Weimar Germany (Concise)

• When did World War I last from?

  1914 to 1918
• What event marked the end of fighting in World War I?

  The armistice on November 11th, 1918
• What was happening in Germany as World War I was ending?

  Germany was experiencing widespread unrest and revolution
• What hardships were the German people facing near the end of the war?

  Severe hardship, including starvation due to naval blockades
• What did public opinion turn against during this time?

  Kaiser Wilhelm II
• What did many Germans want as the war ended?

  A democracy and an end to the war
• What significant event occurred in November 1918 involving the German navy?

  Some members rebelled and refused to board their ships
• Who encouraged a general uprising in Germany?

  Kurt Eisner
• What was the significance of the British cartoon from 1917?

  It highlighted the disparity between the rich officers and the struggling population
• What was the situation in Germany by November 1918?

  The situation verged on civil war
• What did members of the SPD call for during the public protest in Berlin?

  They called for the Kaiser’s resignation
• When did Kaiser Wilhelm abdicate?

  On 9th November 1918
• What two socialist parties declared a republic on the same day as the Kaiser’s abdication?

  The Social Democratic Party and the Independent Social Democratic Party (USPD)
• What happened on November 10th, 1918?

  All state leaders appointed by the monarchy left their posts
• What does a republic mean?

  A country ruled by elected representatives, not a monarch
• When was the armistice signed to end World War I?

  On 11th November 1918
• What was the state of the national government in Germany after the war?

  It did not make much effect until after the war
• Who signed the armistice with Germany?

  The Allies (Britain, France, and the USA)
• Why was the new republic under pressure to sign the armistice?

  Because the people were starving and military morale was low
• How did some right-wing Germans view the armistice?

  As a betrayal, believing Germany could still win the war
• What happened after the abdication of the Kaiser?

  Germany was disorganized with different political parties claiming control
• What was the name of the temporary national government established after the Kaiser’s abdication?

  The Council of People’s Representatives
• When were elections held for a new Reichstag?

  In January 1919
• What were the key events leading to the establishment of the Weimar Republic?

  • End of World War I with the armistice on November 11, 1918
  • Widespread unrest and revolution in Germany
  • Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated on November 9, 1918
  • Declaration of a republic by SPD and USPD
  • Establishment of the Council of People’s Representatives
  • Elections for a new Reichstag in January 1919
• What was the Weimar Republic?

  The Weimar Republic was Germany's first democratic government.
• What was the purpose of the Weimar Republic?

  It was designed to give the German people a voice.
• What were the major flaws in the Weimar Republic's constitution?

  It contained major flaws that made the government unstable.
• What were the initial steps in forming the Weimar Republic?

  1. The Council of People’s Representatives organized elections in January 1919.
  2. Friedrich Ebert became the first President, with Philipp Scheidemann as Chancellor.
  3. The new Reichstag met in February 1919 to create a new constitution.
• Who was the first President of the Weimar Republic?

  Friedrich Ebert
• Who was the Chancellor of the Weimar Republic?

  Philipp Scheidemann
• What was the role of the President in the Weimar Republic?

  The President chose the Chancellor and was head of the army.
• How often was the President elected in the Weimar Republic?

  The President was elected every 7 years.
• What could the President do regarding the Reichstag?

  The President could dissolve the Reichstag and call new elections.
• What was the Treaty of Versailles?

  The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty imposed on Germany after World War I.
• When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

  June 1919
• Why was the Treaty of Versailles unpopular in Germany?

  Many Germans blamed the new government for accepting its terms.
• What did Ebert do regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

  Ebert signed the Treaty of Versailles despite initial refusal.
• Who were the main leaders that decided the terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

  David Lloyd George, Georges Clemenceau, and Woodrow Wilson.
• What was Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles?

  It stated that Germany had to take the blame for the war.
• How many men was Germany's armed forces reduced to by the Treaty of Versailles?

  100,000 men