What Were the Reasons for the Early Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic

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Mansoor Khan        Page  of

What Were the Reasons for the Early

 Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic

Germany suffered a great tragedy during its clash with various European countries, which became the First World War, the biggest war of its time.  An unanticipated defeat led the Germans leading them into an age of darkness. A government was formed under the umbrella of democracy at this time when huge opposition, anger and division were rampant in German society: due to the defeat of WW1. Germany was torn apart due to the political penalty left by defeat.  The old government who fled in fear handed over the power of governance to the new government, later known as the Weimar republic. The Weimar republic was often referred to as the ‘November Criminals’ for what the public were made to believe and their obvious mentality towards them; they were portrayed as the perpetrators of war and the blame of World War 1 fell upon them, this political deception was later known as the ‘stab in the back.’

The treaty of Versailles was the initial point of Germany’s chain of weaknesses. This ‘enforced’ treaty was an unforgivable blow to the pride and honour of Germany and it’s people. The misguided people of Germany were under the perception that the war weighed heavier in their favour, through clever manipulative media propaganda, to the people’s shock Germany was ‘forced’ to sign a harsh peace treaty after an unexpected defeat. This became the heart of hostility and resentment towards both the leaders and the victorious allies. The resultants were that Germany was disarmed miniaturising their army. Territory and colonies were lost and reparations were awaiting payment.

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The Weimar Republic did not want war nor did they run it, nevertheless they were blamed relentlessly for it, the war and the treaty, a blame that lasted 4 years. Primarily the political burden which they took on was immense, an unavoidable consequence of defeat in war.  Germany’s internal powers began to fight for political power, from both the left and the right. The army itself was a political power, anti-democratic but obedient to an extent to the Weimar Republic and was on a steeper slope to fame and power.

The government was inclined to the left wing more ...

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