In the years 1924 to 1928, Germany’s international position was greatly strengthened. Assess the validity of this view.
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918-1945
👑Complete Model Essay
In the years 1924 to 1928, Germany’s international position was greatly strengthened. Assess the validity of this view.
Was Germany's International Position Greatly Strengthened Between 1924 and 1928?
The period between 1924 and 1928 witnessed a significant shift in Germany's international standing. Following the turmoil of the immediate post-World War I years, Germany embarked on a path towards diplomatic re-engagement and economic recovery. This essay will assess the validity of the claim that Germany's international position was greatly strengthened during these years.
Arguments for Strengthening: The Dawes Plan, Locarno, and League Membership
Several factors lend credence to the view that Germany's international position experienced considerable improvement. The 1924 Dawes Plan played a pivotal role in easing the reparations burden imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. By renegotiating the payment schedule and securing American loans, Germany stabilized its economy and improved relations with France and Belgium. The subsequent withdrawal of French and Belgian troops from the Ruhr region in 1925 further reduced tensions and fostered a more cooperative atmosphere.
The Locarno Pact of 1925 stands as a testament to Germany's re-emergence on the international stage. By voluntarily accepting its western borders with France and Belgium, Germany demonstrated its commitment to peace and earned the trust of former enemies. Although the eastern borders remained a point of contention, the agreement effectively neutralized the threat of another French invasion in the west. Furthermore, Germany's admission to the League of Nations in 1926 marked its full reintegration into the European diplomatic order. This recognition as an equal partner in international affairs significantly boosted Germany's prestige and influence.
German-Soviet Relations and the Kellogg-Briand Pact
Beyond Western Europe, Germany also sought to strengthen its position through strategic partnerships. The 1926 Treaty of Berlin reaffirmed the spirit of the 1922 Rapallo Treaty, fostering closer ties with the Soviet Union. This collaboration included secret military cooperation, which allowed Germany to circumvent the disarmament clauses of Versailles and rebuild its military capacity. On a broader scale, Germany's participation in the 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact, renouncing war as an instrument of national policy, further solidified its image as a peace-loving nation. While the pact lacked enforcement mechanisms, its symbolic significance in promoting international cooperation should not be underestimated.
Challenges and Limitations: Unresolved Issues and Domestic Opposition
However, despite these notable achievements, some historians argue that the extent of Germany's strengthened position during this period should not be overstated. Despite Stresemann's policy of "fulfillment," the most onerous aspects of the Treaty of Versailles, such as disarmament and territorial concessions, remained in place. The continued occupation of the Rhineland served as a constant reminder of Germany's limited sovereignty. Moreover, Germany's rapprochement with the Soviet Union, while strategically advantageous, fueled suspicion among France and its allies, hindering the development of a genuine pan-European security framework.
Domestically, Stresemann faced criticism from right-wing nationalists who viewed his policy of fulfillment as a form of appeasement. They argued that his concessions had achieved little and that Germany should adopt a more assertive foreign policy aimed at overturning the Versailles Treaty. Public opinion remained divided, with many Germans feeling resentment towards the treaty and a desire for true national restoration.
Conclusion: A Period of Progress and Fragility
In conclusion, the years between 1924 and 1928 undoubtedly marked a period of considerable progress for Germany's international position. The Dawes Plan, Locarno Pact, and League of Nations membership demonstrated Germany's commitment to peaceful cooperation and led to its rehabilitation within the international community. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of this progress. Key aspects of the Versailles Treaty remained unaddressed, and Germany's strategic alliances created new tensions. Domestic opposition to Stresemann's policies highlighted the fragility of this newfound stability. Ultimately, while Germany's international position saw significant improvement between 1924 and 1928, the underlying issues that had led to the First World War remained largely unresolved, setting the stage for future conflict.
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In the years 1924 to 1928, Germany’s international position was greatly strengthened. Assess the validity of this view.
This essay will assess the validity of the view that in the years 1924 to 1928, Germany’s international position was greatly strengthened. It will argue that while Germany did experience significant improvements in its relations with other countries during this period, these gains were ultimately limited and the Treaty of Versailles remained in force. It will consider the arguments for and against the view, and conclude that the view is only partially accurate.
Arguments supporting the view
There is evidence to suggest that Germany’s international position was strengthened in the years 1924 to 1928. The Dawes Plan and the agreement to re-start reparations led to an immediate improvement in Germany’s international position with the withdrawal of French and Belgian forces from the Ruhr and a reduction of tension between these countries and Germany. This was a significant step forward as it eased the economic pressure on Germany and allowed it to begin to rebuild its economy.
The Locarno Pact was another major triumph for Germany. It saw Germany’s western borders being accepted by agreement, rather than the Diktat of Versailles, and made a repeat of the French invasion of the Ruhr almost impossible. Additionally, Locarno was important for what was not agreed with the eastern borders of Germany (with Poland and Czechoslovakia) leaving these parts of Versailles open to possible revision. This offered Germany the potential for future territorial gains.
Germany’s admittance to the League of Nations in 1926 was another diplomatic triumph for Stresemann and a further sign of Germany’s re-integration into the European fold as an equal power. This was a significant step towards normalising Germany's status in the international community.
Finally, Germany sought to develop closer relations with the USSR with the 1926 Treaty of Berlin renewing Rapallo. This allowed further secret rearmament which enabled Germany to circumvent the disarmament clauses of Versailles. This strengthened Germany's military position in the long term.
Arguments challenging the view
However, there are also arguments that challenge the view that Germany’s international position was greatly strengthened in the years 1924 to 1928. While Stresemann’s long-term aim, through his policy of fulfilment, was a revision of the Versailles Treaty, by 1928, the Treaty, in all of its key essentials, was still intact. This meant that Germany continued to face significant restrictions on its sovereignty and its ability to rebuild its military power.
Furthermore, although Germany’s relationship with the USSR was strengthened, this relationship was viewed with hostility and suspicion by France. This meant that it did not truly represent a significant shift in Germany’s international position, as it alienated one of its key European partners.
Many Germans on the right claimed that fulfilment of the terms of the Treaty was a further capitulation to the French and that Stresemann’s concessions achieved little as Germany remained partially occupied and disarmed. This suggests that while Germany’s international position had improved, it was still far from secure.
The Kellogg-Briand Pact may have been symbolically important, but it lacked any clauses on enforcement and therefore was of limited importance. It did not provide any real guarantee of peace or security for Germany.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is some evidence to suggest that Germany's international position was strengthened in the years 1924 to 1928, this improvement was ultimately limited. While Stresemann's policies achieved some success in improving Germany's relations with other countries, the Treaty of Versailles remained in force and Germany continued to face significant restrictions on its sovereignty and its ability to rebuild its military power. Therefore, while it is possible to argue that Germany's international position was strengthened during this period, it is also important to recognise that it was still far from secure. The view that Germany's international position was greatly strengthened is only partially accurate.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Arguments Supporting Germany's Strengthened International Position (1924-1928)
Arguments supporting the view that in the years 1924 to 1928, Germany's international position was greatly strengthened might include:
The Dawes Plan and agreement to restart reparations led to an immediate improvement in Germany's international position with the withdrawal of French and Belgian forces from the Ruhr and a reduction of tension between these countries and Germany.
The Locarno Pact viewed as a major triumph for Germany, with the western borders being accepted by Germany through agreement, rather than the Diktat of Versailles, as well as making a repeat of the French invasion of the Ruhr almost impossible. Locarno was also important for what was not agreed with the eastern borders of Germany (with Poland and Czechoslovakia) leaving these parts of Versailles open to possible revision.
Germany's admittance to the League of Nations in 1926 was another diplomatic triumph for Stresemann and a further sign of Germany's re-integration into the European fold as an equal power.
Germany also sought to develop closer relations with the USSR with the 1926 Treaty of Berlin renewing Rapallo. This allowed further secret rearmament which enabled Germany to circumvent the disarmament clauses of Versailles.
Germany was invited to sign the 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact under which countries agreed to renounce war as a method to solve disputes, again illustrating its newfound acceptance in the diplomatic community.
Arguments Challenging Germany's Strengthened International Position (1924-1928)
Arguments challenging the view that in the years 1924 to 1928, Germany's international position was greatly strengthened might include:
Stresemann's long-term aim, through his policy of fulfilment, was a revision of the Versailles Treaty but by 1928, the Treaty, in all of its key essentials, was still intact.
Germany's relationship with the USSR had already been established at Rapallo in 1922 and was merely renewed by Stresemann. The Treaty was also viewed with hostility and suspicion by France.
Many Germans on the right claimed that fulfilment of the terms of the Treaty was a further capitulation to the French and that Stresemann's concessions achieved little as Germany remained partially occupied and disarmed.
The Kellogg-Briand Pact may have been symbolically important but it lacked any clauses on enforcement and therefore was of limited importance.