germany after world war 1
Assess the impact of the German army on the political process in Germany between 1918 and 1933 (1200 words)The German army both supported and undermined the political process in Germany between 1918 and 1933. It also held influence over the performance of individual political parties and the power that the government held. However the size of the German army reduced its power to defend or attack the government. In this way the Treaty of Versailles effected the impact the German military could make for or against the government. At the same time the size meant that the army generally remained united and in this way were more efficient when used for a purpose. Overall its impact was as a peacekeeper and thus it spent more time keeping order than upsetting the German political process. To assess the impact of the army on the political process within Germany it is necessary to look at and assess the capabilities of the military. The Treaty of Versailles dramatically decreased the size of the German military. The German General-Staff was abolished and the army itself restricted to 100, 000 men. The effect of this was however to create a very tight nit unit. By reducing the army to only its best and most experienced
The defeat of the Spartacist movement is an example of how the German Military could be used to stabilize and preserve the Government. Left wing uprisings however were ruthlessly put down allowing men such as Hitler to work his way into power. In 1923 the Military is used to put down another Putsch. It preserved the governments moderate politics and disillusioned many potential leftist revolutionaries. However their influence was not necessarily used in this way and therefore their impact was reduced. Again the government gave it free reign and as a result the uprising was quickly crushed. It also shows the little authority held by the government and the disrespect the military had for the politicians. This is another moment when the German military preserved the unification of Germany. This uprising is lead by Hitler and results in his imprisonment. Movements of the right wing such as the Kapp Putsch finds less resistence. Certainly the German military could have had a greater role in the political process and could have dictated who was in power. They're action certainly delays Hitler's rise to power and prevents further socialist uprisings thus allowing the Government to function as normal for another 11 years. The action of the military defended the government from the socialists. Here again the military have sought to protect the government and also to protect peace.
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