27 .Discuss and analyze the political and economic reasons for the failure of parliamentary democracy in Germany after the First World War.

The Weimar Republic was the parliamentary democracy set up after World War I. It was set up as a republic in hopes that the Allies would be lenient with them at the Treaty of Versailles. However, the government was short lived. The Weimar Republic soon fell as it was plagued by political unrest and high inflation.

While the intention of the Weimar republic was to gain leniency, this plan failed. Germany was punished harshly and forced into a great economic dip. However this only caused more problems. In Germany inflation was increasing since the end of World War I. After the Treaty of Versailles announced that Germany would have to pay 132 billion marks as respirations the government soon began printing more money to pay this money off. However, this caused inflation to soar as billions of dollars were floating around in Germany’s economy. However, Hyperinflation did not end there. Germany was to pay its 132 billion marks in 2.5 billion mark installments. But because of the inflation Germany had to default on some of its payments. France, soon occupied the Rurh, a highly industrial sector in Germany, in order to get their money (France was suffering its own economic problems at the same time). A standoff ensued and workers were told not to work. In order to pay the workers the government was once again forced to print more money. Inflation rose even more this time and most people’s saving were now worthless. The price of living was high and a strong dislike towards the Weimar Republic was now being shown as people went to radical leaders to help.

Political problems were also apparent in the Weimar Republic. As problems plagued Germany more radical groups emerged. Fascist and Communist were seen in Germany. Furthermore these groups were also creating large conflicts. Many Fascist began turning against others such as Jews for their loss in World War I. Meanwhile, the far left were upset that the Socialist had not overthrown Republic. Thus, preventing the proletariat from taking over and establishing a communist revolution.