Economic recovery under Stresemann
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why the German economy recovered between 1924 and 1929.
Key learning points
- Gustav Stresemann became chancellor during the hyperinflation crisis before becoming foreign minister.
- Stresemann ended hyperinflation by taking a number of decisive actions including the introduction of a new currency.
- Stresemann agreed two new reparations plans with the Allies: the Dawes and Young Plans.
- Industrial production and infrastructure were revitalised, reducing unemployment and boosting Germany’s status.
- Economic recovery depended on American loans and extended reparations continued to attract criticism of the Republic.
Keywords
Loans - money that is borrowed and has to be paid back, usually with an extra fee
Rentenmark - a temporary currency issued in 1923 to stop hyperinflation
Dawes Plan - an agreement between Germany and the Allies: it restructured reparations, provided US loans to Germany, and led to French troops leaving the Ruhr
Young Plan - an agreement between Germany and the Allies: it reduced Germany’s reparations by 20%, though it faced criticism for prolonging debt
Infrastructure - the basic systems and services, such as transport and power supplies, that a country uses in order to work effectively
Common misconception
Germany's recovery in the 1920s completely solved its economic problems and secured long-term stability.
Much of the recovery depended on American loans. What happens to Germany’s economy if those loans are withdrawn or if the US faces its own crisis? This shows how fragile the recovery really was.
Teacher tip
Pupils could create a timeline of Stresemann’s key actions as chancellor and foreign minister. Alternatively, pupils could create a storyboard illustrating how US loans fuelled a cycle of recovery: loans modernise factories; workers employed; spending boosts demand; factories expand further.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.French and Belgian troops occupied the __________ Valley in January 1923.
Q2.German workers in the Ruhr resisted the French occupation through __________ resistance.
Q3.Why did the Weimar Government print money during the Ruhr occupation?
Q4.Which of the following were effects of hyperinflation in Germany?
Q5.Who suffered the most during hyperinflation in Germany?
Q6.How did the economic struggles caused by hyperinflation impact political attitudes in Germany?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What role did Gustav Stresemann take on after stepping down as chancellor in 1923?
Q2.Stresemann introduced the __________ to stabilise the economy and reduce hyperinflation.
Q3.What was the Dawes Plan?
Q4.Starting with the earliest, sort these events into chronological order:
Q5.Why was the Young Plan criticised by some Germans?
Q6.Why did many Germans support Paul von Hindenburg as president?
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Economic recovery under Stresemann, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Economic recovery under Stresemann, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.