Germany, 1871–1991 – Empire to democracy, 1914–1929: Government and…

The idea

The period 1924–1929 is often termed Weimar's 'Golden Age', yet political stability remained fragile. The 1923 Ruhr invasion catalysed hyperinflation, but Gustav Stresemann’s brief chancellorship and subsequent tenure as Foreign Minister restored order through the Rentenmark and passive resistance cessation. Governmental change was frequent; despite the democratic framework, Germany saw six coalition cabinets between 1924 and 1929, often relying on the SPD or centre-right parties like the DVP. While extremist opposition from the KPD and NSDAP declined in electoral terms compared to the early 1920s, anti-republican sentiment persisted among traditional elites and nationalists, limiting the true degree of democratic consolidation.

What earns the marks

• Evaluate the political consequences of the Ruhr invasion, specifically how it forced a shift in government policy under Stresemann.
• Assess Stresemann's leadership role, noting his transition from Chancellor in 1923 to Foreign Minister from 1923 to 1929 and his influence on coalition stability.
• Analyse the degree of governmental change by examining the structural weaknesses of Weimar coalitions and the frequency of cabinet collapses.
• Measure the degree of opposition by contrasting the electoral decline of extremist parties with the enduring anti-democratic influence of the judiciary, army, and DNVP.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming Stresemann was Chancellor throughout the 1924-1929 period.

  Put it right: Specify that Stresemann was Chancellor only briefly in 1923, serving as Foreign Minister for the remainder of the period.

• Assuming the 'Golden Age' meant complete political stability and no governmental change.

  Put it right: Emphasise that coalition governments remained highly unstable, with six different cabinets forming between 1924 and 1929.

• Stating that opposition to the Weimar Republic disappeared entirely.

  Put it right: Clarify that while extremist electoral support dropped, structural opposition from conservative elites and the DNVP remained a significant threat.

Exam tips

• Use the frequency of coalition changes as concrete evidence when evaluating the extent of political stability during the mid-1920s.
• Contrast the overt, violent opposition of the early 1920s with the more systemic, institutional opposition present between 1924 and 1929.
• When discussing Stresemann, explicitly link his foreign policy successes to their domestic political impact on Weimar's stability.