Final answer:
The failure of Weimar democracy can be attributed to feelings of betrayal over WWI defeat, political paralysis from a fractured parliamentary system, and economic instability due to the Versailles Treaty and the Great Depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons for the Failure of Weimar Democracy
One of the primary reasons for the failure of Weimar democracy was the widespread sentiment of betrayal among the German population, who blamed the Weimar politicians for Germany's defeat in World War I. This phenomenon became known as the 'stab in the back' myth and contributed to the lack of foundational support for the new republic. Another significant factor was the political paralysis within the Weimar Republic's parliamentary system. The proportional representation in the Reichstag led to a fragmentation of political parties, making it nearly impossible to form stable coalition governments. This hindered effective governance and contributed to constant political deadlock, undermining public confidence in the democratic process. Lastly, the economic instability of the period, exacerbated by the harsh terms of the Versailles Treaty and the Great Depression, created fertile ground for extremist parties, such as the Nazi Party, to gain influence by promising solutions to the ongoing economic and social crises.