1918/19 origins of rebublic

• What historical period does this revision video cover?

  The Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany
• What is the purpose of this revision video?

  To provide information on the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany
• What was the duration of World War I?


  Four years, from 1914 to 1918
• How many German troops were killed during World War I?

  2 million
• How many German troops were wounded during World War I?

  4 million
• What financial impact did World War I have on Germany?


  It caused spiraling debt, tripling by 1918 compared to 1914
• What action did the British Navy take in 1918 that affected Germany?


  They blocked German trade routes
• How many people are estimated to have died from hunger in Germany due to food shortages?

  750,000
• What were the consequences of food shortages in Germany?


  Protests and riots occurred in cities like Hanover and Munich
• What political ideas gained popularity in Germany after World War I?


  Communist ideas of workers and soldiers councils
• Why were Western leaders alarmed after the Russian Revolution?


  They feared similar revolutions could occur in their own countries
• What led to Germany losing World War I?


  Inability to feed its people or troops, leading to resistance at the front
• What significant event occurred in Germany by November 1918?


  The country was in uproar with protests, strikes, and riots
• What was the final event that led to the Kaiser losing control of Germany?


  The Navy rebellions in Kiel and Hamburg
• What did sailors in Kiel and Hamburg shout during the rebellions?

  Freedom, peace, and bread
• What happened on the 9th of November 1918 regarding the Kaiser?


  The Kaiser abdicated
• Where did Kaiser Wilhelm II go after his abdication?


  Into exile in Holland
• Who announced the abdication of the Kaiser to the crowds in Berlin?

  Philip Scheidemann
• What did Philip Scheidemann promise after announcing the Kaiser’s abdication?


  A republic would be set up in place of the Kaiser
• What was the role of Frederick Ebert after the Kaiser’s abdication?


  He became the Chancellor
• What was the purpose of the Council of People's Representatives?


  To lead the country until a formal Constitution could be written
• In what year did German officials sign the armistice to end the First World War?


  1918
• What did the leaders of the Council of People's Representatives have to accept?


  Germany could not continue to fight in a war without public support
• When was the Armistice signed to end World War I?


  On the 11th of November 1918
• Who signed the Armistice on behalf of the new German government?

  Matas Erzberger
• How did many Germans perceive the signing of the Armistice?


  As a betrayal of the men who sacrificed their lives
• What challenges did the new Republic face in the months following the Armistice?


  Keeping the support of the people, industry leaders, and the army
• What steps did Ebert take to maintain order in Germany?


  He kept existing civil servants, communicated with army leaders, and met with industry leaders
• Why did Ebert keep existing civil servants in place?


  They understood Germany's needs and how to maintain order
• What was Ebert's approach to trade unions?


  He met with their leaders and agreed to changes in working conditions
• What was the overall outcome of Ebert's actions in the months following the Armistice?


  He managed to gain control of Germany, but his control was weak
• What remained a threat to the Weimar Republic after Ebert's initial control?


  Extreme political parties and public unrest
• What challenge did German officials face after the armistice?


  They needed to sort out a new way of governing Germany
• What were the key steps taken by Ebert to increase confidence in the new republic?


  • Allowed civil servants to keep their jobs
  • Ensured cooperation with soldiers and workers councils
  • Assured the army of no changes and retained officer ranks
  • Reassured industry leaders about no confiscation of land or factories
  • Promised trade unions an eight-hour workday
• Who was the German Chancellor during the establishment of the Weimar Republic?


  Friedrich Ebert
• What did Ebert promise to the trade unions to gain their support?


  To try and achieve an eight-hour workday
• What was the reaction of the radical left and far right to Ebert's efforts?


  They remained unhappy and riots and demonstrations were common
• What was the temporary governing body in Germany before the national assembly?

  The Council of the People's Representatives
• What were the key events leading to the establishment of the Weimar Republic?

  • Abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II on November 9, 1918
  • Announcement of a republic by Philip Scheidemann
  • Formation of the Council of People's Representatives
  • Signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918
• What was the purpose of the elections announced by Ebert?


  To choose a national assembly that would create a new constitution