Lesson 1: Consequences of the First World War on Germany

• How long did the German Army fight in France during WWI?

  4 years
• What was the public sentiment in Germany during the war?

  The public were not happy
• What blocked supplies to Germany during the war?

  British ships
• How many people died from starvation in Germany?

  750,000
• What actions did the public take in response to the situation in Germany?

  There were protests and strikes
• What did soldiers do during the protests?

  They refused to follow orders
• Who were keen to bring change in Germany?

  Jewish Communists
• Why was the war considered too expensive?

  It caused significant casualties and suffering
• When did the German Revolution start?

  November 1918
• What were the consequences of the First World War on Germany?

  • High casualties in the army
  • Public dissatisfaction
  • Starvation leading to 750,000 deaths
  • Protests and strikes
  • Soldiers joining protests
  • Rise of revolutionary sentiments
• Who lost control of the German people?

  Kaiser Wilhelm
• What pressure did Kaiser Wilhelm face?

  Pressure to abdicate
• When did Kaiser Wilhelm abdicate?

  10th November 1918
• Who became the leader of the Weimar Republic?

  Frederick Ebert
• What is the Weimar?

  A district in Germany
• What is a Republic?

  A country without a monarchy
• What was the biggest political party in Germany?

  Social Democratic Party (SDP)
• Who was the leader of the Social Democratic Party?

  Friedrich Ebert
• What position did Friedrich Ebert hold after the abdication?

  Chancellor of Germany
• Why did Ebert not want the Communists in power?

  Communism might bring more chaos
• What are key terms related to the Weimar Republic?

  1. Kaiser - King of Germany
  2. Abdicated - Stepped down from power
  3. Exile - Moved safely away
  4. Constitution - Rules for governance
  5. Republic - No royal family
  6. Communist - Equality and workers' rights
  7. Reichstag - German government building
• How did Ebert bring calm and stability?

  Worked with the army against communists
• What did Ebert demand for Germany?

  A new constitution
• What type of government did Ebert introduce?

  Democracy
• When was the Armistice signed?

  11th November 1918
• What was the Armistice?

  Agreement to end the war
• What treaty did Germany agree to after the war?

  Treaty of Versailles
• What did Germany have to admit in the Treaty of Versailles?

  Defeat and guilt for the war
• What were the main actions taken by Ebert to stabilize Germany?

  • Collaborated with the army against communists
  • Removed extreme politicians from Reichstag
  • Demanded a new constitution
  • Introduced democracy through public voting