Gustav Stresemann

Gustav Stresemann

Gustav Stresemann was given the job of German Foreign Minister during

the six years commencing 1923. A foreign policy was needed. The German

Nationalists needed to be given confidence in the Republic as it was

not happy with the Republic's acceptance of the VersaillesTreat.

Throughout the time of 1923 to 1929 Stresemann had certain choices to

make which question whether he was acting as a 'Good German' or a

'Good European'

There are arguments for both sides to the question. This essay looks

at both sides to the argument and gives an overall outlook on how

Stresemann should be viewed.

Stresemann's ideology suggested he was working in an attempt for

Europe's gain. As part of this was to co-operate with the West. In

doing so he planned to use the method of 'Fulfilment' thus meaning he

planned to fulfil the Treaty of Versailles in whichever way possible,

in using this he hoped that relations with Britain and France would

improve, and the Treaty would be revised and Germany would benefit

from this, his relationship with the German Nationalists was not a

good one after his agreement to follow the rules and regulations of

the Treaty.

However in doing so this increased the relationship with the West and

Germanywas able to concentrate on bringing back afloat the German

economy

Stresemann realised that if the German economy was to be re-floated,

the only way to achieve this would be through cooperation with the

West, no longer could they be seen at the other side of the fence,

co-operation was vital, and it is this that gave Stresemann part of

the 'Good European' label.

Stresemann wanted the best for...

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... idea. The Nationalist's believed these terms of the Treaty should not

be followed which further influenced aggravation on Stresemann's

behalf.

In a way Stresemann failed to please either sides in his attempts and

the question of 'Good German' or 'Good European' is one of great

question itself. The re-floating of the economy had helped support the

Weimarto

increase proportionally, however it all still remained fragile and

weak.

There are both good and bad points to Stresemann's work from both

sides and thus is hard to determine if, at any at all, he pleased

most, and what advantages and disadvantages arose from his reign. I

think from a personal point of view both were achieved, Stresemann

tried in his best interests to satisfy both but in trying to do so,

could have been said to satisfy none to the full.