History Wider Reading cheat sheet

• What year was the presidential election in the Weimar Republic of Germany held?

  1925
• Why was the presidential election of 1925 held in the Weimar Republic?

  It was held because President Friedrich Ebert died.
• What does the Weimar Constitution state about presidential elections?

  A full election must be held to decide the new president.
• Who were the candidates for the KPD in the 1925 election?

  Ernst Thälmann
• Who was the candidate for the SPD in the 1925 election?

  Otto Braun
• What party did Wilhelm Marx represent in the 1925 election?

  The Zentrum party
• Who was the candidate for the NSDAP in the 1925 election?

  Erich Ludendorff
• What was the outcome of the first round of voting in the 1925 election?

  Two candidates from the left and one from the right advanced to the second round.
• Who won the presidency in the 1925 election?

  Paul von Hindenburg
• What percentage of the vote did Wilhelm Marx receive in the 1925 election?

  45.3%
• What percentage of the vote did Paul von Hindenburg receive in the 1925 election?

  48.3%
• What was Paul von Hindenburg's background?

  He was a military figure and likely a monarchist.
• How tall was Paul von Hindenburg?

  6 feet 5 inches
• How did Hindenburg's election affect the perception of the Weimar Republic among the elite?

  Many in the elite became warmer to the Republic, hoping for a return to old ways.
• What significant battles did Hindenburg win during World War I?

  The Battle of Tannenburg and the Battle of the Masurian Lakes.
• What was Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution?

  It allowed the president to bypass Parliament in times of threat.
• What were the concerns of the left regarding the Weimar Republic after Hindenburg's election?

  They felt the Republic failed to bring true equality and cited violent uprisings.
• What significant uprisings did the left cite as evidence of oppression?

  The Spartacist uprising and the Ruhr uprising.
• How did Hindenburg handle his presidential powers?

  He did not abuse his powers granted by the Constitution.
• How did the middle class feel about Hindenburg's presidency?

  They were divided, with some favoring old ways and others supporting new reforms.
• What economic crisis affected the middle class during the Weimar Republic?

  The hyperinflation crisis.
• Who did the middle class blame for the hyperinflation crisis?

  The SPD for allowing inflation to continue.
• What were the main political parties involved in the 1925 presidential election in the Weimar Republic?

  • KPD (Communist Party of Germany): Ernst Thälmann
  • SPD (Social Democratic Party): Otto Braun
  • Zentrum (Center Party): Wilhelm Marx
  • DVP (German People's Party): Wilhelm Marx
  • DNVP (German National People's Party): Paul von Hindenburg
  • NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers' Party): Erich Ludendorff
• What were the key events leading to the election of Paul von Hindenburg in 1925?

  1. Death of President Friedrich Ebert
  2. Full election held according to the Weimar Constitution
  3. First round results led to a second round
  4. Hindenburg wins with 48.3% of the vote
  5. Wilhelm Marx receives 45.3% of the vote
• What were the reactions of different social groups to Hindenburg's presidency?

  • Right: Became warmer to the Republic, hoping for a return to old ways.
  • Left: Felt oppressed and cited violent uprisings as evidence.
  • Middle Class: Divided in opinion, affected by hyperinflation.
• What were some of Hindenburg's actions and policies during his presidency?

  • Did not abuse presidential powers
  • Upheld democracy
  • Banned pornography
  • Enforced homophobic laws