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25 Dec 2025
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Exploring 1920s Germany: Key Events and Figures
L
Lucy Hewitt
@lucyhewitt_giks
1 / 4
The Golden Years of Stresemann (1923-1929)
Gustav Stresemann became Chancellor in 1923 and helped Germany navigate through multiple crises. His major foreign policy achievements included the Locarno Treaties (which settled Germany's borders), securing Germany's entry into the League of Nations, and negotiating the Young Plan to manage reparation payments.
The German economy showed promising signs of recovery during this period. The Dawes Plan of 1924 provided crucial loans from America, and by 1928, German production levels exceeded pre-WWI figures. Berlin even began challenging Paris as Europe's cultural capital with innovations in art, cinema, and architecture.
Despite these improvements, the foundations remained shaky. President Hindenburg led a nation where the Social Democrats formed the largest party, but the political system lacked true stability. Germany became a leading exporter, yet its underlying economic structure remained vulnerable to external shocks.
Did you know? While Stresemann's policies created what appeared to be a "golden age" for Germany, the country's recovery depended heavily on American loans—setting the stage for disaster when those loans were recalled after the 1929 Wall Street Crash.
Hitler's Early Power Structure
The SA (Stormtroopers) formed Hitler's private army, established in 1921 ostensibly to "protect Nazi speakers" at rallies. In reality, they often initiated violence themselves. Many SA members were former Freikorps soldiers—paramilitary groups of disillusioned WWI veterans with extreme nationalist views.
Hitler surrounded himself with loyal henchmen who would play crucial roles in the Nazi regime. Josef Goebbels joined in 1922 and later became Minister of Propaganda. Hermann Goering, a WWI fighter pilot, took charge of the SA and helped establish concentration camps. Other key figures included Rudolf Hess (Hitler's secretary), Heinrich Himmler (who helped develop the concentration camp system), and Ernst Röhm (a founding Nazi party member who created the SA).
Most of these men shared similar backgrounds—they had fought in WWI, joined the Nazi movement early, and remained fanatically loyal to Hitler. Interestingly, many ended their lives by suicide rather than face justice for their crimes.
Important connection: Notice how many of Hitler's inner circle were WWI veterans. Their experiences in the war and Germany's defeat shaped their extreme nationalism and willingness to use violence to achieve political goals.
The Munich Putsch and Its Aftermath
The Munich Putsch of 8-9 November 1923 was Hitler's failed attempt to seize power in Bavaria. Triggered by Stresemann calling off passive resistance in the Ruhr, Hitler believed he had support from both the army and Bavarian state government. The poorly planned coup began when Hitler and 600 SA members stormed a beer hall, taking local officials hostage and demanding their cooperation.
The next day, about 3,000 Nazis marched through Munich but were stopped by just 100 armed police. Both Hitler and General Ludendorff (a respected WWI general who supported the putsch) were arrested. Hitler's trial in February 1924 became a publicity coup—he gave persuasive speeches that portrayed himself as a patriot and made the Weimar Republic look weak.
Though sentenced to five years imprisonment, Hitler served less than nine months in comfortable conditions at Landsberg Castle. While the putsch failed militarily, it succeeded strategically by giving Hitler national publicity and teaching him that legal paths to power might be more effective than violent revolution.
Think about this: The lenient treatment Hitler received during his trial and imprisonment reflects how many German officials secretly sympathized with his nationalist views, even if they disapproved of his methods.
The Great Depression and Nazi Rise
The Wall Street Crash of October 1929 devastated Germany when America recalled loans provided under the Dawes Plan. This triggered a devastating cycle: production fell, unemployment soared, consumer spending dropped, prices declined, demand decreased, leading to more unemployment—a classic economic death spiral.
The Great Depression fatally weakened the Weimar Republic through unpopular economic policies and rising extremism. As people grew desperate, they looked for alternative leadership. The government increasingly relied on Presidential rule using Article 48, undermining democratic processes.
Meanwhile, the Nazis capitalized on these conditions brilliantly. Their electoral success stemmed from superior organization, effective propaganda, support from industrialists, innovative use of technology, and Hitler's charismatic leadership. Between 1928 and 1930, the Nazi party gained an astonishing 95 more seats in parliament.
Remember this: Though we often think of Nazis as being supported primarily by the middle class, during the Great Depression they actually gained significant support from working-class Germans who became especially vulnerable to economic hardship and found Hitler's promises appealing.
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring 1920s Germany: Key Events and Figures
L
Lucy Hewitt
@lucyhewitt_giks
The Weimar Republic era of German history is packed with pivotal events that shaped the nation's path toward World War II. From Stresemann's attempts to stabilize Germany to the rise of Nazi power, these events show how economic crisis and... Show more
The Golden Years of Stresemann (1923-1929)
Gustav Stresemann became Chancellor in 1923 and helped Germany navigate through multiple crises. His major foreign policy achievements included the Locarno Treaties (which settled Germany's borders), securing Germany's entry into the League of Nations, and negotiating the Young Plan to manage reparation payments.
The German economy showed promising signs of recovery during this period. The Dawes Plan of 1924 provided crucial loans from America, and by 1928, German production levels exceeded pre-WWI figures. Berlin even began challenging Paris as Europe's cultural capital with innovations in art, cinema, and architecture.
Despite these improvements, the foundations remained shaky. President Hindenburg led a nation where the Social Democrats formed the largest party, but the political system lacked true stability. Germany became a leading exporter, yet its underlying economic structure remained vulnerable to external shocks.
Did you know? While Stresemann's policies created what appeared to be a "golden age" for Germany, the country's recovery depended heavily on American loans—setting the stage for disaster when those loans were recalled after the 1929 Wall Street Crash.
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Hitler's Early Power Structure
The SA (Stormtroopers) formed Hitler's private army, established in 1921 ostensibly to "protect Nazi speakers" at rallies. In reality, they often initiated violence themselves. Many SA members were former Freikorps soldiers—paramilitary groups of disillusioned WWI veterans with extreme nationalist views.
Hitler surrounded himself with loyal henchmen who would play crucial roles in the Nazi regime. Josef Goebbels joined in 1922 and later became Minister of Propaganda. Hermann Goering, a WWI fighter pilot, took charge of the SA and helped establish concentration camps. Other key figures included Rudolf Hess (Hitler's secretary), Heinrich Himmler (who helped develop the concentration camp system), and Ernst Röhm (a founding Nazi party member who created the SA).
Most of these men shared similar backgrounds—they had fought in WWI, joined the Nazi movement early, and remained fanatically loyal to Hitler. Interestingly, many ended their lives by suicide rather than face justice for their crimes.
Important connection: Notice how many of Hitler's inner circle were WWI veterans. Their experiences in the war and Germany's defeat shaped their extreme nationalism and willingness to use violence to achieve political goals.
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Improve your grades
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The Munich Putsch and Its Aftermath
The Munich Putsch of 8-9 November 1923 was Hitler's failed attempt to seize power in Bavaria. Triggered by Stresemann calling off passive resistance in the Ruhr, Hitler believed he had support from both the army and Bavarian state government. The poorly planned coup began when Hitler and 600 SA members stormed a beer hall, taking local officials hostage and demanding their cooperation.
The next day, about 3,000 Nazis marched through Munich but were stopped by just 100 armed police. Both Hitler and General Ludendorff (a respected WWI general who supported the putsch) were arrested. Hitler's trial in February 1924 became a publicity coup—he gave persuasive speeches that portrayed himself as a patriot and made the Weimar Republic look weak.
Though sentenced to five years imprisonment, Hitler served less than nine months in comfortable conditions at Landsberg Castle. While the putsch failed militarily, it succeeded strategically by giving Hitler national publicity and teaching him that legal paths to power might be more effective than violent revolution.
Think about this: The lenient treatment Hitler received during his trial and imprisonment reflects how many German officials secretly sympathized with his nationalist views, even if they disapproved of his methods.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Great Depression and Nazi Rise
The Wall Street Crash of October 1929 devastated Germany when America recalled loans provided under the Dawes Plan. This triggered a devastating cycle: production fell, unemployment soared, consumer spending dropped, prices declined, demand decreased, leading to more unemployment—a classic economic death spiral.
The Great Depression fatally weakened the Weimar Republic through unpopular economic policies and rising extremism. As people grew desperate, they looked for alternative leadership. The government increasingly relied on Presidential rule using Article 48, undermining democratic processes.
Meanwhile, the Nazis capitalized on these conditions brilliantly. Their electoral success stemmed from superior organization, effective propaganda, support from industrialists, innovative use of technology, and Hitler's charismatic leadership. Between 1928 and 1930, the Nazi party gained an astonishing 95 more seats in parliament.
Remember this: Though we often think of Nazis as being supported primarily by the middle class, during the Great Depression they actually gained significant support from working-class Germans who became especially vulnerable to economic hardship and found Hitler's promises appealing.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user