Why was the Weimar state set up as a democratic state in Germany, and why did it fail to fulfil its

purpose? The Weimar Republic, which emerged under the leadership of Bismarck, was initially designed to support, and represent the people of Germany. The Weimar Republic failed to serve its purpose to the German citizens because of a number of reasons. Although the intentions of creating a new state were noble and just, the Weimar states first step towards failure was their agreeing to sign the Versailles Treaty. This gave reason for the people to resent the new government already, because they thought that, even after having lost the War, were being treated unfairly. Having their land stripped off of them, having Ammunition taken away from them and being forced into Reparations almost impossible for the Germans to pay back resulted in inflation. Despite all this, we have to give some credit to the Weimar republic, as they were able to set a Constitution up, as well as a political system up, to enable German citizens to vote. This was called the Reichstag. Foreign banks, including American banks, began structuring the economy and very slowly, the Weimar state was getting back on its feet again. Although this was something to be proud of, the Germans started to feel the pressure from East and West as well as the burden that the Versailles Treaty had been put on them. And whether this problem was real or exaggerated, the Germans felt the psychological impact of humiliation in front of the World, and being a proud population, they did not take this lightly. Another reason as to why it failed was because of the fact that it had formerly been known as a hierarchy, and thus Germany was used to being ruled and not ruling itself. Democracy was a new concept and this needed time to adjust to, and the people needed to know what they were doing in order to rule properly. For some, strength and image were regarded more important than policy and practicality.

All this led to rebellions breaking out a number of times. Rebellions included the Sparcacist movement, a group of communists, which rose at the birth of the republic, in attempts to replicate the event of Russia in 1917. This group was squashed by the Freikorps, who in return rose in the Kapp Putsch. Another movement which also rose against the Weimar republic was Hitlers young Nazi movement In Munich.

Failure to contain these movements was due to economic conditions. Reparations that they had to pay, of up to 6.6 billion pounds were expected of them, which meant the economy was going to struggle. Hyperinflation and the happenings of the Ruhr showed the people as to how much of a failure this was. Many wanted a stronger form of doctorial government, one that they were used to this also led to mixed feelings as to who to address for certain issues. Support from all sides was lacking. E.g.: unemployment meant that the lower classes leaned more and supported the left side more, whilst a lack of national pride led to right wing movements gaining popularity. When it came to economic problems, the middle classes looked up to extremists for help. The cherry on the cake for the failure of the republic was due to the constitution itself. Proportional representation led to a large number of small parties with very little knowledge as to how to make an impact on the land. These little parties were the ones which then hung on to the bigger parties and also in turn relied on these groups to stay in power. It was the lack of strength and inability to unite that led to the extremist movements of the right and left wing becoming more popular. It was also the law that led to the downfall of the Republic. According to the constitution, the President could rule by decree. This enabled Hitler to legally take measures that ensured rapid end to democracy within Germany.