Why Was The Weimar Republic Government Setup To Fail?

There can be multiple of reasons for the downfall of Weimar Republic. These can be categorized in to economical, social and political factors. Since the Treaty of Versailles had deprived Germany from its regions, which were a source of its income and the size of German forces was limited. This had severely affected the German feelings and they considered it to be an unjustified crime against themselves.

The feelings of deprivation gave birth to German Nationalism and the thoughts of politicians like Hitler became popularized. The economy was unstable as a result of hyperinflation, resulting by the attempt of Weimar Government to pay the workers to strike against the French and Belgian troops, when they took over the region of Ruhr in 1923.It was further hit by the Wall Street Crash in 1929,which brought the world into Great Depression in 1930.The Weimar Currency had lost its worth. There were no democratic traditions in Weimar politics. The left wing and the Right wing, both blamed the Weimar Government of letting the Germans down in the First World War. After the death of Stress Mann in 1929, the Republic stepped towards the downfall.

The rate of unemployment rose to high level. The political parties had already given their consent to renew the Government. The policies of foreign expert Bruning were very much criticized. After an unsuccessful attempt of bill of reform, it was decided to have elections in September, 1930.The results were a set back for the Republic as Nazi Party was successful as compared to 1929.But no party gained majority. There was a demand for Bruning to resign. It forced Bruning to resign on May 30,1932 and Franz Von Papen became the new incumbent. Hindenburg had already been elected as Reich Prasident as the election for this post was held directly. Papen called for new election in November 1932, which also resulted in no majority. As a result Papen stepped down and was replaced by General Von Schleicher, a socialist.

Meanwhile there was a corruption issue about Hindenburg's property, which was more popularized by Hitler as he threatened to bring charges against his family. Hindenburg estimated wrongly about him that he could be controlled as a Reich kanzler and he appointed him as Reichkanzler on January 30,1933.This marked the death of Weimar Republic and the dawn of a dictatorship. When Hindenburg died in 1934, Hitler grasped the opportunity to takeover both offices as permitted by the 1919 Constitution. He decided to form a Third Reich and abolish the Weimar Republic.