German revolution 1918-1919

• What years did the German Revolution take place?

  1918 to 1919
• How was Germany governed before 1918?

  Germany was an autocracy under Kaiser Wilhelm II
• When was Germany unified?

  In 1871
• What role did the Reichstag play in Germany's government?

  It advised the king and debated laws
• What was the situation for Germany in Autumn 1918?

  Germany's army was in a managed retreat
• What caused shortages in Germany during the blockade?

  British ships prevented supplies from entering
• What was the Kiel Mutiny?

  Sailors refused to sail on a hopeless mission
• What happened in Munich on November 7, 1918?

  Communists declared Bavaria an independent state
• What does abdication mean?

  To quit being king
• When did Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate?

  On November 9, 1918
• Who declared Germany a republic after the Kaiser abdicated?

  Philip Scheidemann of the SPD
• What was the political landscape in Germany after the Kaiser abdicated?

  There was a power vacuum with competing factions
• What were the main political factions in Germany in 1918?

  • KPD (Communists): Wanted a workers' revolution
  • SPD (Social Democrats): Largest party, supported workers' rights
  • DDP (German Democrats): Moderate left, supported private ownership
  • DVP (German People's Party): Moderate right, conservative views
  • DNVP (German National People's Party): Extreme right, nationalist views
  • Zentrum (Center Party): Mixed left and right ideas
• What did the SPD want for workers?

  More rights but not a Communist revolution
• What was the most powerful party in 1918?

  The SPD (Social Democrats)
• What was the role of the Chancellor after the Kaiser abdicated?

  To lead the new government and appoint representatives
• What was the Armistice agreed upon on November 11, 1918?

  A ceasefire to end fighting in WWI
• What challenges did Germany face at the end of 1918?

  Chaos, returning soldiers, and food shortages
• How did the government maintain order after the Kaiser abdicated?

  By keeping existing officials and military support
• What were the causes of the German Revolution?

  • Hopeless military situation in Autumn 1918
  • Abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II on November 9, 1918
  • Rise of political factions competing for power
• What were the outcomes of the German Revolution?

  • Friedrich Ebert became Chancellor
  • Compromises between left and right factions
  • Establishment of the Weimar Republic
• What is the name of the period in German history after the revolution?

  The Weimar Republic
• Where was the new Republic's government based?

  In the town of Weimar
• What did the SPD promise to workers?

  Reforms like an 8-hour working day
• What was the main goal of the new government in 1919?

  To maintain control and avoid extremism
• What was the significance of the SPD's actions after the Kaiser abdicated?

  They prevented a Communist revolution