German History Online – The Weimar Republic

Democracy in crisis, hope, division, and the path to dictatorship

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Age Group: Teenager & Adults (13+)

Level: B1+ (Intermediate and above)

Gender: Mixed (co-ed)

Class Size: 1–5 participants

Duration: 8 sessions (4 - 16 weeks depending on schedule) weeks (8 bi-weekly sessions)

Session Length: 60 minutes per session

Format: Live online via Zoom

Tools: Zoom, Google Classroom

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Teacher: Nicolas Jacobi​

Price: $240

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Course Overview:

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This course offers students a detailed and age-appropriate introduction to the Weimar Republic, Germany’s first attempt at a democratic government following World War I. Through guided historical discussion in German and source-based analysis, students explore how the republic was formed, how it functioned, and why it ultimately failed.

We examine political structures, economic crises, social divisions, and cultural achievements, all within the fragile framework of a young democracy. Students learn about the impact of the Treaty of Versailles, early uprisings and instability, the hyperinflation of 1923, and the cultural bloom of the "Golden Twenties." As the course progresses, we focus on the rise of extremism, the Great Depression, and the collapse of democratic institutions in the early 1930s.

Key elements of the curriculum include the structure of the Weimar Constitution, the use of emergency powers, the role of propaganda and political violence, and the rise of Adolf Hitler. We also include a focused session on the SPD-led disarmament laws of the early 1920s, and their long-term consequences for political resistance.

The course concludes with critical reflection on the lessons of Weimar: what made this democracy vulnerable, what modern democracies can learn from its collapse, and how constitutional rights and civic responsibility help protect freedom in times of crisis.

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Weekly Curriculum Outline

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Week 1 – From Empire to Republic
In the first week, we introduce the historical background leading to the creation of the Weimar Republic. Students learn how the German Empire collapsed at the end of World War I and how the political revolution of November 1918 led to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II. We examine the founding moments of the new democratic state and the early political divisions between democratic parties and revolutionary forces. The class discusses the goals of the SPD and the challenges of forming a republic in a deeply divided society.

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Week 2 – The Weimar Constitution
This session focuses on the structure and function of the Weimar Constitution. Students explore the new rights granted to citizens, including freedom of speech, equal voting rights, and legal protections. At the same time, we examine the weaknesses of the system, including the use of proportional representation and the controversial emergency powers under Article 48. Students are encouraged to compare the Weimar system with modern democratic structures and to consider what makes a democracy stable or vulnerable.

 

Week 3 – Versailles Treaty and Its Consequences
In week three, students analyze the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on the political and social mood of the German population. We cover the territorial losses, military restrictions, and reparation demands imposed on Germany and how these contributed to a widespread feeling of humiliation. The class examines the rise of the "stab-in-the-back" myth and the growing support for nationalist and extremist movements. This session helps students understand how international decisions shaped internal instability.

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Week 4 – Crisis Years, 1919 to 1923
This week focuses on the violent and unstable early years of the Weimar Republic. We examine uprisings from the far left and far right, including the Spartacist Uprising and the Kapp Putsch. The French occupation of the Ruhr and the government's policy of passive resistance are discussed in connection with the hyperinflation crisis that followed.
A special discussion is included on the disarmament efforts led by the SPD government, which aimed to prevent further uprisings by confiscating weapons from civilians and worker militias. Students consider how these actions may have unintentionally weakened the democratic center while extremist paramilitary groups remained armed.

 

Week 5 – The Golden Twenties
In this session, we examine the brief period of cultural and economic stabilization during the mid-1920s. Students learn about the work of Gustav Stresemann, Germany’s reintegration into international politics, and the use of foreign loans to rebuild the economy. The class also explores the rich cultural life of the Weimar Republic, including modern architecture, cinema, music, and new roles for women in urban society. We also address the tensions between cultural liberalism and conservative values, and how these cultural changes were both celebrated and feared.

 

Week 6 – The Great Depression and Political Collapse
Week six focuses on the global economic crisis that began in 1929 and its devastating impact on the Weimar Republic. We examine how unemployment, poverty, and loss of trust in the government led to the collapse of democratic coalitions. Students learn how extremist parties like the NSDAP and KPD gained support by offering simple answers to complex problems. We also study the actions and failures of Chancellors Brüning, von Papen, and von Schleicher, and how short-term decisions contributed to long-term collapse.

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Week 7 – Hitler’s Rise and the End of the Republic
This session covers the dramatic events that led to the end of the Weimar Republic and the beginning of Nazi rule. Students follow the events of the 1932 and 1933 elections, Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor, the Reichstag fire, and the passing of the Enabling Act. We discuss how legal tools were used to end democracy from within, and how quickly opposition parties, independent media, and civil rights disappeared under the Nazi regime. Students reflect on the warning signs and what, if anything, could have stopped it.

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Week 8 – Reflection and Final Discussion
In the final session, students review the entire period and discuss the causes of the Weimar Republic’s failure. We consider both structural weaknesses and cultural factors, as well as the role of fear, propaganda, and public distrust in democratic institutions. The class revisits the issue of civilian disarmament and political repression, asking how these decisions affected the ability of citizens to resist dictatorship. Students are invited to present short reflections or questions and participate in an open group discussion on the lessons of Weimar for today’s world.

 

Learning Goals

Understand the political, economic, and social developments of the Weimar Republic, analyze the internal and external pressures that shaped Germany after World War I, explore how democratic systems can be challenged by fear, instability, and polarization, strengthen German reading and speaking skills through guided discussion and source work, and reflect on the meaning of freedom and responsibility in democratic societies