As Eric Weitz argues, the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) was not responsible for the Reich; it was a democratic, socially aware and progressive government, way ahead of many other European governments in its introduction of workers' rights, public housing, unemployment benefit and suffrage for women.

In this quote, Justin Cartwright references the perspective of historian Eric Weitz, who argues that the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) should not be blamed for the rise of the Reich, particularly the Nazi regime. Cartwright highlights Weitz’s argument that the Weimar Republic was a democratic, socially aware, and progressive government, which implemented several significant social reforms. These reforms included workers' rights, public housing, unemployment benefits, and the extension of suffrage to women, making it more advanced than many other European governments of its time in terms of social welfare and civil rights.

The quote sheds light on the often-overlooked achievements of the Weimar Republic, which is frequently criticized for its instability and inability to prevent the rise of the Nazi party. Cartwright, through Weitz’s argument, challenges the traditional narrative that the Weimar Republic was inherently weak or ineffective. Instead, he emphasizes that the government made notable strides in creating a more inclusive and progressive society, providing social security measures and advocating for equal rights at a time when many European nations lagged behind in these areas.

Cartwright’s reference to suffrage for women underscores the significant social change brought about by the Weimar Republic. Granting women the right to vote in 1919 was a major step toward gender equality and was seen as a progressive move compared to other countries at the time. This aligns with the broader progressive agenda of the Weimar government, which sought to address social issues and improve the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly in areas such as workers' rights and welfare.

Ultimately, the quote argues for a more nuanced understanding of the Weimar Republic, one that recognizes its progressive policies and contributions to social welfare. By highlighting these accomplishments, Cartwright, through Weitz’s analysis, suggests that the Republic was not inherently flawed but rather fell victim to external and internal challenges that led to its collapse, making it unfair to solely blame it for the rise of totalitarianism in Germany.