The Weimar Republic 1918 - 1929

• What event marked the end of World War One for Germany?

  Germany signed an armistice on 11 November 1918
• What was the significance of the Kiel Mutiny?

  It sparked rebellions leading to the government's collapse
• Who abdicated on 9 November 1918?

  Kaiser Wilhelm II
• Who became Chancellor after the Kaiser’s abdication?

  Friedrich Ebert, leader of the SPD
• What does 'abdication' mean?

  When a Monarch resigns and gives up the throne
• What was the role of the armistice signed on 11 November 1918?

  It ended the fighting in World War One
• Who signed the armistice on behalf of Germany?

  Representatives of the new civilian government
• What term was used to describe those who signed the armistice?

  They were called the 'November Criminals'
• What is the Dolchstoßlegende?

  It is the 'stab-in-the-back' theory
• When did the SPD party gain the most power?

  In January 1919 elections
• Who became the first democratically chosen President of Germany?

  Friedrich Ebert
• Where did the new German constitution get drafted?

  In the town of Weimar
• Why was Berlin deemed unsafe for drafting the constitution?

  Due to the Spartacist uprising earlier in January 1919
• When was the new constitution approved and signed?

  In August 1919
• What government is referred to as the 'Weimar Republic'?

  The government established after the 1918 revolution
• What were the main events leading to the establishment of the Weimar Republic?

  • Defeat in World War One
  • German Revolution begins in November 1918
  • Kiel Mutiny leads to government collapse
  • Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates on 9 November
  • Friedrich Ebert becomes Chancellor
  • Armistice signed on 11 November 1918
  • SPD gains power in January 1919 elections
  • New constitution drafted in Weimar, signed August 1919
• What is the name of the German republic between 1919 and 1933?

  The Weimar Republic
• What type of political system was the Weimar Republic?

  Representative democracy
• What was the aim of the Weimar Republic's constitution?

  To give genuine power to all German adults
• What contributed to the downfall of the Weimar Republic in 1933-34?

  Major flaws in the constitution
• What were the strengths of the Weimar constitution?

  • Genuine democracy with elections every four years
  • All Germans over 20 could vote
  • The Reichstag appointed the government and made laws
  • Bill of Rights guaranteed freedoms and equality
• What were the weaknesses of the Weimar constitution?

  • Proportional representation led to many small parties
  • Difficult to pass laws, resulting in weak governments
  • Article 48 allowed president to act without parliament
  • Lack of clarity on what constituted an 'emergency'
• How often were elections held for the parliament and president in the Weimar Republic?

  Every four years
• What was the role of the Reichstag in the Weimar Republic?

  To appoint the government and make laws
• What did the Bill of Rights guarantee for German citizens?

  Freedom of speech and religion
• What was the impact of proportional representation in the Weimar Republic?

  Led to many small parties in parliament
• How did Article 48 affect the Weimar Republic's democracy?

  Weakened confidence in democracy through overuse
• What is the name given to the German republic between 1919 and 1933?

  The Weimar Republic
• Why was the Weimar Republic created?

  It was created after Germany lost World War One
• What major event led to the abdication of the Kaiser?

  Defeat in World War One
• What were the two main reasons for the troubled start of the Weimar Republic?

  Starvation and hatred for the government
• What term did Germans use for their government after signing the armistice?

  November criminals
• What was the theory that emerged about the German army after the war?

  They were 'stabbed in the back' by politicians
• Who were the Allies during World War One?

  Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, USA
• What was the date when the Treaty of Versailles was signed?

  28 June 1919
• What were the three main types of punishment imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

  Military, territorial, and financial punishments
• What was the amount Germany had to pay in reparations in 1922?

  £6.6 billion
• What was the maximum size of the German army allowed by the Treaty?

  100,000 troops
• What was banned from Germany's military under the Treaty?

  Tanks and conscription
• What territory did Germany lose to France?

  Alsace-Lorraine