Assess the Impact of the Tov on the Weimar Republic to 1929

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While the Treaty of Versailles certainly had significant impact on the Weimar Republic up to 1929, it cannot be solely blamed for its woes. Other major catalyst for the republic’s instability emerged throughout its existence. The republic was born into chaos; it faced significant issues before the Treaty of Versailles had even been signed. Internal factors that impacted on the Republic included an ineffective constitution and attempted coups by a number of groups. The invasion of the Ruhr and resultant hyperinflation also had a hugely detriment effect. Finally, the destruction of the Depression in 1929 dealt a huge blow. It s clearly evident that, while it had a substantial impact on the Weimar Republic to 1929, a string of separate factors were also responsible for it’s issues. Before the Treaty of Versailles was even signed, Germany’s fledgling republic experienced many problems. This proves that, while the treaty had a significant impact on the Weimar Republic, it was in no way the sole cause of its issues. Many have described the republic as being “born with a hole in its heart”. In the months leading up to its establishment, the chaos of the war was still an ensuing reality in Germany. Bombs were still being dropped, and the British naval blockade was still starving German citizens. Months of mutiny and revolution had dominated the period, and the civil unrest was spreading further. This culminated in the November Revolution. Kaiser Wilhelm II fled to Holland. On November the 9th, 1918, Philip Schiederman declared the new republic from the balcony of the Reichstag. He then became the first Weimar chancellor, with Friedrich Ebert as president. The sudden abandonment of a centuries old authoritarian system shook the public. Germany had a “rich monarchial tradition that had substantial success under authoritative moulds of government”. The rapid change between
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