The term refers to the German government that existed from 1919 to 1933, established after World War I and lasting until the rise of Nazi Germany. This government was characterized by a democratic constitution and a parliamentary system. A key example includes its struggle to manage hyperinflation in the early 1920s, which had devastating economic consequences for the German population.
Its importance lies in its role as Germany’s first attempt at a liberal democracy. Understanding its challenges, such as political instability stemming from proportional representation and the burden of war reparations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, is crucial for comprehending the rise of extremist ideologies and the subsequent collapse of the democratic order. Its experience offers valuable lessons on the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of economic hardship and political polarization.
