The document discusses the Weimar Republic government that was established in Germany after World War 1. It notes that some viewed it as a true democracy while others disagreed. The Weimar Republic faced various problems due to its constitution, including that proportional representation led to unstable coalitions and made it easier for extremist parties like the Nazis to gain representation. Additionally, many Germans resented the Weimar Republic for signing the Treaty of Versailles and for replacing the Kaiser, and did not fully trust or support the new democratic system.
2. Today’s lesson – The Weimar Republic
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of
the Weimar Government that was introduced in 1919.
By the end of today’s lesson I should be able to:
1) Explain why some people resented the Weimar republic
Today’s lesson involves:
Note taking
Debate task
Explain question
3. The Weimar Republic
The Weimar system of government was very
different from life under the Kaiser.
Some people said it was genuine democracy,
although others disagreed.
Either way, Weimar faced various problems due
to it’s constitution.
The Weimar Government also signed the treaty
of Versailles & was resented for that.
TASK 1:
Without looking at your notes right down as
many things as you can remember about the
Weimar constitution.
4. Was Weimar Government a true democracy?
Opinion 1: ‘It was a
democracy’
- All Germans given an equal
vote.
- Reichstag and President
both elected.
- Small parties elected,
meaning more voices heard.
- Various rights guaranteed in
law
Opinion 2: ‘It was not a democracy’
- Voting rights were not completely
equal for all groups.
- Chancellor appointed by the
President, not elected buy the
people.
- President could pass laws without
Reichstag support in an
emergency.
Extension: Answer the question ‘Was Weimar
Government a true democracy - giving at least two
reasons to support your answer’
5. Problems with the system
One problem with the Weimar
Government was that using PR for
elections meant that no-one ever won a
majority.
This led to coalitions and they often fell
apart with new elections required every
couple of months. Germans were
frustrated by this.
PR also made it easier for smaller
parties to get elected – which meant
extremist parties such as the Nazis
were more likely to be represented and
build up a national profile.
6. Problems with the system
Many Germans did not trust the new
democratic system.
Some of these blamed the Weimar
republic for war defeat and signing the
Treaty of Versailles.
Others wanted the return of the Kaiser,
whilst others did not think they had
enough power.
