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Year 11 - History

Economic recovery under Stresemann

Germany 1890–1945, Democracy and dictatorship

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils undergo a period study that provides an unfolding narrative which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the chosen period.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain why the German economy recovered between 1924 and 1929.

Key Notes

  • Gustav Stresemann became chancellor during the hyperinflation crisis before becoming foreign minister.
  • Stresemann ended hyperinflation by taking a number of decisive actions including the introduction of a new currency.
  • Stresemann agreed two new reparations plans with the Allies: the Dawes and Young Plans.
  • Industrial production and infrastructure were revitalised, reducing unemployment and boosting Germany's status.
  • Economic recovery depended on American loans and extended reparations continued to attract criticism of the Republic.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • loans: money that is borrowed and has to be paid back, usually with an extra fee
  • Rentenmark: a temporary currency issued in 1923 to stop hyperinflation
  • Dawes Plan: an agreement between Germany and the Allies: it restructured reparations, provided US loans to Germany, and led to French troops leaving the Ruhr
  • Young Plan: an agreement between Germany and the Allies: it reduced Germany's reparations by 20%, though it faced criticism for prolonging debt
  • infrastructure: the basic systems and services, such as transport and power supplies, that a country uses in order to work effectively

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Germany's recovery in the 1920s completely solved its economic problems and secured long-term stability.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

Gustav Stresemann became chancellor during the hyperinflation crisis before becoming foreign minister. Stresemann ended hyperinflation by taking a number of decisive actions including the introduction of a new currency.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'loans'

money that is borrowed and has to be paid back, usually with an extra fee.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Germany's recovery in the 1920s completely solved its economic problems and secured long-term stability. Correction: Much of the recovery depended on American loans. What happens to Germany's economy if those loans are withdrawn or if the US faces its own crisis? This shows how fragile the recovery really was.

More Lessons In This Unit

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