the umbrella of

democracy at this time when huge opposition, anger and division were

rampant in German society: due to the defeat of WW1. Germany was torn

apart due to the political penalty left by defeat. The old government

who fled in fear handed over the power of governance to the new

government, later known as the Weimar republic. The Weimar republic

was often referred to as the ‘November Criminals’ for what the public

were made to believe and their obvious mentality towards them; they

were portrayed as the perpetrators of war and the blame of World War 1

fell upon them, this political deception was later known as the ‘stab

in the back.’

The treaty of Versailles was the initial point of Germany’s chain of

weaknesses. This ‘enforced’ treaty was an unforgivable blow to the

pride and honour of Germany and it’s people. The misguided people of

Germany were under the perception that the war weighed heavier in

their favour, through clever manipulative media propaganda, to the

people’s shock Germany was ‘forced’ to sign a harsh peace treaty after

an unexpected defeat. This became the heart of hostility and

resentment towards both the leaders and the victorious allies. The

resultants were that Germany was disarmed miniaturising their army.

Territory and colonies were lost and reparations were awaiting

payment.

The Weimar ...

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left and the right, the government did not want to come under the flag

of either country but to stay as democratic as it is. It seems they

cannot fight such oppositions forever. Economically Germany was going

down an extremely slippery slop, the Mark’s value was plummeting,

unemployment was rising and starvation was rampaging Germany.

Reparation weren’t forgiven although Germany was in such a state.

Physiologically the people’s mind would never appreciate this

government nor will they forgive them, World War 1 had left them

brutalised. This experience would not disappear from the annals of

history nor will would the people adapt the democracy and way of life

the Weimar Republic has brought. These early weaknesses were a sign of

the government’s future, it would be a very short and hard life

governed in vain.