Germany

• Kaizer Willheilm ruled germany from 1871 to 1918.
• Wilhelm didnt believe in didnt believe democracy, wanted all power and placed his trust in the army.
• Wilhelm adopted the system of militarism , eg strengthening the army to increase world power.
• In 1890-1914 germanys economy expanded becxause they were producing coal and iron , around 2/3 of europes steel.
• As a result of industrialisation , it created new jobs and improved living standards for many people.The upper class had less power.
• The working classes work conditions were poor so they wanted socialism as they had to work longer for less money.
• Groups promising change became more popular (SPD), the kaiser saw them as a threat as he wanted the power .
• The kaiser adopted (Wetpolitic) this was to focus on Germanys army,land,navy.
• The kaiser hoped this would distract the working class from socialism but it only made it worse.
• Wilhelm created The Navy Laws to make people feel patriotic and to expand their empire .(it increased battle ships ets)
• During WW1 Britain made a blockade so german people were starving so the public turned against Wilhelm II.
• In november 1918 members of the army rebelled and efused to follow orde
• Wilhelm abdicated and fled to Holland ,due to unrest in Berlin and protests.
• The armastice was signed on the 11/11/1918 / the right wing parties believed it was a betrayal as they were told they were winning.
• The Weimar republic was formed by the SPD's , the leaders was Friedrich Ebert ,it was held in Weimar as there was too much violence in Berlin
• The president was elected every 7 years and could make a law if there was an emergency .
• The reichstag (parliament) were elected due to proportional representation eg the amount of members due to amount of votes.
• Ebert signed the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919 and was called a November criminal.
• The terms of the TOV were sever : £ 6.6 billion in reparations,article 231,lost the Sarr and Rhineland.
• Germans called the TOV a diktat eg dictated peace, some felt 'Docshuss' eg stabbed in the back.
• In 1919 there were thoasnads of poor germans starving,alot were killed of due to the flu epeidemic .
• The extreme left wanted to overthrow the government and establish a communist dictatorship.(sparcist revolt).Ebert got help from the Friedkorps to stop the rebellion using violence killing hundreds.
• Germany couldnt pay the repar`tion so the French and Belgain soldiers invaded and took over the factories.
• The workers went on strike the government printed more money but created hyperinflation.
• Germanys currency became worthless so countries wouldnt trade no more .