YEARS OF CHALLENGE
INTRODUCTION
The restrictions imposed upon Germany in the Treaty of Versailles, would cause much pain and hardship in the upcoming years, and the burden of reparations would take its toll. Germany's economic, political and social issues would grow throughout this timeline, but would eventually restabilise due to foreign loans. The pain and hardship of this era would also fuel the beginning of a political party determined to disregard all the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, that would become known as the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler.
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> 1920
LEAGUE OF NATIONS / January 16
The first council meeting of the League of Nations was held in Paris on January 16, 1920, only six days after the covenant was ratified by 42 member nations, following its initial signing on June 28, 1919, that included Great Britain, France, Japan, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. Although US President Woodrow Wilson was the driving force behind the League of Nations with his Fourteen Point Plan, it did not gain support in the United States, and they would never join due to this, as it was never ratified by their government. The Palais Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland would become the capital for the League of Nations, which was replaced by the purpose built Palace of Nations in 1936. Between 1920 and 1939, a total of 63 countries would join the League of Nations, which became an initiative that aimed at world peace and cooperation between members, inspired by the massive loss of life and destruction in the Great War. With the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930’s, the League of Nations would struggle with the demand put upon them, and the dissatisfaction with the League of Nations would form the Axis powers, which would pave the way for the beginning of World War II. The League of Nations would dissolve on April 20, 1946, following World War II, and would be succeeded by the United Nations, which still operates today with 193 member nations.
The first council meeting of the League of Nations was held in Paris on January 16, 1920, only six days after the covenant was ratified by 42 member nations, following its initial signing on June 28, 1919, that included Great Britain, France, Japan, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. Although US President Woodrow Wilson was the driving force behind the League of Nations with his Fourteen Point Plan, it did not gain support in the United States, and they would never join due to this, as it was never ratified by their government. The Palais Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland would become the capital for the League of Nations, which was replaced by the purpose built Palace of Nations in 1936. Between 1920 and 1939, a total of 63 countries would join the League of Nations, which became an initiative that aimed at world peace and cooperation between members, inspired by the massive loss of life and destruction in the Great War. With the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930’s, the League of Nations would struggle with the demand put upon them, and the dissatisfaction with the League of Nations would form the Axis powers, which would pave the way for the beginning of World War II. The League of Nations would dissolve on April 20, 1946, following World War II, and would be succeeded by the United Nations, which still operates today with 193 member nations.
"League of Nations – A general association of nations must be formed under specific covenants for the purpose of affording mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike."
(Woodrow Wilson, Fourteen Point Plan, 1918)
Tiger Rag - Original Dixieland Jazz Band
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Inquiry Questions
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The League of Nations would attempt to establish peace across the world.
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KAPP PUTSCH / March 13
The German Revolution of 1918 had resulted with the Weimar Republic in power, and although the German Army had assisted with stopping the Spartacist Uprising of 1919, they had never accepted the Weimar Republic, as their acceptance of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles and the humiliation that would follow, would cause them to be hated amongst the military and those who heavily supported the German Empire. The Kapp Putsch was an attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic, with the aims of implementing a right-wing autocratic government instead, led by Wolfgang Kapp and Walther von Luttwitz. The military clauses of the Treaty of Versailles would cause this political uprising, that was headed by the volunteer army group the ‘Freikorps’, brigades within had since been ordered to dissolve by the Weimar Republic, but General von Luttwitz, who was leading the Freikorps, refused this, and ordered 12,000 men from these brigades into Berlin. This placed the German Army in a unique position, as with their army that was reduced to 100,000 men now called the ‘Reichswehr’, the Weimar Republic had expected their assistance, but these were men had fought alongside each other during the Great War, and General von Seeckt of the Reichswehr refused to intervene. President Ebert, Chancellor Bauer and the remainder of the Cabinet were forced to leave Berlin to ensure their safety, this signified the tension between the Weimar Republic and the German Army. The Freikorps had consumed the city, and had no resistance from the Reichswehr, but their attempt of political overthrow would be short-lived. The Berlin working class would hinder the uprising, with a general strike being declared by workers and trade unions that supported the government, this quickly diminished the impact of the Kapp Putsch and it was clear that the German middle-class had no sympathy for the Freikorps and their reasoning for the uprising. Within a few days the putsch had failed, with von Luttwitz and Kapp fleeing the city and the Weimar Republic being reinstated. The Kapp Putsch signified the inability of the German Army to assist the Weimar Republic against threats from right-wing groups, and the distrust they held towards the Weimar Republic since they signed the Treaty of Versailles and began implementing the clauses across Germany.
The German Revolution of 1918 had resulted with the Weimar Republic in power, and although the German Army had assisted with stopping the Spartacist Uprising of 1919, they had never accepted the Weimar Republic, as their acceptance of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles and the humiliation that would follow, would cause them to be hated amongst the military and those who heavily supported the German Empire. The Kapp Putsch was an attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic, with the aims of implementing a right-wing autocratic government instead, led by Wolfgang Kapp and Walther von Luttwitz. The military clauses of the Treaty of Versailles would cause this political uprising, that was headed by the volunteer army group the ‘Freikorps’, brigades within had since been ordered to dissolve by the Weimar Republic, but General von Luttwitz, who was leading the Freikorps, refused this, and ordered 12,000 men from these brigades into Berlin. This placed the German Army in a unique position, as with their army that was reduced to 100,000 men now called the ‘Reichswehr’, the Weimar Republic had expected their assistance, but these were men had fought alongside each other during the Great War, and General von Seeckt of the Reichswehr refused to intervene. President Ebert, Chancellor Bauer and the remainder of the Cabinet were forced to leave Berlin to ensure their safety, this signified the tension between the Weimar Republic and the German Army. The Freikorps had consumed the city, and had no resistance from the Reichswehr, but their attempt of political overthrow would be short-lived. The Berlin working class would hinder the uprising, with a general strike being declared by workers and trade unions that supported the government, this quickly diminished the impact of the Kapp Putsch and it was clear that the German middle-class had no sympathy for the Freikorps and their reasoning for the uprising. Within a few days the putsch had failed, with von Luttwitz and Kapp fleeing the city and the Weimar Republic being reinstated. The Kapp Putsch signified the inability of the German Army to assist the Weimar Republic against threats from right-wing groups, and the distrust they held towards the Weimar Republic since they signed the Treaty of Versailles and began implementing the clauses across Germany.
"So you perhaps intend Herr Minister that a battle be fought at Brandenburg Gate between troops that have fought side by side against a common enemy?"
(General von Seeckt > Defence Minister, 1920)
Rock A Bye Your Baby - Al Jolson
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Inquiry Questions
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The Kapp Putsch would fail in its attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic.
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THE DEFEATED / August 10
Germany was not the only defeated nation of the Great War, and the Treaty of Versailles was only one of many documents devised that signified the end of the war and the beginning of the post-war world. By August 10, 1920, five treaties had been created and signed at the Paris Peace Conference, the Treaty of Versailles signed on June 29, 1919, the Treaty of Saint-Germain signed on September 10, 1919, the Treaty of Neuilly signed on November 27, 1919, the Treaty of Trianon signed on June 4, 1920 and the Treaty of Sevres signed on August 10, 1920. Each of these treaties would be targeted at one of the nations who made up the defeated Central Powers in the Great War, with the victorious powers determining the restrictions and penalties imposed. Other treaties that were significant to the end of the Great War included the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk signed on March 3, 1918, the Treaty of Riga signed on March 18, 1921, and the Treaty of Lausanne that was signed on July 24, 1923.
Germany was not the only defeated nation of the Great War, and the Treaty of Versailles was only one of many documents devised that signified the end of the war and the beginning of the post-war world. By August 10, 1920, five treaties had been created and signed at the Paris Peace Conference, the Treaty of Versailles signed on June 29, 1919, the Treaty of Saint-Germain signed on September 10, 1919, the Treaty of Neuilly signed on November 27, 1919, the Treaty of Trianon signed on June 4, 1920 and the Treaty of Sevres signed on August 10, 1920. Each of these treaties would be targeted at one of the nations who made up the defeated Central Powers in the Great War, with the victorious powers determining the restrictions and penalties imposed. Other treaties that were significant to the end of the Great War included the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk signed on March 3, 1918, the Treaty of Riga signed on March 18, 1921, and the Treaty of Lausanne that was signed on July 24, 1923.
"Peace Treaties would attempt to punish nations responsible for war, and prevent further wars from happening in the future."
(Century of Conflict, 2017)
I'm Always Chasing Rainbows - Charles Harrison
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Inquiry Questions
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The Paris Peace Conference would establish many of the post WWI treaties.
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> 1921
PROBLEMS WITH REPARATIONS / May 5
With the Treaty of Versailles deeming Germany responsible for the escalation of the Great War, with Article 231 – War Guilt Clause, Germany was required to pay 20 billion gold marks (US$5 billion), until the Reparation Commission would determine the full figure when it was formed in 1921. On May 5, 1921, the Reparation Commission, through the London Schedule of Payments, established the full figure owed by Germany and the Central Powers at 132 billion gold marks, an improvement on the 226 billion gold marks figure established by the impatient Allied Powers only six months earlier. This figure was inspired by much discussion between victorious nations, in particular France and Italy, who wished for the figure to be higher, and Great Britain and Belgium, who supported the figure to be lower. Germany could pay the reparations using gold, or other resources such as coal, timber, chemical dyes, pharmaceuticals, livestock, agricultural machines, construction materials and factory machinery, they were to be paying 2 billion gold marks per year until they had paid their debt. This was an overwhelming figure for Germany, who were hopeful that by reaching their initial target of 20 billion gold marks by 1921, would deter such a figure being placed upon them. The inability to afford these reparations would lead to the Occupation of the Ruhr at the beginning of 1923, where France would send military forces into Germany to occupy industrial areas to force the German workers to pay them through resource. Hyperinflation would soon follow for Germany, and their currency would become worthless by the end of 1923, this would lead Germany to seek support from the US to pay reparations, with the implementation of the Dawes Plan in 1924
With the Treaty of Versailles deeming Germany responsible for the escalation of the Great War, with Article 231 – War Guilt Clause, Germany was required to pay 20 billion gold marks (US$5 billion), until the Reparation Commission would determine the full figure when it was formed in 1921. On May 5, 1921, the Reparation Commission, through the London Schedule of Payments, established the full figure owed by Germany and the Central Powers at 132 billion gold marks, an improvement on the 226 billion gold marks figure established by the impatient Allied Powers only six months earlier. This figure was inspired by much discussion between victorious nations, in particular France and Italy, who wished for the figure to be higher, and Great Britain and Belgium, who supported the figure to be lower. Germany could pay the reparations using gold, or other resources such as coal, timber, chemical dyes, pharmaceuticals, livestock, agricultural machines, construction materials and factory machinery, they were to be paying 2 billion gold marks per year until they had paid their debt. This was an overwhelming figure for Germany, who were hopeful that by reaching their initial target of 20 billion gold marks by 1921, would deter such a figure being placed upon them. The inability to afford these reparations would lead to the Occupation of the Ruhr at the beginning of 1923, where France would send military forces into Germany to occupy industrial areas to force the German workers to pay them through resource. Hyperinflation would soon follow for Germany, and their currency would become worthless by the end of 1923, this would lead Germany to seek support from the US to pay reparations, with the implementation of the Dawes Plan in 1924
"Although Article 234 of the Treaty of Versailles stated it would assess Germany’s ‘capacity to pay’ the reparations, they were still subject to a sum that could not be fulfilled, which led to more problems."
(Century of Conflict, 2017)
Hello Central Gives Me No Mans Land - Al Jolson
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Inquiry Questions
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The reparations to be paid by Germany would cause many problems in these years.
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HITLER'S NAZI PARTY / July 28
Adolf Hitler had become extremely bitter with not only Germany losing the Great War, but the terms of the Treaty of Versailles and the 'war guilt' that the nation had to live with. Hitler had spent his nights attending beerhalls in Munich, which had become breeding grounds for discontent young men to voice their opinions and concerns for the future of Germany, in particular Hitler had become infatuated with a small political party led by Anton Drexler named the German Worker's Party (DAP), later renamed the National Socialist German Worker's Party (NSDAP or Nazi Party). This party had interested Hitler due to its far-right political stance, defined by values of nationalism, anti-communism, antisemitism and militarism, which was widely supported by the Freikorps. Hitler soon found his purpose in the party, and after become an early member, would become its prominent figure after a successful first speech on October 16, 1919, to 111 people at the beerhall. The Nazi Party had also established its views on the 'Aryan' or 'pure' German race, where men and women with blonde hair and blue eyes would become the figure of power for the party, a race historically linked with ancient Germany and Scandinavia, and were thought to be physically and mentally superior than any other race. After an internal power struggle between Hitler and Drexler, and Hitler threatening to leave the party, Hitler would be announced as leader of the Nazi Party on July 28, 1920, replacing the founded Drexler and the committee that once represented the Nazi Party. By the end of 1921, the Nazi Party had grown exponentially, Hitler had gained the title of 'Fuhrer', and on November 4, 1921, had created the Sturm Abteilung (SA), the military component of the Nazi Party, also known as the 'Brownshirts'.
Adolf Hitler had become extremely bitter with not only Germany losing the Great War, but the terms of the Treaty of Versailles and the 'war guilt' that the nation had to live with. Hitler had spent his nights attending beerhalls in Munich, which had become breeding grounds for discontent young men to voice their opinions and concerns for the future of Germany, in particular Hitler had become infatuated with a small political party led by Anton Drexler named the German Worker's Party (DAP), later renamed the National Socialist German Worker's Party (NSDAP or Nazi Party). This party had interested Hitler due to its far-right political stance, defined by values of nationalism, anti-communism, antisemitism and militarism, which was widely supported by the Freikorps. Hitler soon found his purpose in the party, and after become an early member, would become its prominent figure after a successful first speech on October 16, 1919, to 111 people at the beerhall. The Nazi Party had also established its views on the 'Aryan' or 'pure' German race, where men and women with blonde hair and blue eyes would become the figure of power for the party, a race historically linked with ancient Germany and Scandinavia, and were thought to be physically and mentally superior than any other race. After an internal power struggle between Hitler and Drexler, and Hitler threatening to leave the party, Hitler would be announced as leader of the Nazi Party on July 28, 1920, replacing the founded Drexler and the committee that once represented the Nazi Party. By the end of 1921, the Nazi Party had grown exponentially, Hitler had gained the title of 'Fuhrer', and on November 4, 1921, had created the Sturm Abteilung (SA), the military component of the Nazi Party, also known as the 'Brownshirts'.
"After discovering his skill as a public speaker, Hitler would become the leader of the Nazi Party and helped it build support."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
Smiles - Joseph C. Smith's Orchestra
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Inquiry Questions
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The Nazi Party would gain momentum from the success of their speaker/leader Adolf Hitler
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> 1922
THE GERMAN ARMY / April 16
The German Army had not only become severely hindered by the Treaty of Versailles and its restrictions, but was also facing an identity crisis following the creation of the Weimar Republic following the Great War. The German Army was the driving force of the German Empire for decades, it was now forced to adopt the new republican system in Germany and prove loyalty. Following the Treaty of Versailles, the army was now limited to 100,000 men, among many other restrictions, and many ex-servicemen had become involved in the Freikorps, which was the volunteer army, which was used to put an end to the Spartacist Uprising in 1919. The Kapp Putsch of 1920 was an opportunity for the German Army to prove its loyalty to the new Weimar Republic, but proved that they had not accepted the new system, with the entire Cabinet fearing for their lives and left Berlin. The Treaty of Rapallo signed with Soviet Union on April 16, 1920, would allow for German military to be trained and stationed in the Soviet Union, this was a loophole in the Treaty of Versailles, where Germany were able to train beyond their limitations of soldiers. General Hans von Seeckt would be responsible for finding many flaws in the Treaty of Versailles that Germany could exploit, which also included increasing the number of officers in the German Army by placing them in office jobs in government agencies, relocating soldiers in the Prussian State Police which numbered over 85,000 men and implementing an intense training regime for those men who were still counted in their limited 100,000, each of which would be trained well above their title, preparing them for a time where the army would expand.
The German Army had not only become severely hindered by the Treaty of Versailles and its restrictions, but was also facing an identity crisis following the creation of the Weimar Republic following the Great War. The German Army was the driving force of the German Empire for decades, it was now forced to adopt the new republican system in Germany and prove loyalty. Following the Treaty of Versailles, the army was now limited to 100,000 men, among many other restrictions, and many ex-servicemen had become involved in the Freikorps, which was the volunteer army, which was used to put an end to the Spartacist Uprising in 1919. The Kapp Putsch of 1920 was an opportunity for the German Army to prove its loyalty to the new Weimar Republic, but proved that they had not accepted the new system, with the entire Cabinet fearing for their lives and left Berlin. The Treaty of Rapallo signed with Soviet Union on April 16, 1920, would allow for German military to be trained and stationed in the Soviet Union, this was a loophole in the Treaty of Versailles, where Germany were able to train beyond their limitations of soldiers. General Hans von Seeckt would be responsible for finding many flaws in the Treaty of Versailles that Germany could exploit, which also included increasing the number of officers in the German Army by placing them in office jobs in government agencies, relocating soldiers in the Prussian State Police which numbered over 85,000 men and implementing an intense training regime for those men who were still counted in their limited 100,000, each of which would be trained well above their title, preparing them for a time where the army would expand.
"The German Army had proven disloyal as result of the Kapp Putsch."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles - Burr & Campbell
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Inquiry Questions
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The German Army had failed to prove their loyalty towards the new Weimar Republic
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WHITE TERROR / June 24
After 1920, many of the political overthrow attempts (or putsch) came not from the extreme left, but the extreme right, these right-wing movements were made up of many ex-military men and the movement was known as 'White Terror'. Due to the Freikorps becoming disbanded on January 15, 1919, due to their influence becoming too extreme and violent, these men had looked elsewhere to express their discontent with the new Weimar Republic. 'White Terror' still believed in the German Empire, and wished to overthrow the current political system and to replace it with a system that still encompassed the honor and loyalty of the defeated empire. 'White Terror' also wished to punish the 'November Criminals', a term used to describe the men who were responsible for signing the armistice at the end of World War I, and in August 26, 1921, had killed Matthias Erzberger, a man who personally received the armistice as part of a convoy, Erzberger was just one of 370 murders during this time. It took the death of Foreign Minister Walther Rethanau, who had supported the 'Policy of Fulfilment', referring to Germany seeking to meet all the requirements of the Treaty of Versailles, for the government to use Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution 'Law for the Protection of the Republic'. Groups that represented 'White Terror' were brought before the courts, and charged for their crimes, but done so with mild punishments, marking the end of such a movement.
After 1920, many of the political overthrow attempts (or putsch) came not from the extreme left, but the extreme right, these right-wing movements were made up of many ex-military men and the movement was known as 'White Terror'. Due to the Freikorps becoming disbanded on January 15, 1919, due to their influence becoming too extreme and violent, these men had looked elsewhere to express their discontent with the new Weimar Republic. 'White Terror' still believed in the German Empire, and wished to overthrow the current political system and to replace it with a system that still encompassed the honor and loyalty of the defeated empire. 'White Terror' also wished to punish the 'November Criminals', a term used to describe the men who were responsible for signing the armistice at the end of World War I, and in August 26, 1921, had killed Matthias Erzberger, a man who personally received the armistice as part of a convoy, Erzberger was just one of 370 murders during this time. It took the death of Foreign Minister Walther Rethanau, who had supported the 'Policy of Fulfilment', referring to Germany seeking to meet all the requirements of the Treaty of Versailles, for the government to use Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution 'Law for the Protection of the Republic'. Groups that represented 'White Terror' were brought before the courts, and charged for their crimes, but done so with mild punishments, marking the end of such a movement.
"Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution would target the 'White Terror' movement, and finally put an end to the crimes committed by them."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
O Death Where Is Thy Sting - Bert Williams
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Inquiry Questions
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White Terror targeted the 'November Criminals' and anyone accepting of the Treaty of Versailles
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> 1923
OCCUPATION OF THE RUHR / January 11
Although Germany had initially managed to pay the Allied Forces the original reparation payment of $5 billion US Dollars by May, 1921, the total figure was now equivalent to $36 billion US Dollars Germany had become unstuck, their economy had suffered to pay their reparations, Germany found new methods to pay the Allies, by printing more currency which led to hyperinflation (currency becoming worthless). After defaulting on payments on many occasions, and unable to give an indication on when they could pay the Allies again, France would occupy the Ruhr with over 60,000 French and Belgian soldiers on January 11, 1923, an industrial area of Western Germany, targeted due to the possibility of such factories earning money for France. Germany had become desperate to pay the reparations, but at the cost of its own people, who were now suffering poverty and hyperinflation due to it, but insisted that it continue to give themselves the best opportunities to renegotiate the terms with the Allies in the future. France had put themselves in a troublesome situation, and they had become criticised due to them 'invading' Germany and occupying their factories, who justified their decision, and would eventually relocate French workers to operate and turn a great profit. Article 234 of the Treaty of Versailles stated that Germany had to have a 'capacity to pay' such reparations, but this was never address until many years later.
Although Germany had initially managed to pay the Allied Forces the original reparation payment of $5 billion US Dollars by May, 1921, the total figure was now equivalent to $36 billion US Dollars Germany had become unstuck, their economy had suffered to pay their reparations, Germany found new methods to pay the Allies, by printing more currency which led to hyperinflation (currency becoming worthless). After defaulting on payments on many occasions, and unable to give an indication on when they could pay the Allies again, France would occupy the Ruhr with over 60,000 French and Belgian soldiers on January 11, 1923, an industrial area of Western Germany, targeted due to the possibility of such factories earning money for France. Germany had become desperate to pay the reparations, but at the cost of its own people, who were now suffering poverty and hyperinflation due to it, but insisted that it continue to give themselves the best opportunities to renegotiate the terms with the Allies in the future. France had put themselves in a troublesome situation, and they had become criticised due to them 'invading' Germany and occupying their factories, who justified their decision, and would eventually relocate French workers to operate and turn a great profit. Article 234 of the Treaty of Versailles stated that Germany had to have a 'capacity to pay' such reparations, but this was never address until many years later.
"Germany was adamant on paying its reparations to the Allies, but would suffer massive problems due to it."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
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A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody - John Steel
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Inquiry Questions
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The French would occupy areas of Germany after they failed to pay reparations
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THE GERMAN RETALIATION / March 17
Following the French occupation of the Ruhr, the German population had become disgruntled with their treatment by the French 'invaders', and this generated sympathy towards Germany from the rest of the world. Germany retaliated by implementing 'passive resistance', where German workers located at the factories that were occupied by the French, did not cooperate, and instead became a hindrance to the French, igniting protests and general disobedience towards them. The climax of the situation occurred at the Krupp Steelworks on March 17, 1923, 12 German protesters were shot and killed, just one of the many incidents throughout French occupation. In addition to this, the French removed thousands of Germans from these areas, to help accommodate the French workers who were relocating to the area to work the factories.
Following the French occupation of the Ruhr, the German population had become disgruntled with their treatment by the French 'invaders', and this generated sympathy towards Germany from the rest of the world. Germany retaliated by implementing 'passive resistance', where German workers located at the factories that were occupied by the French, did not cooperate, and instead became a hindrance to the French, igniting protests and general disobedience towards them. The climax of the situation occurred at the Krupp Steelworks on March 17, 1923, 12 German protesters were shot and killed, just one of the many incidents throughout French occupation. In addition to this, the French removed thousands of Germans from these areas, to help accommodate the French workers who were relocating to the area to work the factories.
"'Passive Resistance' had created a difficult situation for Germany, who were creating further problems for themselves."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
After You've Gone - Marion Harris
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Inquiry Questions
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The Germans would react to their French occupiers
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THE GERMAN MARK / August 1
Hyperinflation was causing huge problems for Germany, who had become insistent on paying reparations by printing excess currency. The worth of the German Mark, was rapidly losing value, its value in 1919 was 4 German Marks to 1 US Dollar, had risen to 4.6 million marks by August 1, 1923, with over 44 trillion marks in circulation, with 46 billion marks being printed each day. By November, 1923, at the height of hyperinflation had become worth 4,.2 trillion marks per US Dollar. To put this in perspective, wheelbarrows were now needed for workers to take their money home from work, or even pay for a loaf of bread. Combined with French Occupation of the Ruhr, Germany had hit a new low, and their problems were costing the lives of many Germans, who were now experiencing massive poverty and depression, as life savings were now worthless.
Hyperinflation was causing huge problems for Germany, who had become insistent on paying reparations by printing excess currency. The worth of the German Mark, was rapidly losing value, its value in 1919 was 4 German Marks to 1 US Dollar, had risen to 4.6 million marks by August 1, 1923, with over 44 trillion marks in circulation, with 46 billion marks being printed each day. By November, 1923, at the height of hyperinflation had become worth 4,.2 trillion marks per US Dollar. To put this in perspective, wheelbarrows were now needed for workers to take their money home from work, or even pay for a loaf of bread. Combined with French Occupation of the Ruhr, Germany had hit a new low, and their problems were costing the lives of many Germans, who were now experiencing massive poverty and depression, as life savings were now worthless.
"Hyperinflation had destroyed the German economy, and it needed to be addressed as soon as possible."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
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Inquiry Questions
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The German Mark had become worthless
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GUSTAV STRESEMANN / August 13
Germany had become so determined to pay reparations to the Allies, that it suffered hyperinflation, and French occupation in the same year. Gustav Stresemann would become the new Chancellor of the Weimar Republic on August 13, 1923, following the fall of government only weeks prior. Stresemann had spent the weeks building his German People's Party, that was a part of the coalition government alongside the Socialists (SPD), Centre Party and the Democrats (DDP), combined were titled the 'Great Coalition'. Stresemann's first task as Chancellor was dealing with 'passive resistance', where Stresemann ordered the end of 'passive resistance', with German workers returning to the factories and working for the French occupiers. Stresmann believed this was the only way forward and for Germany to accept their French aggressors, even though this enraged German nationalists who despised the French, and saw it as an act of absolute betrayal. During his time, Stresmann would also deal with the problem of reparations and hyperinflation in his time as Chancellor, which only lasted until November 23, 1923.
Germany had become so determined to pay reparations to the Allies, that it suffered hyperinflation, and French occupation in the same year. Gustav Stresemann would become the new Chancellor of the Weimar Republic on August 13, 1923, following the fall of government only weeks prior. Stresemann had spent the weeks building his German People's Party, that was a part of the coalition government alongside the Socialists (SPD), Centre Party and the Democrats (DDP), combined were titled the 'Great Coalition'. Stresemann's first task as Chancellor was dealing with 'passive resistance', where Stresemann ordered the end of 'passive resistance', with German workers returning to the factories and working for the French occupiers. Stresmann believed this was the only way forward and for Germany to accept their French aggressors, even though this enraged German nationalists who despised the French, and saw it as an act of absolute betrayal. During his time, Stresmann would also deal with the problem of reparations and hyperinflation in his time as Chancellor, which only lasted until November 23, 1923.
"Gustav Stresemann would be remembered for implementing essential reforms and policies that were detrimental to Germany's social, political and economic condition."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
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Inquiry Questions
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Gustav Stresemann would be remembered for assisting Germany's economic condition
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THE RENTENMARK / October 15
Gustav Stresemann understood that there would be no economic recovery in Germany until their currency issue was addressed, and Stresemann was granted emergency powers to deal with German recovery which passed 316 votes to 24. Stresemann would find a temporary solution to combat the problem of hyperinflation, and introduced the temporary currency the 'Rentenmark' on October 15, 1923, only two days after being granted the emergency powers. With the help of German banker, Hjalmar Schacht, Stresemann ceased the printing of all German Marks, and placed the new Rentenmark into circulation, which he fixed its value as 4.2 Rentenmarks per US Dollar. Currency exchanges were established and previous currency disposed of, Germans were relieved of all their hordes of money in exchange for this temporary currency. Economic reforms were also introduced to further stabilise the economy, with the budget balanced, cuts to government expenditure and new taxes introduced. The Rentenmark would be replaced by the German Mark after it had been appropriately stabilised and reprinted in 1924.
Gustav Stresemann understood that there would be no economic recovery in Germany until their currency issue was addressed, and Stresemann was granted emergency powers to deal with German recovery which passed 316 votes to 24. Stresemann would find a temporary solution to combat the problem of hyperinflation, and introduced the temporary currency the 'Rentenmark' on October 15, 1923, only two days after being granted the emergency powers. With the help of German banker, Hjalmar Schacht, Stresemann ceased the printing of all German Marks, and placed the new Rentenmark into circulation, which he fixed its value as 4.2 Rentenmarks per US Dollar. Currency exchanges were established and previous currency disposed of, Germans were relieved of all their hordes of money in exchange for this temporary currency. Economic reforms were also introduced to further stabilise the economy, with the budget balanced, cuts to government expenditure and new taxes introduced. The Rentenmark would be replaced by the German Mark after it had been appropriately stabilised and reprinted in 1924.
"The success of the Rentenmark would assist in the stablisation of Germany's economy after its most challenging year."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
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Inquiry Questions
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The Rentenmark would be an essential step to stabilise the German economy
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THE BEERHALL PUTSCH / November 8
Following growing support for the Nationalist Socialist Party throughout 1920-1923, the Nazi Party would become quite confident about their future role within Germany, and created an opportunity for a putsch on November 8, 1923, titled the Beerhall Putsch. After political unrest throughout Bavaria, and the wavering support of Chancellor Gustav Stresemann, the Nazi Party would orchestrate their uprising, with the assistance of General von Ludendorff. The Nazi Party had not convinced the Bavarian rulers: Prime Minister Gustav von Kahr, Commander of the Army General von Lossow and Chief of Police Hans von Seisser, who undermined the operation, did not wish to fully commit to Adolf Hitler and his brownshirts. Hitler knew the attempt had failed, but wished to create an opportunity to gain support by marching through the streets of Bavaria, where they were met by the Bavarian Police Force, 16 Nazi troopers and 4 Bavarian Police officers died as result of a shootout, and Hitler injured himself as he fell and was later detained along with the other main conspirators. A few months later, Hitler, Ludendorff and other members of the Nazi Party stood on trial, but Hitler used this to achieve the support which he craved so much. Hitler had become a national figure during his time in court, whereas previously he was only a small time Bavarian politician. Hitler preached to the crowd and newspapers of his injustice, blaming the 'November Criminals', Ebert and Stresemann for abiding by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, instead of denying them, he was able to further his political views. By April, 1924, Hitler was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, but Ludendorff being a highly regarded officer in the war, was excused. Hitler learnt a lot from his failed venture: Germany would not be so easily claimed by force, he would need to find another way to come to power, he also found out that the German Army would become an essential part of his rise to power.
Following growing support for the Nationalist Socialist Party throughout 1920-1923, the Nazi Party would become quite confident about their future role within Germany, and created an opportunity for a putsch on November 8, 1923, titled the Beerhall Putsch. After political unrest throughout Bavaria, and the wavering support of Chancellor Gustav Stresemann, the Nazi Party would orchestrate their uprising, with the assistance of General von Ludendorff. The Nazi Party had not convinced the Bavarian rulers: Prime Minister Gustav von Kahr, Commander of the Army General von Lossow and Chief of Police Hans von Seisser, who undermined the operation, did not wish to fully commit to Adolf Hitler and his brownshirts. Hitler knew the attempt had failed, but wished to create an opportunity to gain support by marching through the streets of Bavaria, where they were met by the Bavarian Police Force, 16 Nazi troopers and 4 Bavarian Police officers died as result of a shootout, and Hitler injured himself as he fell and was later detained along with the other main conspirators. A few months later, Hitler, Ludendorff and other members of the Nazi Party stood on trial, but Hitler used this to achieve the support which he craved so much. Hitler had become a national figure during his time in court, whereas previously he was only a small time Bavarian politician. Hitler preached to the crowd and newspapers of his injustice, blaming the 'November Criminals', Ebert and Stresemann for abiding by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, instead of denying them, he was able to further his political views. By April, 1924, Hitler was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, but Ludendorff being a highly regarded officer in the war, was excused. Hitler learnt a lot from his failed venture: Germany would not be so easily claimed by force, he would need to find another way to come to power, he also found out that the German Army would become an essential part of his rise to power.
"Although it failed, Adolf Hitler learnt so much from the Beerhall Putsch, this would assist in his rise to power many years later."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
I'll Say She Does - Al Jolson
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Inquiry Questions
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The Beerhall Putsch was not a complete failure
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TIMELINE REVIEW
MOVING ON
The Treaty of Versailles would unknowingly become a factor towards the Rise of the Nazi and eventually World War II. On a global scale, not before had anyone placed such punishments upon a nation, there was no ‘correct’ way to do this, and of the powers at Versailles in 1919, not one of them was happy with the treaty, but signed it anyway.
The Treaty of Versailles would unknowingly become a factor towards the Rise of the Nazi and eventually World War II. On a global scale, not before had anyone placed such punishments upon a nation, there was no ‘correct’ way to do this, and of the powers at Versailles in 1919, not one of them was happy with the treaty, but signed it anyway.
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