the weimar republic, 1918-29

• When did the First World War end?

  1918
• What was the impact of the First World War on Germany?

  Germany was left scarred and crumbling
• Who became the first German president after the war?

  Friedrich Ebert
• How many German troops died in the First World War?

  Two million
• What was the increase in government debts after the war?

  From 50 billion marks to 150 billion marks
• How many Germans died due to food shortages after the war?

  More than 750,000
• What actions did people take due to the war's effects?

  They revolted by striking and rioting
• When did Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate?

  9 November 1918
• What happened on 10 November 1918?

  The Kaiser fled to Holland
• What did Friedrich Ebert do after the Kaiser abdicated?

  He suspended the old Reichstag
• Who declared the new Republic to the crowds?

  Philipp Scheidemann
• What was the fear of Philipp Scheidemann during the declaration?

  That armed rioters would declare a communist government
• When was the Weimar Republic finally established?

  August 1919
• When was the armistice signed?

  11 November 1918
• What was the first major decision of Ebert’s new Republic?

  Signing the armistice
• What became a burden for Germany after the war?

  The terms of the Treaty of Versailles
• Where was the new constitution drawn up?

  In Weimar
• What were the strengths of the Weimar Constitution?

  • Proportional representation for small parties
  • Women could vote
  • Voting age reduced to 21
  • Prevented concentration of power
  • Regular presidential elections every seven years
  • Central government retained power
• What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

  • Coalition governments were unstable
  • Weak government during crises
  • Article 48 allowed president to bypass Reichstag
  • Not popular among the people
• Why was the Weimar Republic unpopular?

  Due to the Treaty of Versailles' impact
• What were the reparations Germany had to pay?

  £6600 million in instalments
• What military limitations were imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

  Army limited to 100,000 men
• What naval limitations were imposed on Germany?

  Navy limited to six battleships
• What land losses did Germany face due to the Treaty of Versailles?

  Lost 13% of its European territory
• What was the 'stab in the back' theory?

  Belief that politicians betrayed the army
• What challenges did the Weimar government face from the left and right?

  • Left: Spartacists, led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht
  • Right: Freikorps, ex-soldiers organized by the army
• Who led the Spartacist Revolt?

  Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht
• What did the Freikorps do during the Kapp Putsch?

  Marched on Berlin to seize power
• How did the Weimar government respond to the Kapp Putsch?

  Organized a national strike
• How many political assassinations occurred from 1919-1923?

  376
• What were the causes of hyperinflation in Germany?

  • Government printed more money for war
  • Printed more money for post-war shortages
  • French invasion of the Ruhr in January 1923
• What was the effect of hyperinflation on the German currency?

  The German mark became worthless
• Who suffered the most from hyperinflation?

  People with fixed or monthly incomes
• What were the positive effects of hyperinflation?

  • Farmers benefited from higher food prices
  • Some could pay off loans
  • Fixed rents became cheaper
  • Foreign visitors found goods cheaper
• What were the negative effects of hyperinflation?

  • Essentials became unaffordable
  • Businesses went bankrupt
  • Savings lost value
  • Middle classes were most affected
• What were some negative effects of hyperinflation in Germany?

  People couldn't afford essentials like bread
• How did wages compare to prices during hyperinflation?

  Wages rose, but not as quickly as prices
• What happened to some businesses during hyperinflation?

  Some businesses went bankrupt
• Who suffered the most during hyperinflation?

  People with fixed or monthly incomes
• What happened to savings during hyperinflation?

  Savings became worthless