Not only was the elected government unable to ensure peace and stability politically in the country, they were also unable to control the economy successfully. During the Weimar Republic, hyperinflation became rampant and the German currency dwindled quickly in value. This is because Germany owed huge sums of money to countries like France and Britain for war damage they had supposedly caused. They were unable to pay the money for this reparations, and in response, France took over the Ruhr region. The Ruhr region was an important contributor to Germany’s economy since it was an industrial region. This further led to a need for money. The idea that striking workers had to be paid by the country was a further financial burden for Germany’s government. To deal with this issue, the government made the unwise decision of printing more money. This only led to devaluation of the currency. In fact, the currency became so worthless that women used it to keep their fire going at home, since it was cheaper than using wood. Employers had to start giving out money on a daily basis because the value of the currency was decreasing so rapidly. Without a stable economy to pay the reparations the other countries were demanding, and allow people to gain back their normal jobs and pace of life, the Weimar Republic certainly did not have garner much support from the people. Naturally, with no support and value-less money, the Weimar Republic was doomed to fail.
To a small extent, I disagree with the statement. For a period of time, the Weimar Republic actually looked like it would prosper- during Stresemann’s rule. There was fewer uprisings during this period, and the economy did not improve much, but definitely came under temporary control. Stresemann managed to stop the spiraling economic situation by ensuring that no more money was printed, and that there was a new currency printed. Stresemann also made amendments on the political front. He got Germany to join the League of Nations and managed to get a loan from America, under the rule of Woodrow Wilson. This was a step into the civilized world. He signed the Locarn Treaties with the Allied countries in 1925 as a means of restoring Germany's diplomatic status in Europe. With the borrowed money and slightly repaired relations, the reparations to other countries were made possible. During this period, the middle class managed to enjoy art and some American culture, as a result of the good relationship with America. Therefore, for a period of time, it certainly seemed as if Stresemann was the answer to Germany’s problems, and gave the Weimar Republic hope.
In conclusion, I disagree with the statement because there was little political stability and economical stability during the Weimar Republic. While I cannot deny that Stresemann’s entrance as Chancellor marked an improved period after the world war, critics have claimed that this Stresemann's reforms did not relieve the underlying weaknesses of Weimar but gave the appearance of having done so. This is mostly because Stresemann still did not manage to gain support of the people and was largely criticized for his relations with the USA. As can be seen through all three points, governmental stability and their actions was what ultimately decided whether or not the Weimar Republic was set to be a failure or success. Ultimately, it seems as if it was a failure precisely because the government was unable to appeal to its people because it was unstable and made bad decisions. What is a government without support? A failed one.
