1.1.7

Social Issues

Test yourself

Social Welfare and the Impact of Hyperinflation

The Weimar Republic began introducing social welfare provision in 1919. This was in response to World War One and the greater political activity of the working class.

Illustrative background for Healthcare provisionIllustrative background for Healthcare provision ?? "content

Healthcare provision

  • Usually taken care of by the Länder. Now that all Germans could vote, welfare for the working classes became more important.
  • The Weimar government extended health insurance in 1919 to different social groups, such as the disabled or women without their own income.
Illustrative background for Provision for childrenIllustrative background for Provision for children ?? "content

Provision for children

  • The Imperial Youth Welfare Act was passed in 1922:
    • All children had the right to an education; and Länder had to set up youth offices for child protection.
  • There were lots of voluntary youth groups in Weimar Germany. Membership was between five and six million. In 1919, an umbrella organisation was established.
  • Many voluntary youth groups for boys, including the Scouts, became more militaristic, with flags and uniforms.
  • Churches and political parties also set up youth groups. In this way, youth groups sometimes increased social divisions.
Illustrative background for Welfare benefitsIllustrative background for Welfare benefits ?? "content

Welfare benefits

  • The government set a maximum working week of 48 hours in 1919.
  • The Weimar government also instructed all Länder to support wounded veterans, and widows and orphans.
  • In 1923, during the Ruhr crisis, a regular assistance programme provided unemployment benefits.
  • Unemployment rose in the early twenties as the economy readjusted from a war to a peacetime footing, although there was no mass unemployment.
Illustrative background for Impact of hyperinflationIllustrative background for Impact of hyperinflation ?? "content

Impact of hyperinflation

  • Inflation and hyperinflation hit the working classes most, decreasing the purchasing power of their weekly wages.

Jump to other topics

1The Weimar Republic 1918-1933

2Nazi Germany 1933-1945

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson