1918 Revolution

• What event initiated the two-stage revolution in October 1918?

  The Kaiser accepted Chancellor Hertling's resignation
• What was the significance of Kaiser asking Prince Max von Baden to form a government?

  It marked a shift to a parliamentary government
• Who was Prince Max von Baden?

  A moderate conservative and Wilhelm II's cousin
• What did Prince Max von Baden do to form his cabinet?

  He included representatives from majority parties
• What was the hope of the Kaiser and generals regarding Max von Baden's appointment?

  They hoped for favorable terms from the USA
• What did Max von Baden request from President Wilson on October 3?

  An armistice based on Wilson's fourteen points
• How did Wilson respond to Max von Baden's request for an armistice?

  He demanded total surrender and regime change
• What was the impact of Wilson's response on the German political landscape?

  It increased calls for the Kaiser’s abdication
• What happened to Ludendorff on October 26?

  He was forced to resign
• Why did Max von Baden reassure Wilson about military control?

  To show the military was under government control
• What significant change occurred in Germany on October 28?

  Germany became a parliamentary monarchy
• What were the responsibilities of the Chancellor and ministers after the change?

  They were responsible to the Reichstag and Bundesrat
• How were the Kaiser’s powers over the military affected?

  His powers were significantly reduced
• What voting system was abolished in Prussia?

  The three-class voting system
• What was the urgency for an armistice related to the military situation?

  Britain broke through the last German defense
• What event marked the beginning of Stage 2 of the revolution?

  The mutiny of naval crews at Wilhelmshaven
• What did the sailors do during the mutiny at Wilhelmshaven?

  They raised the Communist flag
• Who called for a communist revolution during the mutiny?

  Karl Liebknecht of the Spartacus League
• What happened on November 3 in Kiel?

  The High Seas Fleet mutinied
• What was the outcome of the mutiny in Kiel?

  40,000 rebellious sailors, soldiers, and workers took control
• What was proclaimed on November 7 in Bavaria?

  An independent socialist republic was proclaimed
• Who led the uprising in Munich for the Bavarian Socialist Republic?

  Kurt Eisner, a socialist USPD member
• What did the Revolutionary Shop Stewards call for on November 8?

  A general strike the next day
• What happened on November 9 in Berlin?

  Workers' and soldiers' councils were formed
• Who proclaimed a Workers' Republic in Berlin?

  Philipp Scheidemann from the SPD
• What did Prince Max do after Wilhelm II's abdication?

  He transferred political authority to Friedrich Ebert
• Who became Chancellor of the new Republic?

  Friedrich Ebert
• What was Friedrich Ebert's challenge as Chancellor?

  To maintain army support without alienating the left
• How did the revolution end in terms of the socialist movement?

  It disappointed the Spartacus movement's goals
• How large was the Spartacus League by the end of 1918?

  It barely had 1,000 members
• What did most protesters want instead of a communist dictatorship?

  A form of democracy
• Who led many of the workers' soviets during the revolution?

  USPD members seeking democratic change
• How is the revolution of 1918 often described?

  As a failure
• Why might Germans not have wanted large-scale social experiments in 1918?

  It would have been disastrous in winter
• What did the revolution ultimately provide for Germany?

  An armistice and a Republic
• What was clear about the new political institutions after the revolution?

  They would be democratic in nature
• How did the pressure from outside the Reichstag affect representation?

  It achieved greater popular representation
• How strong was the reform movement within the Reichstag against the imperial regime?

  It never looked strong enough to assert itself
• What did the new Republic promise for Germany?

  To be freer and more egalitarian