Modern History OCR

• When was the Weimar Republic established?

  1918
• What event led to the formation of the Weimar Republic?

  The abdication of the Kaiser
• Who became Chancellor after the Kaiser abdicated?

  Friederick Ebert
• What was the public perception of the new republic?

  Linked with defeat and humiliation
• What was the Spartacus League?

  A communist group led by Liebknecht and Luxemburg
• What did Ebert do to suppress the Spartacist uprising?

  Turned to the army under General Groener
• What were the Freicorps?

  Voluntary army units used to suppress uprisings
• What was the outcome of the Spartacist uprising in Berlin?

  It was brutally suppressed by the Freicorps
• How did Ebert's actions affect the socialist movement?

  It split the socialists and alienated the communists
• What was the significance of the Treaty of Versailles for the Weimar Republic?

  It was seen as a dictated peace and caused resentment
• What was the War Guilt Clause?

  Clause 231 that blamed Germany for the war
• What were the reparations imposed on Germany?

  5 billion dollars before May 1921
• What territorial losses did Germany face after the Treaty of Versailles?

  13% of its territory and 6 million people
• What was the impact of the demilitarization of the Rhineland?

  It reduced Germany's military presence in the area
• How did the Versailles Treaty affect the political landscape in Germany?

  It fueled resentment and opposition to the republic
• What was Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution?

  Allowed the President to rule by emergency decree
• What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

  Proportional representation led to instability
• Why was the Weimar Republic considered to have no friends?

  It had many enemies and few supporters
• What economic challenges did the Weimar Republic face?

  War devastation and reparations payments
• What was the significance of the Kapp Putsch?

  It was a serious right-wing challenge to the republic
• How did the political landscape change from 1919 to 1923?

  Increased attacks from both left and right
• What were the major political parties in the Weimar Republic?

  • SPD: Majority Socialists, supporters of the Republic
  • Centre Party: Represented Catholic viewpoint
  • Liberal Democratic Party: Moderate party in coalitions
  • KPD: Left-wing socialists, opposed the Republic
  • DNVP: Right-wing nationalists, opposed the Republic
  • NSDAP: Nazis, emerged later in the Reichstag
• What were the main weaknesses of the Weimar Republic?

  • Opposition from left (KPD) and right (DNVP)
  • Resentment over the Versailles Treaty
  • Weaknesses in the Constitution (PR, Article 48)
  • Lack of popular support and societal consensus
  • Economic difficulties from war and reparations
• What were the key events during the years of survival (1919-1923)?

  • Spartacist uprising in Berlin (Jan 1919)
  • Kapp Putsch (March 1920)
  • Bavarian Soviet Republic (April 1920)
  • Economic crises and hyperinflation
  • Political instability from left and right opposition
• How did the Weimar Republic attempt to stabilize itself after 1924?

  • Negotiated peace and reparations
  • Established a new constitution
  • Formed coalitions among moderate parties
  • Addressed economic challenges through reforms
• Which parties supported the Weimar Republic?

  SPD, Catholic Centre, Liberal Democratic Party
• Who opposed the Weimar Republic on the left?

  Independent Socialists and Communists (KPD)
• Who opposed the Weimar Republic on the right?

  German National Peoples Party and Nazis
• Who founded the Nazi Party?

  Anton Drexler
• What was the Spartacist uprising?

  Left-wing attempt to overthrow the republic in 1919
• How was the Spartacist uprising suppressed?

  By the army and the Freikorps
• What happened during the Bavarian Soviet Republic?

  It was established by Communists and suppressed in 1920
• What was the Kapp Putsch?

  A right-wing coup attempt in March 1920
• What was the outcome of the Kapp Putsch?

  It was defeated by a general strike
• What was the significance of the Kapp Putsch's failure?

  It showed Germany did not want a military government
• Who was assassinated in 1921 for signing the Treaty of Versailles?

  Matthias Erzberger
• Who was killed in 1922 for urging compliance with the Treaty?

  Walter Rathenau
• How many political murders occurred between 1919 and 1922?

  376 political murders
• What was the punishment disparity between left and right-wing assassins?

  Left-wing assassins faced harsher penalties
• What was the Beerhall Putsch?

  Hitler's failed coup attempt in 1923