Treaty of Versailles - aftermath of ww1

• The Spartacists Revolt in 1919 and the Kapp Putsch in 1920 demonstrated the chaos in Germany.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II takes over in 1888 with the goal of establishing Germany as a global power.
• The Kaiser's government faced challenges such as worker dissatisfaction, support for trade unions, and demands for power-sharing from the Socialists (SDP).
• The 1898 and 1912 Naval Laws were enacted during Kaiser Wilhelm II's reign.
• Weltpolitik, or World Policy, was pursued by Kaiser Wilhelm II to compete with Britain.
• After World War I, Germany experienced revolts and the Kaiser abdicated, being replaced by Ebert.
• The Armistice was signed in 1918, leading to the labeling of the government as the "November criminals."
• The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, resulting in the loss of land, reduction of the army, reparations, and the War Guilt Clause.
• In January 1923, Germany fell behind on reparations, leading to the French occupation of the industrial Ruhr area and hyperinflation.
• The Kiel Uprising in 1919 saw sailors mutiny against the Kaiser.
• Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution include proportional representation and Article 48, which granted emergency powers to the Chancellor.
• Gustav Stresemann (Foreign Minister 1924-1929) introduced a new currency, the Rentenmark.
• In 1924, Stresemann signed the Dawes Plan, which agreed on US loans to Germany.
• In 1925, the Locarno Pact was signed, which agreed on new borders.
• In 1926, Germany joined the League of Nations under Stresemann's oversight.
• In 1929, Stresemann signed the Young Plan, which agreed on more loans from the US and lower reparations.
• Weimar Germany started to recover, with improvements in employment and gaining more confidence on the world stage.
• There was a cultural revival, including the avant-garde art movement, Bauhaus design, and American jazz.
• The Wall St Crash and Great Depression occurred in October 1929, leading to an economic crash in the US and ripple effects around the world, especially in Germany.
• Young people were the first to lose jobs, and the working class and middle class were most affected.
• Farmers fell into more debt, and mass poverty and long queues for jobs and food became common sights.
• By 1932, unemployment reached 6 million.
• The Weimar Republic was established in 1920 as the government could not meet in Berlin due to safety concerns.
• In 1928, the Nazis had 12 seats in the Reichstag, but by 1932, they had 230 seats.
• The Nazis gained support by appealing to a range of people and exploiting hatred for the Treaty of Versailles and the communists.
• The rich and middle class supported the Nazis because they believed the Nazis could deal with the communist threat.
• Farmers feared that the communists would take over their land.
• Hindenburg was reluctant to make Hitler Chancellor, but a secret deal was made with von Papen where von Papen would become vice Chancellor if Hindenburg made Hitler Chancellor.
• Hindenburg agreed to make Hitler Chancellor with the condition that only 3 out of the 12 members of the cabinet were Nazis.
• In February 1933, the Reichstag Fire occurred, and the Nazis blamed the communists, leading to the Nazis ruling under emergency powers.
• Enabling Act passed in March 1933, granting Hitler the power to rule without the Reichstag.
• Trade Unions and political opposition banned in 1933.
• Night of the Long Knives in June 1934, where Hitler ordered the arrest and execution of leading members of the SA.
• Hindenburg dies in August 1934, Hitler assumes the title of Fuhrer and the army swears loyalty to him.
• Nazi control was maintained through fear, intimidation, and the use of the Gestapo and SS.
• Propaganda was used, led by Joseph Goebbels.
• Women were taken off the employment register, encouraged to have children, and encouraged to stay at home.
• Textbooks taught Nazi beliefs and indoctrinated children.
• Teachers had to be part of the Nazi party.
• Hitler Youth taught boys how to fight and be good soldiers.