Weimar Foreign Policy, 1923 - 29
After the crisis years of hyperinflation and occupation of the Ruhr, Gustav Stresemann, who became Foreign Minister in 1923, aimed to improve Germany’s position in the world through a policy known as “Fulfilment.” This meant that instead of fighting the Treaty of Versailles directly, Germany would cooperate with the Allies in order to gain their trust, reduce harsh terms, and eventually improve Germany’s international standing. Through this approach, Stresemann helped negotiate the Dawes Plan (1924), secured Germany’s entry into the League of Nations (1926), and signed the Locarno Pact (1925), which improved relations with France and Britain. However, many right-wing nationalists hated this policy, as they believed Stresemann was accepting the Treaty of Versailles, which they saw as a humiliating betrayal. To them, cooperating with former enemies instead of rejecting the Treaty outright was a sign of weakness, and they viewed Stresemann’s diplomacy as undermining German pride and honour.
