The Kapp Putsch

• What was the Kapp Putsch?

  An attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic
• What is a metaphor for the Kapp Putsch?

  • A school principal trying to seize control
  • Similar to overthrowing an elected student council
• What was Walther von Lüttwitz's role in the Kapp Putsch?

  He was head of the Reichswehr
• What was the ultimate goal of Kapp and Lüttwitz during the Kapp Putsch?

  To seize power from the Weimar government
• When did the Kapp Putsch begin?

  March 13, 1920
• What action did troops take on March 13, 1920?

  Troops marched in support of Kapp and Lüttwitz
• What were the motivations behind the Kapp Putsch?

  • Replace democratic government with authoritarian regime
  • Restore order and stability under strong leadership
  • Protect upper class power and wealth from socialism
• Who led the military side of the Kapp Putsch?

  Walther von Lüttwitz
• What economic conditions contributed to the Kapp Putsch?

  Economic hardships and public unrest after World War I
• What led to the failure of the Kapp Putsch on March 17, 1920?

  The economy was paralyzed and lacked public support
• If the Kapp Putsch were successful, what type of government would have replaced the Weimar Republic?

  An authoritarian regime
• What was Wolfgang Kapp's aim during the Kapp Putsch?

  To become Chancellor
• What were the key events of the Kapp Putsch?

  • March 13, 1920: Troops marched in support
  • Government fled to Stuttgart
  • Workers called for a general strike
  • Civil servants refused orders
  • March 17, 1920: Putsch failed due to lack of support
• What were the main causes of the Kapp Putsch?

  • Dissatisfaction with the Weimar Republic
  • Economic hardships after World War I
  • Fear of socialism spreading in Germany
• What was the motivation behind the dissatisfaction with the Weimar Republic?

  To replace it with an authoritarian regime
• How did the Kapp Putsch affect support for the Weimar Republic?

  It galvanized support from workers and civil servants
• What were the motivations of the military during the Kapp Putsch?

  To align with either democratic or authoritarian factions
• What was the Kapp Putsch?

  A pivotal event in the Weimar Republic
• What was the significance of the Kapp Putsch for the Weimar Republic's democratic principles?

  It reinforced the need for stronger democratic foundations
• What was one consequence of the Kapp Putsch for the Weimar Republic?

  It deepened political divisions within the government
• How did the failed Kapp Putsch affect the democratic principles of the Weimar Republic?

  It strengthened the principles as people defended it
• What was the goal of the Kapp Putsch?

  To replace the democratic government with an authoritarian regime
• How did the military respond to the Kapp Putsch?

  They were divided in their support
• Who were the key figures involved in the Kapp Putsch?

  • Wolfgang Kapp
  • Walther von Lüttwitz
• Who led the political side of the Kapp Putsch?

  Wolfgang Kapp
• What was the public's reaction to the Kapp Putsch?

  There was strong public support for democracy
• What actions did the public take in response to the Kapp Putsch?

  General strike and civil disobedience
• In what year did the Kapp Putsch occur?

  1920
• What did the Kapp Putsch reveal about the Weimar Republic?

  It revealed weaknesses in the government
• Why did fear of socialism motivate the Kapp Putsch?

  To protect the power and wealth of the upper class
• What did workers call for during the Kapp Putsch?

  A general strike
• What was the government's response to the Kapp Putsch?

  The government fled to Stuttgart
• How did the Kapp Putsch reflect the political climate in post-World War I Germany?

  It showed the tensions between democracy and authoritarianism
• What are the key significances of the Kapp Putsch?

  • Exposed weaknesses: Fragility of the Weimar government
  • Strengthened support: Widespread defense of democracy
  • Set stage for future movements: Radical groups challenged the government
• Who primarily blamed the Weimar Republic for the Treaty of Versailles?

  Ex-military officials and right-wing nationalists
• What was the motivation behind restoring order and stability during the Kapp Putsch?

  To establish a strong leader
• What were the main consequences of the Kapp Putsch for the Weimar Republic?

  • Political instability: Deepened divisions within the government
  • Economic disruption: General strike paralyzed the economy
  • Weimar Republic resilience: Showed ability to withstand threats
• How does the Kapp Putsch relate to the concept of authoritarian regimes?


  It aimed to establish an authoritarian regime
• Who were the main participants in the Kapp Putsch?

  Ex-military officials and right-wing nationalists
• Why did government officials flee to Stuttgart during the Kapp Putsch?

  To maintain legitimacy and avoid capture