October 1929 in Germany was bookended by two significant moments. The sudden death of Stresemann on 3 October robbed Weimar democracy of its greatest statesman and hope for survival. Less than 4 weeks later the stock market collapsed on Wall Street sending shockwaves around the world. Within days US loans, which had underpinned the German economy, would be recalled sending the economy into freefall. Germany's rapid descent into Depression would reignite old wounds and inspire new attacks.

Speaker-Rhys

Producers-Sam and Toby

Music-Sam

In many ways the most significant figure of the 1920s was not Adolf Hitler, but Gustav Stresemann. As Foreign Minister from 1923-29, Stresemann followed a policy of Erfüllungspolitik ('fulfilment') in which the terms of the Treaty of Versailles were met. His pragmatic approach to diplomacy helped to rehabilitate Germany's international standing, opening the door to greater cooperation and opportunity. To those on the extremist right at home in Germany, however, 'fulfilment' was just another marker of Germany's decline and subservience to foreign powers.

Speaker-Rhys

Producers-Sam and Toby

Music-Sam

With hyperinflation curbed and Hitler in prison, the Weimar Republic looked as though it had weathered the storms of the early years. The influx of millions of US dollars ushered in an age of liberal cultural experimentation and optimism in what has been labelled the 'Golden Years' of the WR. In reality, Germany's economic position remained precarious as it tied itself ever more closely to US investment. As many in Germany danced the late 1920s away, little did they know they were dancing on a volcano.

Speaker-Rhys

Producers-Sam and Toby

Music-Sam

The Beer Hall Putsch (Part 2):The failure of the Beer Hall Putsch should have been the end of Hitler and the Nazi Party. Within 10 years Hitler was in power and in the process of establishing a dictatorship. How was disaster turned into triumph, and what does this reveal about the condition of the Republic?Speaker-Rhys

Producer-Sam and Toby

Music-Sam

The Beer Hall Putsch (Part 1): The failure of the Beer Hall Putsch should have been the end of Hitler and the Nazi Party. Within 10 years Hitler was in power and in the process of establishing a dictatorship. How was disaster turned into triumph, and what does this reveal about the condition of the Republic?Speaker-Rhys

Producers-Sam and Toby

Music-Sam

The rise of Hitler's status in German politics is reflected in his belief that he could launch a successful putsch against the German government. Throughout 1923 Hitler was emerging as the mouthpiece of the extreme right-wing in Germany, and the unique conditions of the year had further undermined the credibility of the Republic. It was in this context that Hitler launched his putsch. The failure of the putsch exposed the weaknesses of the movement and Hitler's leadership. Speaker-Rhys

Producers-Sam and Toby

Music-Sam

Hitler's leadership of the fledgling Nazi Party had brought about important developments in the nature and growth of the party. Yet by the end of 1922 the Party was nothing more than a provincial, albeit loud, extremist political movement. All of this was about to change. As the French and Belgians occupied the Ruhr industrial region and inflation turned to hyperinflation, 1923 would launch Hitler and his Party on to the national stage.

Speaker-Rhys

Producers-Sam and Toby

Music-Sam

Hitler's Vienna experience had provided the foundation for his embryonic worldview, but it was the Great War that turned it into a hardened political philosophy. The defeat in 1918 came as a bitter blow to Hitler but it was the decisive event that turned Hitler to a career in politics.

Speaker-Rhys

Producers-Sam and Toby

Music-Sam