The early challenges to the Weimar Republic

• What type of government was established in Germany after World War I?

  A democracy
• Why did some groups oppose democracy in Germany after World War I?

  Because groups like the communists and national parties threatened violence
• How many coalition governments were formed in the first four years of the Weimar constitution?

  Nine coalition governments
• Who was allowed to vote for the first time in Germany's history?

  All women and men over the age of 21
• What was a significant issue with the political leadership in Germany after World War I?


  There was no single strong political leader to make quick decisions
• What treaty did Ebert agree to that angered many Germans?

  The Treaty of Versailles
• When was the Treaty of Versailles agreed upon?

  28th of July 1919
• How did many Germans feel about their government after the Treaty of Versailles?

  They felt 'stabbed in the back' and called them the 'November criminals'
• What were the reparations that Germany had to pay according to the Treaty of Versailles?

  Over 6.6 billion dollars
• What restrictions were placed on Germany's armed forces by the Treaty of Versailles?

  Germany's army was limited to 100,000 men and all planes were destroyed
• What percentage of Germany's iron lands and coal mines were taken away?

  50% of iron lands and 15% of coal mines
• What does the term 'Diktat' refer to in the context of the Treaty of Versailles?

  It refers to the treaty being dictated to Germany, forcing them to accept it
• What was the Spartacist revolt and when did it occur?

  It was an uprising by the Spartacist league in January 1919
• Who were the leaders of the Spartacist revolt?

  Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht
• What was the outcome of the Spartacist revolt?

  The revolt was stopped by the Freikorps, and Rosa and Karl were arrested and shot
• What were the Freikorps created for?

  To protect the Weimar government
• How many Freikorps soldiers were there by 1919?

  About 250,000 soldiers
• What triggered the Kapp Putsch?

  Ebert threatened to reduce the numbers of the Freikorps
• Who was the right-wing leader that the Freikorps tried to put in charge during the Kapp Putsch?

  Wolfgang Kapp
• How did Ebert respond to the Kapp Putsch?

  He asked the workers to go on strike
• What happened to the political climate in Germany between 1919 and 1923?

  376 politicians were assassinated
• What did political parties begin to do in response to the violence in Germany?

  They formed their own 'armies' out of unemployed soldiers
• Why were the courts in Germany considered biased during this period?

  Because judges tended to be right-wing
• What percentage of politicians in the Reichstag were from extreme parties?

  40%
• Why did France occupy the Ruhr in 1923?

  Because Germany could not pay reparations
• What was the Ruhr known for in Germany?

  It contained around 80% of Germany's iron, steel, and coal reserves
• What was Ebert's response to the French occupation of the Ruhr?

  He called for passive resistance among workers
• What were the consequences of the passive resistance called by Ebert?

  Increased debts, unemployment, and decreased provisions
• When was the occupation of the Ruhr ended?

  In 1925
• What agreement did Stresemann make regarding the Ruhr occupation?

  He agreed to the Dawes Plan and told workers to stop passive resistance