The political progression of the Republic since its founding is rather remarkable, and it has developed commendably within a fixed framework in which to firmly establish a German democracy. There have been very few impediments towards this worthy goal. Two incidents, which do stand out, however, are the aforementioned Kapp Putsch and the Munich Putsch of 1921 and 1923 respectively. These were organised by right-wing groups who were exponents of all that was against our democracy. The malcontent miscreants who masterminded these attempted revolutions have now either fled or have been detained, and their negative influence on the public is considered negated.
The post-war recession and harsh reparations crippled German industry. The severity of economic sanctions imposed upon Germany fully manifested themselves in the depression of 1923. It is likely that confidence in the Republic at that stage was greatly undermined by the hard times faced by all Germans. The occupation of the Ruhr and the confiscation of much industrial equipment also dealt a big blow to the German economy, as well as trust in the Republic. However, with the brilliant statesmanship of Stresemann, The Republic was able to weather the storm of criticism levelled at it in the wake of the terrible crisis, and was able to lift itself up above the fiendish waters of anarchy. The passive resistance towards the French also restored much more confidence in the leadership, and has helped boost economic growth once again.
The Dawes Plan, again secured by Stresemann’s brilliance, has helped develop a boom in the economy and has seen output and economic growth increase rapidly. This unexpectedly advantageous turnaround in fortunes is likely to reverse unfavourable sentiment caused by the recession. Though we are not blinded to the poverty and hardship endured by most Germans, we feel the Republic has seen the worst of the economic crisis. The spectacular after effects of the Dawes Plan has seen rapid employment, modernisation and a much needed lift to the morale of all Germans. The Republic still has much to do, but a stolid framework now exists from which we may venture forth into an era of prosperity.
The passive resistance against the French in the Ruhr, and the way the population heeded the calls for strikes against the Kapp “government” shows just how staunchly supported the Weimar Republic is. There are of course dissidents who have bee mentioned before, but they seem to be of little consequence, given that no revolutionary parties like the Communists ever gained more than 15% in the elections. This shows that the vast majority of the people are behind the Republic
Stresemann seems to be building a better rapport with other countriesthan any of his other predecessors. He claims he is close to entering Germany into the League of Nations, and this would be a masterful move indeed. This drastic move, however, seems to be a little off as yet, but would project an image of a co-operative, peaceful Germany seeking prosperity for its people – an image we would very much like to be seen. Not only would this greatly improve the economic prospects for the Republic, but also downplay Germany’s demilitarised state and lack of arms.
What can be envisaged nearer in the future, is a pact between Germany’s neighbours securing existing borders. This would once again cement Germany as a nation keen to reform and regain favour in the eyes of the international community.
The Treaty of Versailles seems to a perennial thorn in the Republic’s side. No matter how hard we try to dismiss the ‘Stab in the Back myth” there will always be a nagging doubt about whether the government betrayed Germany. Germany’s demilitarised state, and its lack of industry and prosperity is a constant reminder of the harsh reparation meted out to France. Stresemann, and many others within the Republic feel that by building an image of a reformed Germany, diplomacy will be able to prevail in softening the terms of the Treaty, which, when viewed in retrospect by other world powers, seem harsh at the very least. The Republic’s plight is expected to draw sympathy which should help ease the terms of Versailles, and the massively increased US investment is drawing eyes from other corners of the globe as well. Thus, it can be concluded that the outlook for the Weimar Republic is positive and it looks to help Germany prosper in the future.
