After World War 1, many European countries struggled economically and politically as they tried to rebuild. Most formed coalition governments made up of multiple political parties, as no single party could gain a majority. This new form of government was ineffective and unstable in many places. Germany's Weimar Republic faced especially difficult economic problems of depression and hyperinflation after being blamed for the war by citizens.

2.  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.  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.  Since many European
countries had been
ruled by absolute
monarchs for years
there were many new
political parties that
emerged.
 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.  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.  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.  Germany’s new
government after the war
was known as the Weimar
Republic – a democratic
coalition government.
 Germany never had a
democratic government
before.
 Germans blamed the
Weimar Republic for
signing the Treaty of
Versailles, not their
wartime leaders for all the
problems they were
experiencing.

8. 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.