After World War 1, many new democracies emerged in Europe as people feared absolute rulers. However, most European nations had no history of democracy and the new coalition governments formed to rule were often weak and ineffective. This political instability, combined with economic problems like depression and hyperinflation in countries like Germany, created a period of great uncertainty in Europe from 1919 to 1939.

1. NEW DEMOCRACIES
AND DEPRESSION

2. THE WORLD AFTER WORLD WAR I
Only the United States and Japan emerged
from the war in a better financial position
than they had been in before.
Most European countries (even the Allies)
were suffering from economic problems.
Many European countries began to lose their
standing as world powers and were trying to
rebuild their land, economies, and
government.
1919 – 1939 was a time of great uncertainty
for the world.

3. DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE
 At the end of World
War I there was a
sudden rise in new
democracies, because
European’s feared
absolute rulers.
 Most European
nations had no history
of democracy and
many were weak and
ineffective.

4. COALITION GOVERNMENTS
Hundreds of new
political parties were
created.
It was nearly
impossible for a single
party to win the
majority of the vote.
Coalition Governments
– temporary alliances
of several parties –
formed to rule.

5. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Do you think coalition governments
are an effective form of
government?
How do the people feel about
coalition governments (how would
you feel about a coalition
government running your country)?

6. NEW GOVERNMENTS IN EUROPE
Russia/USSR – went through two revolutions
and became communist
Britain – a new coalition government came to
power and was able to preserve democracy
and help stabilize the economy
France - economic instability led to political
instability and France went through multiple
coalition governments
Denmark, Norway, Sweden – used a form of
socialism in combination with democracy to
keep their economy going

7. WEIMAR REPUBLIC
 Germany’s new
government after the war
was known as the Weimar
Republic – a democratic
coalition government. It
was the first democratic
government in Germany.
 Germans blamed the
Weimar Republic for
signing the Treaty of
Versailles, not their
wartime leaders for all the
problems they were
experiencing.

8. DEPRESSION AND INFLATION
After World War I many countries suffered from
economic depression and inflation. Germany was
hit the hardest.
Depression – a long term decline in the economy
during which there is a lower level of production,
and a higher level of unemployment and failing
businesses.
Inflation – a rise in the price of goods while your
income (or the amount of money you have)
remains the same, resulting in people feeling as
though they are poor and money having less
value.