Fall of the Weimar Republic
After World War I Europe was in turmoil, nearly 8 million soldiers had died. It was said that 15% of the German male population was killed in battle or as a result of attacks. The war was one of the bloodiest in human history. The turmoil caused massive stints of economic fear all around the world. The German empire fell, the Ottoman Empire fell and the Russian Empire fell.
From the rubble of the German Imperialist Empire arose a republic called the Weimar republic. It was weakly formed as Germany was in tatters after the war. After Germany was blamed for the war, the Treaty of Versailles demanded reparations to be paid. The reparations along with economic uncertainty, a new currency coupled with hyperinflation, and a weak government led the anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist sentiment in the country.
Between 1919 and 1923, the country was in even more turmoil as right-wing extremist and left-wing extremist fought violently. There was a heavy resentment for the Jews by both parties. The Jews were very much against the war and were claimed to have been the group that sold out the Germans to the enemies. Communists and anarchists attempted a take over which was almost realized as they took over the Bavarian government in Munich. Their success was short lived as they were later nullified by a voluntary German army.
Weimar’s social programs were widespread as German goods were scarce. The lack of trading prompted the government to print currency to pay the welfare benefits of its citizens. This heavy printing of cash with no commodities to back it up plummeted the value of the currency. Hyperinflation was the result of this massive spending with nothing to back it up. A new currency was then released to try and battle the inflation. Its attempt at monetary reset was minimal.
For the next six years, the republic would see considerable changes however. There was a revival as America would lend money to help pay reparations demanded by the Treaty of Versailles. With some political instability however the Golden Era would not last long. The Nazi’s would then get a majority in parliament. Soon after this the Great Depression hit the world and desperation set in for the Weimar people. The crisis of economic and social instability of the republic provided a prime opportunity for Hitler and his Nazis to move forward towards dictatorship.
Through several political and violent maneuvers by Hitler and the SS, Hitler was appointed Chancellorship. After a fire broke out in the Reichstag, which was the parliamentary chambers, Hitler passed Article 48 to the Weimar Constitution which forfeited the civil liberties of all citizens in the name of an emergency. This solidified the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler. It was only a matter of time before Hitler would strong arm the parliamentary figures with his SS. Hitler would spread propaganda through a network of post cards and radio addresses. His speeches would be given out in pamphlets. His SS or “Brownshirts” was pivotal in all of the strong arm tactics that Hitler used to get into power.
The Enabling Act was the last step to Hitler's dictatorship which allowed him to pass laws without the Reichstag. The Act would nullify the Constitution. With this power, Hitler forced all major organizations to fall in-line with Nazi principles. He outlawed Jews from civil service and maintain property except for those who served on the front lines in the first war. Trade Unions were banned along with all other political parties. Massive book burning began as too erase German history. Any book that didn’t align itself with Nazi principles was burned. This was the end of the Weimar Republic.
In conclusion, Hitler’s National Socialist regime was a methodical take over of a democratic republic. Propaganda through a subservient media, a public enamored by inspiring and crafty speeches, a league of storm troopers, and a fearful parliament passing constitutional restructuring laws led to the dictatorship which some claim was the rise of the anti-Christ. Mass extermination of the Jews occurred as a new World War was sparked. It is important that America's light of liberty shines on all motions to repeat this evil.
