How far do you agree that the main reason for the survival of Weimar government 1919–1923 was the weakness of its opponents?

Introduction: Brief context about Weimar Republic in this period: discuss how it was a period fraught with turmoil. Lead into my argument, that it was a combination of two factors that ensured the survival of Weimar: the weaknesses of opponents on the left and right, and the strength of the republic. Weakness of opponents: Spartacist Uprising 1919 poorly planned and no match for the power of the state and Freikorps forces. Kapp Putsch of 1920 failed to gain widespread support from across the anti-Republican right. Strength of republic: Powerful forces of Freikorps and army at the state’s disposal. Leaders such as Ebert made unwavering and powerful decisions to quash any potential revolutions from the left. Article 48 (the ability of the President to take emergency measures without consulting the Reichstag) in the Weimar Constitution was an incredibly powerful tool in ensuring survival. Conclusion: Overall, idea that it was purely the weakness of opponents which ensured survival is overly simplistic. Weimar survived between 1919-1923 due to the weaknesses of its opponents – such as the Spartacists in 1919 – and also due to the strength of the state, evident in the power of the army, Freikorps, and Article 48.

Answered by James D. History tutor

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