The Weimar Republic, 1918-29 (Edexcel GCSE History): Revision Notes
Stresemann's success at home and abroad
Stresemann's role and objectives
Gustav Stresemann played a crucial part in stabilising Germany during the mid-1920s. After serving briefly as Chancellor, he resigned in November 1923 but continued as Foreign Secretary until his death in 1929. His primary goal was to restore political stability in Germany through both domestic reforms and improved international relations.
Stresemann understood that Germany's internal problems were closely linked to its international isolation following the First World War. This insight shaped his entire diplomatic strategy - he recognised that domestic stability could only be achieved through international acceptance and cooperation.
By pursuing a policy of cooperation rather than confrontation with former enemies, he hoped to rebuild Germany's reputation and reduce the political tensions that were threatening the Weimar Republic.
Domestic achievements
Stresemann's foreign policy successes had significant positive effects within Germany. His diplomatic approach helped strengthen public confidence in the Weimar Republic by showing that the government could achieve meaningful results through peaceful negotiation rather than aggressive nationalism.
The improved international situation led to reduced support for extremist political parties, including both the Nazis and the Communists, who had gained followers by exploiting Germany's humiliation and economic difficulties. Instead, moderate political parties saw increased support as Germans began to believe their democratic government could deliver real improvements to their situation.
Perhaps most importantly for ordinary Germans, Stresemann's policies helped reduce the severe economic hardships that had plagued the country since the war. Better international relations encouraged foreign investment and trade, which contributed to Germany's economic recovery during the mid-1920s.
The Locarno Pact (1925)
One of Stresemann's most significant achievements was negotiating the Locarno Pact in 1925. This agreement involved Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Belgium, and marked a major step forwards in European relations.
Worked Example: How the Locarno Pact Improved Germany's Position
Step 1: The Problem Germany was isolated internationally and seen as untrustworthy after WWI.
Step 2: Stresemann's Solution
- Germany voluntarily accepted its western borders with France
- Agreed to permanent demilitarisation of the Rhineland
- Showed willingness to work within the post-war settlement
Step 3: The Results
- Improved relations with France and other European powers
- Increased status and popularity of the Weimar Republic
- Germany seen as a responsible international partner
This pact was particularly significant because, unlike the Treaty of Versailles, it was not imposed on Germany. Instead, Germany entered into it voluntarily, which helped improve relations with France and showed other European powers that Germany could be a responsible international partner.
League of Nations membership
Building on the success of Locarno, Germany was invited to join the League of Nations in 1926. This was a major breakthrough, as Germany had initially been excluded from this new international organisation when it was established in 1920.
League membership was symbolically crucial because it showed that Germany's views were now considered valuable in international discussions. This helped restore German pride and demonstrated that the country was no longer treated as a pariah nation.
The move also boosted confidence among moderate Germans in their government's ability to represent their interests on the world stage. From a practical perspective, League membership gave Germany a voice in international affairs and helped the country work towards revising some of the harsher aspects of the Treaty of Versailles through diplomatic channels rather than confrontation.
Limitations of Stresemann's success
Despite these achievements, Stresemann's success was not complete. Several significant problems remained that would continue to challenge the Weimar Republic.
Key Limitations That Remained:
The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles were still largely in place, and many Germans continued to resent what they saw as unfair treatment. While the Locarno Pact had improved relations with France, some Germans opposed the confirmation of Germany's western borders, believing the country had given up too much.
Extremist political parties, while weakened, had not disappeared entirely. Both Nazi and Communist groups continued to operate and attract some support, particularly during times of economic difficulty. The League of Nations itself was viewed by some Germans as a symbol of the unpopular Treaty of Versailles, limiting its effectiveness as a tool for building support for the Weimar Republic.
Timeline of key events
- November 1923: Stresemann resigns as Chancellor but continues as Foreign Secretary
- 1925: Locarno Pact signed between Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Belgium
- 1926: Germany joins the League of Nations
- 1929: Stresemann dies, ending his period of diplomatic success
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Stresemann's main achievement was stabilising Germany through improved international relations, which strengthened domestic support for the Weimar Republic
- The Locarno Pact (1925) was crucial because Germany entered it voluntarily, unlike the imposed Treaty of Versailles, helping restore the country's international standing
- League of Nations membership in 1926 showed that Germany was no longer isolated and gave it a voice in international affairs
- These successes reduced support for extremist parties and improved economic conditions by encouraging foreign investment and trade
- However, significant problems remained, including ongoing resentment about the Treaty of Versailles and the continued existence of extremist political movements