Early Challenges of the Weimar Republic 1919-23

• What did the establishment of the Weimar Republic signal for Germany?

  It signaled chaos and violence.
• What was the main economic issue Germany faced after World War I?

  Massive inflation plagued Germany.
• When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

  28 June 1919
• What was the reaction of Germans to the published terms of the Treaty?

  Many were horrified/terrified/speechless by the terms.
• Who led the French during the negotiations of the Treaty of Versailles?

  Clemenceau
• What was one of the harshest terms imposed on Germany by the Treaty?

  Article 231, the War Guilt Clause.
• What percentage of its land did Germany lose due to the Treaty?

  13 percent
• What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany's population?

  More than 6 million inhabitants were dispossessed.
• How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany's international status?

  Germany was denied entry to the League of Nations.
• What theory emerged blaming the Weimar Government for Germany's defeat?

  The 'stab in the back' (dolschtoss) theory.
• Who were labeled as the 'November Criminals'?

  Ebert and the Weimar Government politicians.
• What did Ebert call the terms of the peace settlement?

  A Gewaltfrieden (an enforced peace).
• What was the political situation in Germany during the early years of the Weimar Republic?

  There was constant unrest and uprisings.
• What was Ebert's agreement with army leader Groener?

  The army would support the government against revolution.
• Who led the Spartacist League?

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

  The uprising was suppressed by the army and Freikorps.
• When did the Spartacist Uprising begin?

  6 January 1919
• What was the role of the Freikorps during the uprisings?

  They helped suppress leftist uprisings.
• What was the main reason for the German resistance during the French occupation of the Ruhr?

  To protest against the invasion and reparations.
• What was the economic consequence of the German workers' strike in the Ruhr?

  Production stopped, worsening the economy.
• What triggered the Kapp Putsch in 1920?

  The disbanding of the Freikorps and army reduction.
• What did the Kapp Putsch challenge?

  The authority of the Weimar Government.
• What was the political climate in Germany after World War I?

  It was marked by chaos and unrest.
• What was the significance of the Freikorps in post-war Germany?

  They were paramilitary groups opposing Bolshevism.
• How did the Weimar Government respond to the challenges from the left and right?

  It faced constant threats and uprisings.
• What was the impact of the French occupation of the Ruhr on German sentiment?

  It fueled hatred towards the French and Belgians.
• What was the economic situation in Germany during the early 1920s?

  Germany faced hyperinflation and economic instability.
• What was the effect of the British naval blockade on Germany?

  It caused food shortages and unrest.
• What was the significance of the Spartacist League's formation?

  It marked the rise of communist movements in Germany.
• What was the role of the Reichswehr during the Spartacist Uprising?

  It was used to suppress the uprising.
• What was the outcome of the second communist uprising in Berlin in March?

  It was put down with great ferocity.
• What was the primary reason for the Weimar Republic's early unpopularity?

  The signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
• How did the Weimar Government's policies contribute to its challenges?

  High taxes and acceptance of reparations angered citizens.
• What was the public perception of the Weimar Government's handling of the Treaty of Versailles?

  It was viewed as a betrayal by many Germans.
• What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany's military?

  Germany's military was significantly reduced.
• What was the significance of the term 'Diktat' in relation to the Treaty of Versailles?

  It referred to the dictated nature of the peace.
• How did the Weimar Republic's dependency on the army affect its authority?

  It weakened the authority of the Weimar Republic.
• What was the significance of the German Communist Party's formation?

  It marked the formal establishment of a communist movement.
• What was the impact of the Kapp Putsch on the Weimar Republic?

  It exposed the vulnerabilities of the government.
• How did the Weimar Republic's early years reflect the consequences of World War I?

  They were marked by instability and unrest.