The Weimar Republic: The Fragility of Democracy

Learn about the political uprisings in Germany after World War I that resulted in the fall of the German empire.

Examine the rights, protections, and democratic aspirations in the constitution of Germany’s newly formed democracy, the Weimar Republic.

Consider why paramilitary groups such as the Freikorps formed in the aftermath of World War I in Germany.

Read about the Weimar Republic’s responses to two political uprisings–a left-wing rebellion in Bavaria and a conservative uprising by paramilitary group the Freikorps.

Learn about the pamphlet published by Karl Binding and Alfred Hoche that sparked a national debate about race and eugenics in Germany in the 1920s.

Learn how the myth of the Elders of Zion contributed to scapegoating and antisemitism toward Jews in the Weimar Republic.

Consider Ernst Toller, Sigmund Freud, and Arnold Schoenberg’s reactions to the growing antisemitism in Germany in the 1920s.

Consider how the return of peace and prosperity in Germany in 1924 affected the popularity of extremist groups like the Nazis.

Explore Weimar-era fine art, film, and ballet with this collection of images. Analyze the experimental styles and social commentary of German art in the 1920s.

Learn what defined the “new woman” in Weimar Germany and read about society's resistance to women’s changing roles in politics and the workforce.

Gain insight into the devastating poverty, unemployment, and hopelessness experienced by Germans during the Great Depression.

Compare the party platforms of the Communists, Nazis, and Social Democrats in Germany’s 1932 presidential elections, a time of deep economic crisis. 

Consider the motivations and expectations of Paul von Hindenburg when he appointed Hitler to chancellor of Germany (Spanish available).