To what extent had the Weimar Republic achieved political, economic and social stability by 1929?

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To What Extent had the Weimar Republic achieved Political, Economic and Social Stability by 1929?

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By 1929 the end of the golden era the Weimar Republic had reached a degree of stability politically, economically and socially. However other factors such as the great depression and the large sums owed in borrowed money were major causes of concern during this period.

Politically Germany from the period up to 1929 had achieved a state of stability. Gustav Stresemann was chancellor of a coalition government and was responsible for much of this stability. Germany joining the League of Nations in 1926 demonstrated its move out of economic depression and toward normal diplomatic status. Germany's admission was a victory for Stresemann and the republic, and a step on the road to overcoming defeat in World War 1, and becoming once again a respected member of the world community. Stresemanns fulfilment policy was another key factor in Germany's stability during this period. The Policy of Fulfillment was a policy in support of German co-operation with the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. This Policy ended passive resistance in the Ruhr and announced that Germany would comply with the Treaty of Versailles. With the Ending of passive resistance Germany could now seek to remedy hyperinflation. The reparations commission set up a committee called the Dawes Plan in 1924, lead by US banker Charles G. Dawes. The terms of this committee meant that Germany would still be required to pay the reparations but after a period of years, it would be adjusted to Germany's ability to pay. This required large sums borrowed from other country's to keep Germany afloat economically during this period. This brought economic growth and affluence, confidence and creative determination to Germany during this period. The Locarno Treaty 1925, was also a key factor in providing stability. It occurred after the resolution of the Ruhr Crisis, whose purpose was to solidify Germany's borders with Belgium and France as permanent. The French and English both supported the international treaty and was a compromise that would allow Germany to rebuild without being a significant threat to the French.The main idea of the treaties was nations seeking “by common agreement means of preserving their respective nations from the scourge of war and for providing for the peaceful settlement of disputes”.  All these factors enhanced German prestige abroad.

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However only a degree of stability was established during this period. Political stability was partly due to foreign loans which kept Germany afloat due to the large amounts of money owed in reparations. The Weimar republic's greatest weakness was its failure to establish lasting political stability. I. Kershaw once said that, “a stable coalition is an oxymoron”. Germany's prosperity after 1924 was financed for the most part by borrowed money. The basic weakness was that the government was using short term loans to fund long term projects. As the great depression set in on October 1929  the United States ...

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