Section 1

• What were the political consequences for Germany after World War I?

  Massive political, social, and economic consequences
• What were the strengths of the Weimar Republic's Constitution?

  Voting rights for men and women over 20
• What challenges did the Weimar Republic face regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

  Reactions to the Treaty of Versailles were negative
• When did the Kaiser abdicate?

  9 November 1918
• What was the impact of the naval blockade on Germany?

  It prevented food and resources from being imported
• Who was Kaiser Wilhelm II?

  Kaiser from 1888 to 1918
• What was Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution?

  Allowed the President to rule by decree
• How did proportional representation affect the Weimar Republic?

  It made coalition governments necessary and unstable
• What was the total amount of reparations Germany had to pay?

  £6,600 million
• What was the 'stab in the back' myth?

  Belief that the government betrayed the army
• Who led the Spartakist League?

  Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht
• What was the role of the Freikorps in the Weimar Republic?

  They were used to suppress communist uprisings
• What were the key terms related to the Weimar Republic's challenges?

  • Republic: a state without a monarch
  • Abdicate: to give up the throne
  • Armistice: formal agreement to stop fighting
  • Coalition: government of multiple parties
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

  Strengths:

  • Universal suffrage for adults over 20
  • Elected President with power to appoint Chancellor
  • Proportional representation in elections
  • Fixed terms for the Reichstag

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Article 48 gave too much power to the President
  • Coalition governments often weak and unstable
  • Small extremist parties gained representation
• What was the main reason for the German Revolution of 1918-19?

  Loss of faith in Kaiser Wilhelm II
• What was the significance of the armistice signed on 11 November 1918?

  It marked the end of fighting in WWI
• How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany's military?

  Limited army size and banned certain weapons
• What was the reaction of Germans to the Treaty of Versailles?

  Many viewed it as humiliating and unfair
• What was the impact of the French invasion of the Ruhr?

  It led to hyperinflation in Germany
• What was the role of the Social Democrats in the Weimar Republic?

  They aimed to improve workers' lives through democracy
• How did the economic conditions after WWI contribute to the instability of the Weimar Republic?

  Economic damage led to resentment and unrest
• What was the significance of the Rhineland being demilitarised?

  It increased insecurity among Germans
• What was the main goal of the Spartakist uprising?

  To initiate a full-scale revolution
• Why did the Spartakist uprising fail?

  It lacked support from other left-wing groups