Section 2 The ‘Golden Age’ of the Weimar Republic, 1924-28 PDF

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Section 2: The ‘Golden Age’ of the Weimar Republic, 1924-28  ‘The ‘Golden Age’ of Weimar was a myth’. Assess the validity of this view. The ‘Golden Age’ of Weimar refers to the years 1924-28 in which there appeared to be massive economic prosperity, allowing Germany to recover from the hyperinflation crisis and the traumas of the Treaty of Versailles (ToV). This can be seen in the fact that new economic plans were drawn up that helped stabilise the economy, establishment of a new currency and greater control within the economic sphere. That said, it is also important to consider that there were drawbacks to the regime because of the dependency on America and the unemployment levels in Germany. A ‘Golden Age’ can be seen within the economic sphere of Germany due to the establishment of a new currency. The inflated Reichsmark was replaced with the stabilised Rentenmark on the 1st November 1923. In this, one Rentenmark was equivalent to one trillion Reichsmarks. The Rentenmark was kept under tight control to ensure that the currency wouldn’t be inflated much like the previous currency, therefore ensuring economic stability. By august 1924 the currency was backed by 30% of the gold reserves in Germany. This was directed by Hjalmar Schacht. This indicates that there was indeed a ‘Golden Age’ because people were freed of the causes of the 1923 hyperinflation, a destabilised and inflated currency, and instead were presented with a stabilised and tightly controlled currency. This allowed a circulation of stable coinage and removed an essentially worthless currency. Stresemann's 100 day plan in stabilising the economy proved to be a success as national income was 12% higher than that of 1913. This reinforces the statement that Germany entered a ‘Golden Age’ as conditions were far more stabilised than that of the pre-war era. Also it wasn’t a myth because the new currency benefited everyone in the economy regardless of wealth because they were no longer subject to ridiculously high production costs (industries benefited) or prices (consumers benefited) so the scope of golden age due to the new currency was big. In order to maintain the ‘Golden Age’, the budget was balanced to prevent further financial crisis, indicating that the Weimar Republic sought to ensure the ‘Golden Age’. Stresemann's government cut expenditure and raised taxes. This led to the reduction of debt and therefore greater disposable income in the later years of government. Companies were careful not to engage in excessive spending, insinuating that the ‘Golden Age’ allowed better managed companies that didn’t exploit the weaknesses of the system as witnessed previously under the early years of the Weimar Republic - the hyperinflation crisis 1923. This control of companies and the industry led to economic recovery, as seen in the advancements of the chemical industry. This illustrates economic recovery as developments were able to flourish under this period. This cannot be said for the earlier years or later years of the Weimar Republic, showing that there was a ‘Golden Age’ between 1924-28. That said, it is also important to recognise that in these reforms to companies and industries, 300,000 civil servants were let go in these schemes, reflecting that these reforms didn’t benefit everyone and a ‘Golden Age’ wasn’t experienced by everyone.

A ‘Golden Age’ can also be seen under the Dawes Plan (1924) and the Young Plan (1929) in which the burden of the ToV was alleviated because of the loans received from America. This made reparations more manageable by restarting payment at 1000 million marks and raising the sum by 2500 million every year after industrial recovery. This was also enhanced by the fact that Germany would receive a loan of 800 million marks from USA. This allowed economic recovery and allowed Germany to handle the reparations with more ease whilst simultaneously allowing the economy to prosper. This also allowed the Allies to see the difficulties of the reparations, leading to the end of Allied occupation as it no longer appeared justifiable. This displays a period of a ‘Golden Age’ because there was success in handling the reparations more freely and fewer burdens. The Young Plan also furthered the ‘Golden Age’ because reparations were reduced to a more manageable £1.8 billion as opposed to the original £6.6 billion. Therefore, the years 1924-1929 constitute as a ‘Golden Age’ as the burden of reparations was alleviated by the Young Plan and sufficient loans were received in order to allow economic recovery for the first time since the pre-war conditions. Alternatively, the years 1924-1929 couldn't be labelled as a ‘Golden Age’ because prosperity was ultimately due to the dependency on the loans provided by the US. In this, economic recovery was only because of the aid provided by the American government, such prosperity could not be witnessed prior to the Dawes and Young plan as the reparations were a considerable blow to the economy, making it vulnerable to collapse. Therefore, in the events that America withdraws its support the economy would immediately stagnate. This can be seen in the fact that after the Wall Street Crash in 29 October 1929, America was forced to withdraw its loans to Germany, leading to a Great Depression. This indicates that a ‘Golden Age’ can only be achieved with the aid of foreign support. In this, there was ultimately no ‘Golden Age’ because economic success didn’t occur independently. Therefore, “the economic0 position is only flourishing on the surface. Germany is dancing on a volcano” (Stresemann) because economy didn't flourish from within, rather from the aid of foreign aid. The limitations of economic prosperity can also be seen in the fact that unemployment levels ironically increased under the ‘Golden Age’ of Germany indicating that prosperity was not an exclusive feature of the years 1924-1929. For example, unemployment levels in 1925 were at 3.4% whereas by 1926, 10% of the population was unemployed. This largely came about because of the cuts in company expenditure. Since having a large workforce proved to expensive, industries had to reduce their workforces to handle their finances much more efficiently. This led to social upheaval, indicating that there wasn't a ‘Golden Age’ because people weren’t content with the way of life. During 1926 there were 351 strikes, which increased to 844 by 1927. This insinuates that a ‘Golden Age’ wasn’t inclusive and therefore only applied to those of elitist and intellectual backgrounds because whilst their companies were flourishing under economic reforms, those of working class background were let go. Furthermore, unemployment can also be seen within the civil servants, reinforcing that the ‘Golden Age’ was limited in scope. Unemployment increased because 300,000 civil servants were let go and in April 1928 180,000 white collar workers were also unemployed. This shows that there was arguably ‘Golden Age’ because they workers were doing better before, so if anything this was a period of depression and instability for them.

Overall, it can be argued that a ‘Golden Age’ is only an apt description for a selective few within society. This age was only maintained by American loans and reserved to those of higher social class, implying that the period was relatively unstable and required foreign support. In this, a ‘Golden Age’ cannot be used to describe the whole of Germany because ultimately, many were excluded from the goods of this period.

‘The concept of the “new woman” in the Weimar Republic was no more than a myth’. Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. The concept of the ne women can be seen across three separate aspects within the Weimar Republic: sexual freedom, employment and politics and public life. Through these elements, women were given enhanced rights and liberties, compared to life under the Kaiser. However, it is also important to consider that whilst these reforms were available in theory, this wasn’t carried out in practice due to pre-existing traditional values which hindered social development. The concept of the ‘new woman’ can be seen in the world of work. This is because the Constitution now gave women greater working conditions, offering greater stability. For example, establishing equal pay. This allowed women to become more independent and financially stable. This can be seen in the fact that by 1925, 35% of the German workforce consisted of women, and by 1933, there were 100,000 female teachers and 3000 doctors. This means that there was indeed a ‘new women’ because the barriers financial stability were blurred. Women were now given opportunities to be viewed as equal to their male counterparts as opposed to being isolated within the traditional household environment. In this, gender equality was made apparent, reinforcing the viewpoint that a ‘new woman’ was evident in practice. Whilst employment was extended towards women, a ‘demobilisation law’ was enforced whhc made women give up their jobs for ex-soldiers as traditional gender roles were increasing viewed as increasing the healing process of men experiencing shell-shock. Women who were married were expected to give up their job after marriage, implying that the ‘new woman’ wasn’t a long term feature within the years 1924-1929 as traditional values prevailed. Women were still expected to be submissive to their husbands and lead a traditional lifestyle once they settle in. This led to many women delaying marriage until their later lives, showing that women recognised the limitations marriage imposed on their lifestyles and were ultimately placed in a conundrum. Therefore whilst women were allowed to experience newfound freedoms in the years 1924-1929, this reamined exclusive to younger woman as women were still expected to fulfil their ‘natural duties’ as a wife and a mother. Sexual freedom was also heightened in the years 1924-1929, breaking down traditional customs of a pure woman. In this, birth control became widely available, giving women greater autonomy over their bodies. With greater reproductive rights, this was viewed as a

significant improvement in the Weimar Republic. Women were also now allowed to get a divorce, granting them the opportunity to leave abusive relationships. Through this, the concept of the ‘new woman’ isn't a myth because such aspects of social life didn’t exist before the ‘Golden Age’ indicating that within the period 1924-1929 there were revolutionary reforms which allowed women to become independent and free themselves from toxic traditional customs. This period also saw the decriminalisation of prostitution, making abortion a frequent occurrence. This insinuates that the sexual freedom of women was now becoming a norm as legislation by government paved the way for a radical change in social beliefs. Therefore, by 1930, one million abortions were carried out per year, implying that there was more sexual freedom under these reforms. That said, the stigma revolving around sexual freedom remained despite it being legalised by government. Whilst abortion peaked at one million by 1930, this was still regarded as a criminal offence. In this, women had to resort to illegal abortions performed by unqualified people. This reflects that although the concept of the ‘new woman’ existed in theory, this wasn’t executed in practice. In 1930, there were and estimated 10-12,000 abortion related death, demonstrated that the ‘new woman’ was indeed a myth because women were not provided with the legal right to get an abortion. Abortions were also regarded as the root cause for the declining birth rate, displaying the primary cause as the increased freedom of women. This further reflects that the ‘new woman’ only existed in theory because women were attacked by politicians, conservatives and the press as opposed to exercising their newfound freedoms. The same can also be said for the Catholic and Protestant churches who opposed birth control, divorce and abortions. As a result of this, the concept of the ‘new woman’ is largely a myth. Within the political sphere, the concept of the ‘new woman’ existed as there was now universal suffrage and greater female representation within political institutions. Therefore, woman were now allowed to have a say in the political and decision making process, as opposed to being sidelined. Women were now also given the right to be Reichstag deputies, implying that they now had the newfound opportunity to exert great influence within the political realm. This hasn’t existed under the Kaiser due to the ultra-traditionalist view of women which prevented them from taking influential roles within society. As a result, the ‘new woman’ isn't a myth because women were regarded as equals to men, leading to their presence within political institutions. For example in 1928, there were 33 female deputies and 42 by 1930. The fact that women had significant role within local government in state and city level; reinforcing the statement that the ‘new woman’ wasn’t a myth, rather a reality. Although women were given greater rights within the political field, more influential and powerful positions were dominated by male figures. This can be seen in the fact that there were no female representatives in the Reichstag or any female member within the cabinet. This showcases that whilst women were allowed to have these esteemed positions, such positions were reserved to male figures. Whilst the concept of the ‘new woman’ existed, women were still viewed as subpar to men. This is also seen by the fact that the KPD was the only party to promote gender equality, but remained unfavourable to the female electorate. Therefore, although the conditions for a ‘new woman’ were evident in the political structure, women felt more comfortable and at ease with their traditional customs. Ironically,

the party with the most female support was the Z party which didn’t pay any attention to feminist issues. Overall, the modifications under the ‘Golden Age’ were arguably limited in scope and success as they can only be seen in theory, with very little application in practice. Women preferred to carry out their traditional beliefs and supporting parties that paid little attention to feminist issues. Those who did decide to act liberally were attacked by the press, conservatives and politicians for the declining birth rate. This shows that the vast majority preferred a conservative, traditional view of women, choosing to abstain from the new reforms.

‘German society in the years of the Weimar Republic, 1919-33 experienced far reaching social change’. Assess the validity of this view. German society arguably experienced far reaching social change because of the welfare system set up to aid the working class, the constitution which set up the rights of women and the assimilation of Jews. In this, there indeed was a far-reaching social change as these aspects within society weren’t evident in earlier years. That said, it is also important to consider that such social changes are limited in scope and ultimately, largely available in theory as opposed to practice. Far reaching social change can be viewed in the concept of the ‘new woman’ in which the constitution laid out universal suffrage as an essential feature. Women were also portrayed as free, independent , sexually liberated and increasing visible in public life. This is because the Constitution now gave women greater working conditions, offering greater stability. For example, establishing equal pay. This allowed women to become more independent and financially stable. This can be seen in the fact that by 1925, 35% of the German workforce consisted of women, and by 1933, there were 100,000 female teachers and 3000 doctors. This means that there was indeed a ‘new women’ because the barriers financial stability were blurred. Women were now given opportunities to be viewed as equal to their male counterparts as opposed to being isolated within the traditional household environment. This shows that there was far reaching social change because women were previously bound to the home, fulfilling their traditional roles as wives and ultimately mothers, whereas now woman have the opportunity to live independently and break down customs that they disagree with. This can be seen as a radical change to the ultra-traditionalist views of women before the Weimar Republic in which such ideas would have been abolished from government. The improved conditions for the working class and the poor reflects social change as the government now appeared focus on the wellbeing of its people as opposed to imposing a strict authoritarian rule upon them. For example, this can be seen by the developing welfare state. In 1925, State Insurance was introduced by Bismarck to those injured who were injured at work, essentially providing a safety net for the working class and greater aid by the government. Injured workers were also offered longer recovery periods, reinstating that Germany experienced far reaching social change as the government now offered greater

support for its people. By 1927, a National Unemployment System was introduced to provide benefits for the unemployed, which was financed by contributions from workers and employers. This widened the scope for the ‘safety net’ provided by government because now virtually everyone was protected by government schemes. This exhibits far reaching social change as now people were being given direct aid. By 1926, the Weimar Republic supported 800,000 disabled people, 360,000 war widows and over 900,000 orphans reflecting that social reforms created monumental success and therefore far reaching social change. The assimilation of Jews can also be seen within the social change between 1919-1933. This period saw the ride of revolutionary figures even in contemporary society. For example, Sigmund Freud was of Jewish descent an revolutionised psychology due to his theories on gender development and the human mind. The fact that such theories are viewed an utilised today shows that the impacts of social change within the Weimar Republic was so profound an successful that it left a footprint of its era within even modern society. This is also true for Albert Einstein who developed world-changing theories in physics, who faced worldwide success. This reflects that Jews were given the opportunities to flourish and prosper under the Weimar period without having their efforts hindered by anti-semitism from the government. Influential Jewish figures can also be seen within government positions; such as Walter Rathenau who was foreign minister and a leading member of the DDP. In this, there was certainly far-reaching social change because Jewish members of society were enabled to achieve international success, as opposed to remain subordinate within society. This constitutes far reaching social change because this wasn’t exclusive to only German members in society, rather society as a whole. Whilst the Jews in society were assimilated into German society, social change is hindered because anti-semitism prevailed. This can be seen in the fact although Jews made up 1% of the population, yet they were proportionally achieved highly in press, politics, publication and music. For example Jews made up 16% of lawyers and 11% of doctors. This led to resentment within German society because despite their size, they were affluent in all proportions of society. This reflects that social change wasn't ‘far reaching’ because anti-semitism is still evident. This has been taken to the extent that Walter Rathenau was assassinated in 1923 for his role in the ToV negotiations and for being a Jew. The extent of social change is therefore hindered because ultra-nationalism was still evident, leading to many exclusionist beliefs of different social groups. Such views were not abandoned for more liberal notions and instead were seen as desirable rather than ‘backwards’. Resentments towards such radical reforms can be seen in the maintenance of extremist parties who continued to rally support from the electorate. Such groups sought to overthrow a democratic government and instead establish an authoritarian government. This shows that whilst there were far reaching social reforms under the Weimar government sch ref...