The Weimar Republic, 1918-29

• What event marked the abdication of the Kaiser in Germany?

  The abdication of the Kaiser occurred during the revolution of 1918-19.
• What was the significance of the armistice in 1918 for Germany?

  The armistice marked the end of fighting in World War I and led to political changes in Germany.
• What was established in Germany following the abdication of the Kaiser?

  The Weimar Republic was established.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Weimar Republic's Constitution?

  Strengths:

  • Proportional representation
  • Strong civil rights protections

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Article 48 allowing emergency decrees
  • Fragmentation of political parties
• What were some reasons for the early unpopularity of the Weimar Republic?

  Reasons included the 'stab in the back' theory and the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
• What is the 'stab in the back' theory in relation to the Weimar Republic?

  It was the belief that Germany lost World War I due to betrayal by politicians and socialists.
• What were the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles that affected Germany?

  The Treaty imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany.
• Who were the Spartacists and what was their role in challenging the Weimar Republic?

  The Spartacists were a leftist revolutionary group that sought to overthrow the Weimar government.
• What was the Freikorps in the context of the Weimar Republic?

  The Freikorps were paramilitary groups that opposed the leftist movements and supported the Weimar government.
• What was the Kapp Putsch and its significance?

  The Kapp Putsch was a failed coup attempt in 1920 by right-wing forces against the Weimar government.
• What economic crisis did Germany face in 1923?

  Germany faced hyperinflation in 1923.
• What were the reasons for hyperinflation in Germany during 1923?

  Hyperinflation was caused by reparations payments, economic instability, and excessive printing of money.
• What were the effects of the French occupation of the Ruhr in 1923?

  The occupation led to passive resistance, economic disruption, and further hyperinflation in Germany.
• Who played a key role in the economic recovery of the Weimar Republic from 1924 to 1929?

  Gustav Stresemann played a key role in the economic recovery.
• What was the Rentenmark and its significance in the Weimar Republic?

  The Rentenmark was a new currency introduced to stabilize the economy and curb hyperinflation.
• What were the Dawes and Young Plans?

  The Dawes and Young Plans were agreements to restructure Germany's reparations payments and stabilize its economy.
• What role did American loans and investment play in the recovery of the Weimar Republic?

  American loans and investment provided crucial financial support for Germany's economic recovery.
• When did the Paris Peace Conference take place?

  January 1919
• Who was the British Prime Minister at the Paris Peace Conference?

  David Lloyd George
• What was David Lloyd George's public stance on Germany during the conference?

  He believed Germans should be punished.
• What was David Lloyd George's private view on Germany's recovery?

  He thought a strong Germany would help fight communism from Russia.
• What did Clemenceau want from the Treaty of Versailles?

  Reparations and security for France.
• Why did Clemenceau want Germany to pay for the damage caused to France?

  To ensure Germany could not invade France in the future.
• What was Wilson's main goal at the Paris Peace Conference?

  To set up The League of Nations to discuss and settle international disputes.
• What were the reparations Germany was required to pay?

  132 billion gold marks or 6.6 billion pounds.
• What restrictions were placed on the German army by the Treaty of Versailles?

  The army was restricted to 100,000 men and the navy to 6 battleships.
• What was the War Guilt Clause in the Treaty of Versailles?

  Germany had to accept guilt for all loss and damage caused by the war.
• What was the Dolchstoß myth?

  Germans were told by the army and Kaiser they were winning the war, and blamed the Weimar government for 'stabbing Germany in the back'.
• What was the status of Germany in the League of Nations after the Treaty of Versailles?

  Germany was not allowed to join the League of Nations.
• What was the territorial loss for Germany as a result of the Treaty of Versailles?

  Germany lost 13% of its land, including the Polish Corridor and Alsace-Lorraine.
• Why did Germany hate the Treaty of Versailles?

  It imposed disarmament, blamed the wrong government, caused loss of territory, and included the war guilt clause.
• How did disarmament affect Germany's military pride?

  Germany was proud of her armed forces, and a reduced army was seen as inadequate for defense.
• What was the significance of the November Criminals in German society?

  They were blamed for signing the peace treaty and were accused of betraying Germany.
• What was the new government structure established after WWI in Germany?

  A President elected for 7 years who could sack the Chancellor.
• What power did Article 48 give to the President of the Weimar Republic?

  The President could pass laws without the Reichstag in a state of national emergency.
• What was the problem with the Proportional Representation voting system?

  It made it difficult for any one party to achieve a majority, leading to unstable coalition governments.
• What were the main challenges faced by the Weimar Republic from 1918 to 1929?

  • Disarmament and military restrictions
  • Blame for the Treaty of Versailles
  • Economic issues like hyperinflation
  • Political instability with coalition governments
  • Revolts and uprisings (e.g., Spartacist Revolt, Kapp Putsch, Munich Putsch)

  
• What was the Spartacist Revolt?

  A communist uprising in 1919 that aimed to take over the government.
• Why did the Spartacist Revolt fail?

  It failed due to poor planning, lack of support, and the intervention of the Freikorps.
• What was the Kapp Putsch?

  A right-wing coup in 1920 led by Dr. Kapp against the Weimar government.