The Weimar Republic 1918-29

• When did the First World War begin and end?

  The First World War lasted from 1914 to 1918.
• What was the state of the German army by November 1918?

  The German army was deadlocked against the Allies but still undefeated on the battlefield.
• What events characterized the German revolution between November 1918 and July 1919?


  Demonstrations, strikes, revolts, and mutinies broke out across the country.
• What was formed after the abdication of the Kaiser?


  The Weimar Republic was formed.
• What were some initial challenges faced by the Weimar Republic?

  It was resented by many Germans and governed under a flawed constitution.
• What are the learning outcomes of the chapter on the Weimar Republic?


  • Origins of the Weimar Republic, 1918-19
  • Early political and economic challenges to the Republic, 1919-23
  • Political and economic recovery of the Republic, 1919-23
• How did the First World War affect the German government?

  The war caused the German government's debts to treble from 50 billion marks to 150 billion marks.
• How many German troops fought in the First World War?

  Eleven million Germans fought in the war.
• What percentage of German troops became casualties during the war?

  55% of German troops became casualties.
• What caused over 750,000 German deaths during the First World War?


  Food shortages caused by the British Navy's blockade of German ports.
• What was the impact of the British blockade on Germany during the war?

  The blockade led to severe food shortages and widespread suffering among the German population.
• What was the situation in Germany by November 1918?


  The German state was crumbling with widespread unrest and loss of control by the Kaiser.
• What happened to Kaiser Wilhelm on 9 November 1918?


  The Kaiser abdicated and went into exile in Holland.
• Who proclaimed the new German Republic from the Reichstag on 9 November 1918?

  Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed the new German Republic.
• What was the role of the Council of People's Representatives?

  It was a temporary government that took control of Germany until a new constitution could be agreed.
• When was the armistice signed that ended the First World War?


  The armistice was signed on 11 November 1918.
• What was the first major decision of the new government after the armistice?

  Signing the armistice with the Allies to end the First World War.
• What steps did Ebert take to stabilize the Weimar Republic?


  • Kept civil servants in office to maintain state functions.
  • Reassured the army that it would not be reformed.
  • Promised industry leaders no confiscation of land or factories.
  • Gained support from trade unions for an eight-hour working day.
• What was the significance of the National Assembly formed in January 1919?

  It was tasked with creating a new constitution for Germany.
• What percentage of the electorate voted in the National Assembly elections?

  82% of the electorate voted.
• Where did the National Assembly meet for the first time and why?

  They met in Weimar due to unrest and violence in Berlin.
• When was the Weimar Constitution agreed upon?


  The Weimar Constitution was agreed on 31 July 1919.
• How often was the President elected in the Weimar Republic?

  The President was elected every seven years.
• What were the key features of the Weimar Constitution?

  • Established a democratic government.
  • Allowed women to vote for the first time.
  • Introduced proportional representation in the Reichstag.
  • Provided checks and balances among government branches.
• Who was the head of state in the Weimar Republic?

  The President was the head of state.
• What was the role of the Chancellor in the Weimar Republic?

  The Chancellor was the head of government and chose all government ministers.
• What was the composition of the Parliament in the Weimar Republic?

  The Parliament was made up of two houses: the Reichstag and the Reichsrat.
• What was the voting age in the Weimar Republic?

  The voting age was 21 years old.
• What were the strengths of the Weimar Constitution?

  1. Democratic principles established.
  2. Proportional representation ensured fair representation.
  3. Checks and balances to prevent concentration of power.
• What was the role of the Reichstag in the Weimar Constitution?

  The Reichstag was the more powerful house that controlled taxation and was directly elected by the people.
• How could the Reichsrat influence legislation in the Weimar Republic?

  The Reichsrat could delay new laws passed by the Reichstag unless overridden by a two-thirds majority.
• What was the electorate in the Weimar Republic composed of?

  The electorate consisted of all men and women aged 21 years and older.
• What was the significance of the civil servants in the Weimar Republic?

  Civil servants helped maintain state functions and stability during the transition to the new government.
• What was the relationship between Ebert and General Groener?


  Ebert reassured Groener that the army would not be reformed, and in return, Groener agreed to support the new Republic.
• How did Ebert gain the support of industry leaders?

  Ebert promised industry leaders that the new Republic would not confiscate land or factories.
• What was the promise made to trade unions by Ebert?


  Ebert promised to work towards achieving an eight-hour working day.
• What was the general atmosphere in Germany despite Ebert's efforts?


  Germany was still on the edge of anarchy with demonstrations and riots common in major cities.
• What was the outcome of Ebert's efforts to stabilize the Weimar Republic?

  Ebert achieved a fragile control that lasted long enough to agree on a new constitution.
• What was the significance of the phrase "Anarchy brings hunger and unrest" in the context of the Weimar Republic?


  It highlighted the dangers of disorder and instability in post-war Germany.
• What was the role of the National Assembly in the context of the Weimar Republic?


  The National Assembly was responsible for creating a new constitution for Germany.