German Revolution 1918

• When did Germany become a unified country?

  Germany became a unified country in 1871.
• Who was responsible for unifying the German states?

  The largest German state, Prussia, was responsible for unifying the German states under the rule of the Prussian King, known as the Kaiser.
• What was France's reaction to the unification of Germany?

  France went to war with Prussia to prevent a powerful and united neighbor.
• What provinces did France cede to Germany after the Franco-Prussian War?

  France ceded the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany.
• What type of government was established in the Second Reich?

  The Second Reich was an autocratic monarchy.
• Who chose the government ministers and the chancellor in the Second Reich?

  The Kaiser chose the government ministers and the chancellor.
• What was the role of the Reichstag in the Second Reich?

  The Reichstag suggested laws and could block new laws and the budget, but its powers were limited.
• By 1912, which political party was the largest in the Reichstag?


  The SPD (socialist party) was the largest party in the Reichstag by 1912.
• What was the significance of the term 'kaiserreich' in the context of the Second Reich?

  The term 'kaiserreich' signifies the dominance of the Kaiser’s position within the constitution of the Second Reich.
• When did Germany enter World War One?

  Germany entered World War One in August 1914.
• How did the initial public sentiment towards the war manifest in Germany?

  There was a patriotic wave of support for Kaiser Wilhelm II at the start of the war.
• What was the government's portrayal of the war to the German public?


  The government claimed it was a defensive war fought to protect Germany from hostile countries.
• What was the initial belief about the duration and outcome of the war?

  It was believed that the war would be brief and that victory was assured.
• What factors contributed to growing hostility towards the Kaiser during the war?

  Military failure to secure a quick victory and high casualty rates contributed to growing hostility towards the Kaiser.
• How many war casualties did Germany suffer by 1916?


  Germany's war casualties totalled 1.5 million by 1916.
• What were the major battles that contributed to high casualties in 1916?

  The major battles were Verdun and the Somme.
• What was the total number of German war dead by 1918?

  The number of German war dead had risen to 1.8 million by 1918.
• What economic problems did Germany face during the war?


  Germany faced economic problems due to the long war, harsh winters, and a blockade by the British navy.
• What was the 'turnip winter' and why was it significant?

  The 'turnip winter' refers to the harsh winter of 1916/17 when Germans had to use turnips instead of potatoes due to potato blight.
• How many meals were handed out in Hamburg in April 1917?

  6,000,000 meals were handed out in Hamburg in April 1917.
• What was the impact of the blockade on the German population?

  The blockade led to queuing for food and coal becoming an everyday part of people's lives.
• How did civilian deaths from starvation and hypothermia change from 1916 to 1918?

  Civilian deaths increased from 121,000 in 1916 to 293,000 in 1918.
• What political problems arose for the Kaiser due to the war?

  Many Germans began to question the direction of the war, leading to political problems for the Kaiser.
• What actions did the Kaiser take in response to the growing political problems?

  The Kaiser handed over increasing authority to his army leadership, leading to a quasi-military dictatorship.
• Who became leaders of the Supreme Command in 1916?

  Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff became leaders of the Supreme Command in 1916.
• What was the response of Hindenburg and Ludendorff to the stalemate on the battlefield?

  They intensified the war effort by mobilizing the homefront to focus all resources on winning the war.
• What was the Auxiliary Labour Law and why was it unpopular?

  The Auxiliary Labour Law conscripted all men aged 17-60 to serve the war effort, and it was unpopular among the populace.
• What inspired widespread strikes in Germany in 1917?

  The success of the Russian Revolution and a reduction in the bread ration inspired widespread strikes.
• How many workers demonstrated for food and an end to the war in Berlin in April 1917?

  Over 300,000 workers demonstrated in Berlin in April 1917.
• What was the 'peace resolution' passed by the SPD and Centre party in the Reichstag?

  The 'peace resolution' called for peace in response to growing discontent with the war.
• What actions did some workers take in response to the war and the SPD leadership's stance?

  Some workers set up their own councils (soviets) and formed the USPD to campaign for an end to the Auxiliary Service Law and the war.
• What did the split in the SPD signify about German politics?

  The split in the SPD was a clear sign of the growing divide in German politics.
• What was the situation of the Kaiserreich by January 1918?

  The Kaiserreich was under great pressure with widespread strikes in the major cities.
• How many workers went on strike in Berlin in January 1918 and for how long?

  500,000 workers went on strike in Berlin for 5 days.
• What recommendation did Ludendorff make regarding the Kaiser in October 1918?

  Ludendorff recommended the dissolution of the autocratic monarchy.
• What was the purpose of the reforms initiated by the Kaiser after Ludendorff's recommendation?

  The reforms aimed to save Germany from humiliation and preserve the Kaiser’s image of control.
• Who was elected as the new chancellor by the Kaiser?

  Prince Max of Baden was elected as the new chancellor.
• What significant change did Prince Max implement in the military?

  He put the military under government control.
• How did Prince Max's actions reflect a "revolution from above"?

  His reforms were designed to maintain the Kaiser’s control and prevent humiliation from defeat.
• What did Prince Max write on October 3rd, 1918?


  He wrote 'The Peace Note' urging President Wilson for an armistice.