The Weimar Republic 1919-1933

by Ruth Henig

This book represents a much-needed reappraisal of Germany between the wars, examining the political, social and economic aims of the new republic, their failure and how they led to Nazism and eventually the Second World War. The author
* an examination of the legacy of the First World War and the Treaty of Versailles
* discussion of the early years of crisis culminating in the Ruhr Invasion and the Dawes Settlement
* assessment of the leadership of Stresemann and Bruning
* exploration of the circumstances leading to the rise of Hitler
* an outline of the historiography of the Weimar Republic.

Genres: History, Germany, Nonfiction, Politics

112 pages, Paperback

First published March 9, 1998

About the author

Ruth Beatrice Henig, Baroness Henig CBE, DL, was a British academic historian and Labour Party politician.

Reviews

[Karen· · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the major distorting factors in any account of the Weimar Republic is what came after it. "Weimar democracy patently failed to prevent Hitler from coming to power and establishing a Nazi dictatorship, and thus for the most part studies have been concerned with identifying the reasons for this failure."
Ruth Henig, now Baroness Henig, plunges undaunted into a chronicle of the collapse of confidence in democracy with a swift trot through the divisions and tensions in German society that came with rapid industrialization and population growth from the 1870s onwards. Then comes the economic aftermath of WWI, and a close look at the revolutionary turmoil that formed the backdrop to a new constitution, one that aimed not only to build a democratic house but also to establish new social and economic rights for its inhabitants. Thus a certain amount of background is provided to a chronological examination of the turbulent years to follow.
This 'pamphlet' is one in a series aimed at students on introductory courses in higher education, so its main object is to offer an overview of central themes. It cannot encompass everything, and certainly refuses to detail the agenda or precise social basis of the many political parties, concentrating rather on the economic constraints that led from one crisis to the next, and the inability of the various parties to co-operate, compromise or coalesce. In just over a hundred pages of succinct prose, she focuses on the economic plight of a nation caught between war debt, reparations and a world recession, and on the intractable politics of splinter parties. The focus is very much on economics and politics.
Apart from this highly condensed assessment of the years of hyperinflation, occupation of the Rhineland, invasion of the Ruhr, Dawes plan, Young plan, the leadership of Stresemann and Brüning and the final dismantling of democracy, there is an invaluable final chapter that gives an outline of the historiography of this period, tracing the vigorous debate over culprits in the disaster that led to catastrophe. Baroness Henig comes down firmly on the side of those who see the Weimar Republic as lacking legitimacy: although there had been revolution, it was restricted. "Without far-reaching social and economic changes, the new regime could not operate efficiently."

Oh, and a very choice little list of 'further reading' and a handy three page chronology of events too. The picture on the cover is of Gustav Stresemann.

[Giuseppe Labriola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henig's Weimar Republic is a short and sweet historical account of the Democratic Republic that was established in post WWI Germany. It doesn't cover every facet of the political sphere of Germany at the time, which could deter those who are seeking an in depth account of early 20th century German political motivations. However, it does a good job of reconstructing the history behind the reason for the formulation and the downfall of the Republic, and is successful in describing its rather short lifespan.

[Beele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a good overview of the rise (maybe not rise… more like graceful creation) of the Weimar republic, its tumultuous political and social landscape till its downfall after the Nazi consolidation of power. (it was very much a skim read)

A particular thing that I didn’t learn that in depth when i was learning in school was the german revolution: or the 3 different revolutions complied into the term german Revolution:
The seekers of constitutional change (the Reigstag members during and after the fall of the monarchy)

The Kiel Mutiny (and other strikes, seeking for the end of the war and more control over local food suplies and services. is debated amongst historians regarding its actual threat (Socialist ideology backing it up? )

The Marxists and the left wing (the war sure is the perfect opportunity for the left wing to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a workers state)—> Though violently put down after the spartanist’s uprising (leaders killed)

”Born in Defeat,Lived in turmoil and died in disaster” —> my favourite descriptor of the Weimar republics legacy.

[Lauren Larkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and good history and analysis of Weimar Republic. Well written and easy to read.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Germany between the wars was a parliamentary democracy. It has often been portrayed as an unsuccessful one, due either to circumstances or incompetence, depending on the point-of-view of the commentator. The reality is more complicated and many massive tomes have been written on the subject, but this pamphlet sums it all up succinctly. It is particularly good at explaining the changing economic situation and how the different political groups responded.
It is arranged differently to the previous pamphlet I read, with chronological sections named The birth of Weimar, The struggle for survival, Consolidation and confrontation, The collapse of Weimar and Weimar in retrospect. Most of the analysis is contained within each section and the final section tries to give a balanced overview.

[Aidan Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This provided a very good, accessible overview of the Weimar period, an era that I was rather unfamiliar with. "The Weimar Republic" provided a great and succinct means of filling gaps in my historical knowledge.

[!Tæmbuŝu]

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