Economic differences

After hyperinflation, Germany was divided.

Many people – including the middle classes – had lost everything. However

others had fared well, including paying off all

debts.

Social differences

Germany had religious divides. There was the historical Catholic and

Protestant split.

The main issue however was negative attitudes to

Jews, whom many Germans blamed for the

economic problems.

Attitudes to the government

The army, although officially supportive of the Weimar Republic, really

only gave it weak backing.

The Civil Service also did not have a hugely positive

view of government.

Arguments for influence

The lack of general unity across Germany made it

hard for the Weimar Republic to operate

effectively.

Anti-Jewish attitudes would also help the Nazis

in future.

Arguments against influence

Social and economic divisions were much less

important than other factors.

The Versailles Treaty was to blame for Germany’s early economic problems. And the

1929 Depression was a global event.