Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic

The structure and perceived ineffectiveness of the Weimar Republic contributed significantly to the Nazi Party's rise. Established in 1919, the Weimar government faced several challenges:

• Lack of support from key sectors, including businessmen, the army, and judges
• A proportional representation system that allowed small parties like the Nazis to gain seats easily
• Frequent coalition governments (17 in 14 years) that created an impression of instability

Definition: Proportional representation - An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them.

These weaknesses made Hitler's promise of strong leadership appealing to many Germans. However, it's important to note that the Weimar Republic had periods of stability, particularly during the mid-1920s, known as the "Golden Years."

Example: The Nazi Party exploited the Weimar Republic's weaknesses, presenting themselves as a solution to political instability and inefficiency.