End of the Weimar Republic

End of the Weimar Republic

Causes

  • Depression and Unemployment: The Wall Street Crash of 1929 led to a global depression. German businesses went bankrupt and unemployment rose dramatically.
  • Political Instability: The Weimar Republic had a weak and unstable coalition government, leading to frequent changes in leadership and political chaos.
  • Public Discontent: The economic crisis, coupled with anger at the Treaty of Versailles and memories of hyperinflation led to public anger towards the government.

Effects

  • Rise of Extremist Parties: Parties such as the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, exploited public fear and discontent, promising stability and a return to national pride.
  • Decrease in Democratic Support: With the economic and political situation worsening, faith in democracy and the Weimar Republic rapidly decreased.
  • Militarisation of Politics: Extreme political factions increasingly used violence to suppress opposition and gain power, leading to the collapse of civil discourse and further instability.

Significance

  • End of Weimar Republic: In 1933, with no effective government in place, President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor, marking the end of the Weimar Republic.
  • Beginning of Nazi Era: Hitler and his Nazi Party rapidly consolidated their power, suppressing opposition and enforcing their totalitarian regime.
  • World War II: The aggressive policies of the Nazi regime, along with the alliances they formed, eventually led to the outbreak of World War II.