new republic

• When did the First World War end?


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


  Germany was scarred and crumbling after being defeated.
• Who became the first German president after the First World War?

  Friedrich Ebert
• What was the impact of the First World War on German military personnel?


  Two million German troops died and over four million were wounded.
• How much did government debts increase after the First World War?

  From 50 billion marks to 150 billion marks.
• How many Germans died due to food shortages after the war?

  More than 750,000 Germans died because of food shortages.
• What actions did people take in response to the devastating effects of the war?


  Many people revolted by striking and rioting.
• When did Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate?


  On 9 November 1918
• What happened on 10 November 1918?


  The Kaiser fled to Holland.
• What were the key events leading to the declaration of the German Republic?

  • Kaiser Wilhelm II refused to abdicate initially.
  • Army officers withdrew support from the Kaiser.
  • The Kaiser ultimately abdicated on 9 November 1918.
  • The German Republic was declared on the same day.
• What was the first major decision of Ebert’s new Republic?


  Signing the armistice on 11 November 1918.
• What became a burden for Germany after the armistice?

  The terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
• What were the strengths of the Weimar Constitution?


  • Proportional representation ensured small parties had a fair share.
  • Women were allowed to vote.
  • Voting age was reduced from 25 to 21.
  • No single group could dominate power.
• What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?


  • Proportional representation led to unstable coalition governments.
  • Weak government struggled in crises.
  • Article 48 allowed the president to pass laws without Reichstag consent.
  • The constitution was not popular among the people.
• What was the voting age in the Weimar Republic?

  21 years old
• What was the role of the Reichsrat in the Weimar Constitution?


  The Reichsrat could regulate the power of the Reichstag by delaying new laws.
• How often were elections held for the Reichstag?


  Every four years
• Who was the head of the Weimar Republic?

  The President
• What was the main decision-making body of the Weimar government?

  The Cabinet
• How was the Chancellor chosen in the Weimar Republic?


  The Chancellor was chosen by the President.
• How did the Weimar Constitution ensure no one group had too much power?


  By establishing proportional representation and a system of checks and balances.
• What was the significance of the date 31 July 1919?


  The Weimar Constitution was drawn up on this date.
• Why was the Weimar Constitution drawn up in Weimar instead of Berlin?


  Because there was still unrest in Berlin.
• What was the role of the President in the Weimar Republic?


  The President was the head of state and could declare war.
• What was the significance of Article 48 in the Weimar Constitution?


  It allowed the President to pass laws without the Reichstag's consent in emergencies.
• How did the Weimar Constitution address the issue of women's rights?


  It allowed women to vote, promoting equal rights.
• What was the electoral system used in the Weimar Republic?


  Proportional representation
• What was the impact of proportional representation on the Weimar government?


  It led to unstable coalition governments.
• How did the lack of strong government affect the Weimar Republic during crises?


  It led to the President passing laws without prior consent from the Reichstag.
• What was the consequence of the instability caused by coalition governments in the Weimar Republic?


  Governments often fell apart and struggled to implement strong policies.
• Why was the Weimar Constitution not popular among the people?


  Because it was not the choice of the people.
• What was the voting age before it was reduced in the Weimar Constitution?


  25 years old
• What was the role of the Reichstag in the Weimar Constitution?


  The Reichstag was the more powerful house of Parliament, directly elected by the people.
• How often were elections held for the Reichsrat?


  Every four years
• What was the relationship between the Reichstag and the Reichsrat?


  Both houses were part of the Parliament, but the Reichstag was more powerful.
• How did the Weimar Constitution balance power between central and local governments?


  Central government was more powerful, but local governments retained some power in the regions.
• What was the significance of the date 9 November 1918 in German history?


  It was the day the German Republic was declared.
• What was the role of Friedrich Ebert in the establishment of the Weimar Republic?


  He declared the Republic and suspended the old Reichstag.
• How did the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II affect the political landscape in Germany?


  It led to the declaration of the German Republic and the end of the monarchy.
• What was the main purpose of the Council of People's Representatives formed by Ebert?


  It was a temporary measure to govern after the abdication of the Kaiser.