Germany’s post World War One experience was turbulent, but by 1925 Weimar had achieved temporary stability. However, weaknesses in its constitution meant it was always vulnerable to a new crisis.
After losing World War One, being forced to take the blame for the conflict and the subsequent issues surrounding payment of reparations, Germany was an international outcast. Germans were still incredibly bitter about their treatment in the Treaty of Versailles, where they also lost territory on all sides. As Foreign Minister Stresemann oversaw a dramatic improvement in Germany’s relationship with the rest of Europe between 1925 and 1928. This is best illustrated by three events:
These developments meant that Germany was accepted into the emerging ‘international community’ that sought to work together during the 1920s to avoid another destructive war. This ethos of collaboration and peaceful cooperation only lasted until the onset of the Great Depression following the Wall Street Crash of October 1929.