Threats from the Left

• What important deal did Chancellor Ebert make on November 10th, 1918?


  Ebert agreed to maintain the authority of army officers in exchange for army backing.
• What were the consequences of Ebert's deal with General Groener?


  It led to compromises with old elites, preventing their removal from power.
• Why did Ebert make a deal with conservative elites?


  He viewed the radical left as a far bigger threat than the conservative elites.
• When did the Communist Revolution occur in Russia?


  In November 1917.
• How did Ebert view the Bolsheviks?


  He viewed them with horror and did not want a Soviet-style dictatorship.
• What was the Spartacist Union formed from?


  A breakaway group of USPD members with communist beliefs.
• Who led the Spartacist Union?

  Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg.
• What did the Spartacists want regarding power distribution?


  They wanted power taken from the National Government and given to soldiers and workers councils.
• What measures did the Spartacists propose for industry and security?


  They wanted large farms and industries run by the state and police replaced by workers militias.
• Why did the traditional elite fear the Spartacists?


  They feared losing their wealth and power in a Soviet Germany.
• What was the general attitude of the working class towards the Spartacists?


  The working class largely supported the moderate SPD.
• What happened to Rosa Luxemburg in December 1918?


  The Berlin Soviet refused to allow her to speak at their meeting.
• How was the January Spartacist uprising dealt with?


  It was easily crushed by the army and Freikorp.
• What characterized the strikes in the Ruhr in spring 1919?


  The strikes were generally uncoordinated and resulted from frustration at conditions.
• How were the Ruhr strikes ended?

  They were ended through the use of the army, Freikorp, and government concessions.
• What was the most serious Communist uprising in Bavaria?


  The Bavarian 'Uprising' in April 1919.
• What did radicals do at the end of the War in Bavaria?


  They overthrew the Bavarian monarchy and declared a republic.
• What measures were introduced under Bolshevik control in Bavaria?


  Workers' control over factories and plans to end paper money were introduced.
• What happened in May 1919 regarding the Bavarian uprising?


  The Freikorp were sent to suppress the revolution.
• What was the outcome of the fighting in Bavaria?


  Over 700 people were killed, and 1000 suspected communists were executed.
• What was the long-term effect of the Bavarian uprising?


  Bavaria became a magnet for right-wing extremist groups.
• How did the perception of the Communist threat change by the end of 1919?


  The Communist threat was receding by the end of 1919.
• What were the main weaknesses of the radical left during 1918-19?


  • The working class largely supported the SPD and Centre Party.
  • The revolutionary left was divided without a unifying leader.
  • Lack of coordination made it easier for the government to suppress uprisings.
  • The army remained disciplined and loyal to the government.
• What criticism has been directed at Ebert regarding his response to the Communist threat?


  He has been criticized for being so fearful of Communism that he overlooked the greater threat of a right-wing putsch.