setting up the weimar republic

Subdecks (1)

Cards (18)

  • The nine months from November 1918 to July 1919 were uneasy for the new republic whilst a new government was put in place. Ebert took several steps to increase people's confidence in the new republic
  • Ebert arranged for the civil servants who had helped run Germany under the Kaiser to stay in office. They were instructed to work alongside soldiers and workers councils, where local people had set these up. This ensured that the state would keep running public services such as schools
  • He reassured General Groener that the army would not be reformed. Officers kept their ranks. In return, Groener agreed to use the German army to help keep the new republic in power.
  • Ebert also reassured leaders of industry, like the coal and shipping entrepreneur Hugo Stinnes, that the new republic would not confiscate land or factories and that there would be no nationalisation of private industries. This helped ensure that buisnesses and the economy continued to operate
  • Finally, Ebert won the support of the trade unions. He promised their leader, Carl legien, that the new republic would try to achieve an eight-hour working day
  • Despite Eberts efforts, some extreme political parties were still dissatisfied. Demonstrations, and even riots, were common in major cities. Germany was still on the edge of anarchy
  • Still, Ebert had achieved a fragile control, which lasted long enough to agree a new constitution for the new constitution for the new republic
  • civil servant: somebody who works for the government in some way
  • Trade unions: Groups of workers formed to protect the rights and interests of workers in various occupations