New Republic Reaction

• Ebert was opposed by right-wing politicians, many of whom hoped for a return of the Kaiser.
• A myth developed that Ebert had stabbed Germany in the back by signing the Armistice.
• Ebert was also opposed on the left by Communists, who argued that Germany needed a Communist Revolution, like Russia in 1917.
• Nevertheless, free elections were held in January 1919 - the Socialists won a majority and Ebert became the first President of the Weimar Republic.