Weimar and Nazi Germany

• When did the First World War end?

  1918
• What was the condition of Germany after the First World War?

  Scarred and crumbling
• Who became the first German president after the war?

  Friedrich Ebert
• What political party did Friedrich Ebert lead?

  Social Democratic Party
• Which countries defeated Germany in the First World War?

  Britain, France, Russia, Italy, USA
• How many German troops died in the war?

  Two million
• How many total German troops fought in the war?

  11 million
• What happened to government debts after the war?

  Increased from 50 billion to 150 billion marks
• How many Germans died due to food shortages?

  More than 750,000
• What was the public response to the devastating effects of the war?

  Many revolted by striking and rioting
• On what date did the Kaiser visit army headquarters in Spa?

  9 November 1918
• What did ministers try to persuade the Kaiser to do?

  To abdicate
• What was the Kaiser's response to the ministers' persuasion?

  He refused to abdicate
• What happened when army officers refused to support the Kaiser?

  The Kaiser had no option but to abdicate
• Where did the Kaiser flee after abdicating?

  Holland
• When was the German Republic declared?

  9 November 1918
• What did Friedrich Ebert do on 10 November 1918?

  Suspended the old Reichstag
• What was formed as a temporary measure after the old Reichstag was suspended?

  The Council of People's Representatives
• What was the atmosphere in Berlin after the declaration of the Republic?

  Streets were crowded and some were armed
• Who declared the new Republic to the crowds?

  Philipp Scheidemann
• Why did Philipp Scheidemann declare the Republic?

  To prevent a communist government declaration
• When did the revolutionary period continue until?

  August 1919
• What was the first major decision of Ebert's new Republic?

  Signing the armistice on 11 November
• What became a burden for Germany after the war?

  The terms of the Treaty of Versailles
• What was the significance of the armistice signed on 11 November 1918?

  It marked the end of fighting in WWI
• What were the economic and political problems Germany faced after WWI?


  • High government debts (from 50 to 150 billion marks)
  • Food shortages leading to over 750,000 deaths
  • Revolts and strikes due to war devastation
• Where was the armistice signed?

  In a railway carriage