Key topic 1: The Weimar Republic 1918–29 - 3 The ‘Golden Years’: recovery…

The idea

Gustav Stresemann's foreign policy aimed to restore Germany's international standing and revise the Treaty of Versailles through diplomacy. A key achievement was the Locarno Pact (1925), a treaty between Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Belgium. Unlike the dictated Versailles settlement, Germany signed Locarno voluntarily, agreeing to respect its western borders. This eased European tensions and paved the way for Germany joining the League of Nations in 1926. Admission to the League, and gaining a seat on its Council, symbolised Germany's return to great power status and international acceptance abroad. These successes increased support for the Weimar Republic, although right-wing nationalists still opposed any cooperation with the Allies.

What earns the marks

• Identify the Locarno Pact of 1925 as a voluntary agreement where Germany accepted its western borders.
• Explain how the Locarno Pact improved relations with France and Britain, leading to greater international acceptance.
• Describe Germany's admission to the League of Nations in 1926 as a symbol of its restored great power status.
• Analyse how Stresemann's diplomatic achievements helped to stabilise the Weimar Republic domestically.
• Recognise the opposition from right-wing groups who viewed these agreements as a betrayal and an acceptance of the Versailles Treaty.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing the Locarno Pact with the Treaty of Versailles.

  Put it right: Emphasise that Locarno was negotiated and signed voluntarily by Germany, unlike the dictated 'Diktat' of Versailles.

• Stating that the Locarno Pact settled all of Germany's borders.

  Put it right: Clarify that Germany only accepted its western borders, leaving the eastern borders open to future revision.

• Believing that joining the League of Nations was universally popular in Germany.

  Put it right: Explain that nationalist groups strongly opposed joining an organisation associated with the Treaty of Versailles.

Exam tips

• Use the Locarno Pact and League of Nations membership as evidence of Stresemann's successful policy of 'fulfilment' (cooperating with the Allies to gain concessions).
• Contrast Germany's international isolation in 1919 with its position on the League of Nations Council in 1926 to show the scale of Stresemann's achievements.
• Be prepared to evaluate whether Stresemann's foreign policy successes were more significant than his economic achievements.