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Election of President von Hindenburg
The image of Hitler bowing his head while shaking President von Hindenburg’s hand clearly symbolizes their political relationship. Von Hindenburg – respected WWI general, symbol of conservative Germany – was seen as a stabilizing figure during Weimar’s stormy years. This captures the tension between old Germany and the rising radical right (relation gives legitimacy). This foreshadows von Hindenburg’s crucial role in appointing Hitler as Chancellor, marking the beginning of the Nazi’s rise. -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
The image of German and Soviet leaders signing the treaty captures the formal and diplomatic nature of the Berlin Treaty (1926). It visually represents Germany’s efforts in maintaining neutrality with the USSR while branching its Western relations. This moment repeated earlier ties from the Rapallo Treaty and clearly shows Germany’s strategy to avoid isolation and reassert itself as a sovereign player in post-war diplomacy. -
German entrance into League of Nations
The image of the League of Nations’ leaders symbolizes Germany’s formal return to the international stage. This represents Germany’s acceptance into the League in 1926 (under Stresemann’s leadership), marking a shift from isolation to global diplomacy. This gathering of world leaders highlights the success of Weimar’s foreign policy and Germany’s restored credibility after WWI and the Treaty of Versailles. -
Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany
The image of party leaders sitting around a table with papers shows the collaborative nature of the Grand Coalition. It reflects one of the last functioning democratic alliances of the Weimar Republic, uniting centrist and left-leaning parties. This moment represents political cooperation during a fragile period and highlights the Republic’s attempt to maintain stability before extremist parties gained control. -
Young Plan
The cartoon of Germany crushed under a massive money bag labeled "$55,000,000,000" captures the burden of the reparations from WWI. This visualizes the Young Plan’s intent to restructure payments but also the continued economic strain. Despite being more lenient, the plan remained controversial. This is reflected in the cartoon use of exaggeration (GIANT money bag) to show economic pain and humiliation, which directly connects to nationalist outrage (growing anti-Weimar sentiment). -
Beginning of Great Depression
The cartoon of a broken tractor labeled “economic breakdown” being pulled in opposite directions perfectly symbolizes Germany’s economic collapse. The elephant labeled “Depression” shows the overwhelming force of the global crisis, while opposing political forces struggle over control. It highlights Germany’s reliance on US loans and the political gridlock that followed, which deepened instability and public desperation. -
Von Papen’s deal with Hitler
The image of Von Papen looking at Hitler, who appears taller and dominant, reflects their power imbalance. This reflects Von Papen’s mistaken belief in that he could control Hitler by helping him become Chancellor. This moment directly led to the Nazi’s rise in power and shows how conservative elites underestimated Hitler’s ambition and ability to dismantle the Weimar Republic from within. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor
The image of Hitler seated at his desk with arms crossed conveys authority, confidence, and control from the moment he was appointed Chancellor. His body language symbolizes the shift from democratic governance to authoritarian power. The visual reflects how Hitler was already asserting dominance, foreshadowing the collapse of the Weimar Republic and the rise of a totalitarian state.