Why was the Weimer Republic in danger of collapse in 1919-1920?
The Reich was transformed into a republicin 1919 in consequence of a total military defeat, involving the heavy burden of an oppressive peace treaty. The first days of the republic were accompanied by bitter conflict between rival views as to the shaping of the new order – more adverse conditions for the foundation of a democracy can hardly be imagined. The early Weimar state was threatened by left and right: the radical left, frustrated by the failure of the revolution to run its course, denounced it as a bourgeois republic and prepared to overthrow it by force of arms. The right wing hankered after the Empire – and mustered its forces for an onslaught on parliamentary democracy. Neither side truly supported the new republic. Would suggest you read Kolb.
