Weimar Republic 1918-29

• Who ruled Germany before the Weimar Republic?

  Kaiser Wilhelm II
• What was the political system in Germany before the Weimar Republic?

  A dictatorship under Kaiser Wilhelm II
• What major conflict was Germany involved in during 1914-1918?

  The First World War
• What was the outcome of Germany's Spring Offensive in March 1918?

  It did not defeat the Allies as hoped
• What caused civil unrest in Germany by November 1918?

  Loss of family members and food shortages
• What significant event occurred on 9th November 1918?

  The abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II

  
• What was the first action of the Weimar Republic?

  To sign an armistice to end the war
• Why did the German public resent the Weimar government?

  They felt humiliated by admitting defeat
• What reforms did the Weimar government introduce?

  Universal suffrage and a new Constitution
• What flaw did the Weimar Constitution have regarding elections?

  Proportional representation created weak coalitions
• How did the Weimar government abuse its emergency powers?

  By passing laws without Reichstag support
• How many German soldiers died between 1914 and 1918?

  Two million
• What happened to Germany's debt from 1914 to 1918?

  It trebled from 50 billion to 150 billion marks
• What caused food shortages in Germany during the war?

  The British Navy blockaded German ports
• What was the significance of the German navy mutiny in October 1918?

  It marked a loss of control for the Kaiser
• What did the German workers announce on 7th November 1918?

  They declared a separate communist state
• What did the Kaiser’s military advisers recommend on 9th November 1918?

  That he must abdicate to stop unrest
• Where did Kaiser Wilhelm II flee after his abdication?

  To the Netherlands
• Why did the Allies want to extradite the Kaiser?

  To stand trial as a war criminal
• Who was appointed Chancellor after Max von Baden?

  Friedrich Ebert
• What was the Council of People’s Representatives?

  A temporary governing body after the Kaiser
• What was Ebert's strategy to suppress communist rioters?

  He collaborated with General Groener and the army
• What was the outcome of Ebert's measures in the short term?

  They regained control of Germany
• What was the purpose of the National Assembly formed in January 1919?

  To write the German Constitution
• Why did the National Assembly meet in Weimar?

  Due to unrest in Berlin
• How long did it take to complete the Weimar Constitution?

  Six months
• What was a strength of the Weimar Constitution regarding voting rights?

  It granted more rights such as voting
• What was a weakness of the Weimar Constitution related to elections?

  Increased elections weakened public enthusiasm
• How did proportional representation affect the Reichstag?

  No single party won a majority
• What was the impact of Article 48 in the Weimar Constitution?

  It allowed emergency laws without Reichstag support
• What was the relationship between the Reichstag and the Reichsrat?

  They worked together in the government
• How did extremist political parties affect the Weimar Republic?

  They violently attacked the government
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

  Strengths:

  • Increased voting rights for the people
  • Proportional representation for smaller parties
  • Designed to prevent ultimate power concentration

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Weakened public enthusiasm for voting
  • No single party majority in the Reichstag
  • Abuse of emergency powers by the government
  • Reliance on force to maintain power
• What were the key events leading to the establishment of the Weimar Republic?

  1. Abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II
  2. Formation of the Council of People’s Representatives
  3. Ebert's collaboration with the army
  4. Establishment of the National Assembly
  5. Creation of the Weimar Constitution

  
• How did Ebert maintain control of the Weimar government in its early days?

  • Collaborated with the army and General Groener
  • Promised not to reform the army
  • Gained support from big business owners
  • Ensured worker rights to gain trade union approval
• What is the Treaty of Versailles often referred to as?

  One of the most hated treaties
• Why were the countries that signed the Treaty of Versailles unhappy?

  They were dissatisfied with the treaty's outcomes
• Who were the 'Big Three' at the Treaty of Versailles?

  Britain, France, and the USA

  
• What did Georges Clemenceau want from the Treaty of Versailles?

  A harsh treaty on Germany
• Why did Clemenceau want to regain territory from Germany?

  Germany had taken Alsace-Lorraine from France