What challenges were faced by the Weimar Republic from 1919-1923?
Key themes
Impact of the Treaty of Versailles
Weaknesses of Weimar government
Political instability – the Spartacist, Kapp, and Munich Putsches
Hyperinflation
Events in the Ruhr 1923
Germany emerged from the First World War defeated and in political and economic turmoil. The economy was ruined and the Kaiser had fled the country. Various political parties, democratic and extremist fought for power.
The Weimar government, set up after the War, was having trouble controlling the country and was very unpopular for accepting the Treaty of Versailles.
By 1923 Germany was in serious trouble both economically and politically. It was unable to pay its reparations and faced financial disaster. There were many attempts to overthrow the Republic.
