Why the Weimar Republic Failed: Inflation and Instability

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video explores the tumultuous period in Europe following World War I, with a specific focus on the struggles of the newly formed Weimar Republic in Germany. It examines the difficult transition from monarchies to democracies across the continent, highlighting the political instability caused by coalition governments and the rise of extremist ideologies. The narrative uses relatable analogies, such as a pizza parlor scenario, to explain complex economic concepts like inflation and hyperinflation. The video details the severe challenges Germany faced, including the burden of war reparations from the Treaty of Versailles, the hyperinflation of 1923, and the political fragmentation that weakened the democratic government. It also covers international efforts to stabilize the region, such as the Dawes Plan, the Locarno Treaties, and the Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact. The content sets the stage for understanding the conditions that eventually led to the rise of fascism and World War II. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent primer on the interwar period. It simplifies complex economic mechanisms like hyperinflation through visual graphs and concrete examples. The video includes built-in pause points with guiding questions, making it ready-made for classroom interaction, while also providing primary source imagery—such as children playing with stacks of worthless cash—to spark historical inquiry and discussion.