Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution allowed leaders to take emergency powers. Its use, by Brüning, Hindenberg and Hitler, severely weakened the democratic system.

Question

Answer

Con: The excessive use of Article 48 was primarily the result of spiralling inflation and later the economic crisis of the Great Depression, meaning that governments needed to make quick and drastic decisions. This meant they didn't have the time to work through parliament.

Answer

Pro: Chancellor Heinrich Brüning relied on Article 48 for most of his policy-making, given parliamentary deadlock. Later, President Hindenberg had to rely on the same means.

To what extent was the Great Depression responsible for the collapse of the Weimar Republic?

Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution allowed leaders to take emergency powers. Its use, by Brüning, Hindenberg and Hitler, severely weakened the democratic system.

Pros

Cons

Chancellor Heinrich Brüning relied on Article 48 for most of his policy-making, given parliamentary deadlock. Later, President Hindenberg had to rely on the same means.

The excessive use of Article 48 was primarily the result of spiralling inflation and later the economic crisis of the Great Depression, meaning that governments needed to make quick and drastic decisions. This meant they didn't have the time to work through parliament.

Selected claim, supporting its parent

Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution allowed leaders to take emergency powers. Its use, by Brüning, Hindenberg and Hitler, severely weakened the democratic system.

Pro claim 1

Chancellor Heinrich Brüning relied on Article 48 for most of his policy-making, given parliamentary deadlock. Later, President Hindenberg had to rely on the same means.

Con claim 1

The excessive use of Article 48 was primarily the result of spiralling inflation and later the economic crisis of the Great Depression, meaning that governments needed to make quick and drastic decisions. This meant they didn't have the time to work through parliament.