P3 Weimar & Nazi Germany

• What event marked the beginning of the revolution in Germany in 1918?

  The mutiny of sailors at Kiel Harbour
• Why did the sailors at Kiel Harbour mutiny?

  They refused to follow orders to attack
• What was the outcome of the opposition to the war in Germany?

  Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated his throne
• When did Germany sign the Armistice?

  11th November 1918 at 11am
• What does the term 'Armistice' mean?

  • Agreement to end fighting
• What does 'Abdication' refer to?

  • Giving up the throne
• What is 'Mutiny' in a military context?

  • Refusal of orders by soldiers/sailors
• What are 'Soviets'?

  • Workers' and soldiers’ councils
• What was the Weimar Republic?

  • New democratic government formed after the abdication of the Kaiser
• Where was the new Government of Germany formed?

  Weimar
• What was Germany known as after the new Government was formed?

  Weimar Republic
• Which political party led the Weimar Government?

  Social Democratic Party
• Who was the leader of the Social Democratic Party?

  Friedrich Ebert
• What was the Weimar Constitution?

  • A list of laws governing Germany
  • Established the framework for the Weimar Republic
• What are the strengths of the Weimar Constitution?

  Strengths:

  • Proportional Representation: Broad political opinions
  • Article 48: Emergency powers for the President
  • Article 22: Universal suffrage for citizens over 20
• What is Proportional Representation in the Weimar Constitution?

  Political parties win seats based on votes
• How does Article 48 function in the Weimar Constitution?

  Allows President to rule without Reichstag in emergencies
• What age must German citizens be to vote according to Article 22?

  20 years old
• What are the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

  Weaknesses:

  • Proportional Representation: Extreme parties gain seats
  • Article 48: Potential for abuse of power
  • Frequent disagreements leading to inaction
• What is a potential issue with Proportional Representation?

  Smaller, extreme parties can gain seats
• What risk is associated with Article 48?

  Emergency rule could be abused by the President
• What was the Weimar Republic established after?

  World War I
• What does the 'Stabbed in the Back' myth imply about the Weimar Government?

  It suggests they betrayed the German people
• What does 'Dolchstoss' mean in English?

  Stab
• What was the main accusation against the Weimar Government in relation to WWI?

  They surrendered and signed the Treaty of Versailles
• What was one of the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

  Article 231
• What did Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles state?

  Germany had to accept sole responsibility for WWI
• How much in reparations did Germany have to pay according to the Treaty of Versailles?

  £6,600 million
• What are the key terms associated with the Weimar Republic?

  • Weimar Republic: Democratic government in Germany after WWI
  • Proportional Representation: Seats based on percentage of votes
  • Article 48: President can rule by decree in emergencies
  • Coalition Government: Multiple parties forming a government
• What is proportional representation in the context of the Weimar Republic?

  Seats in parliament based on vote percentage
• What power does Article 48 grant the President of the Weimar Republic?

  To rule by decree in emergencies
• What is a coalition government?

  Multiple parties working together to govern
• How did the 'Stabbed in the Back' myth affect the perception of the Weimar Republic?

  It fueled resentment and distrust among Germans
• What were the implications of the reparations imposed on Germany?

  They caused economic hardship and resentment
• What was the maximum size of the German army after World War I?

  100,000 men
• What military assets was Germany prohibited from having after World War I?

  No submarines, no air force, 6 battleships
• What territories did Germany lose after World War I?

  All overseas colonies, Saar coalfields, Rhineland
• What was the purpose of the demilitarized Rhineland?

  To serve as a buffer zone between France and Germany
• Who opposed the Weimar Republic and wanted the Kaiser to return?

  Right-wing nationals
• What were the main challenges to the Weimar Republic from the left and right?

  • Spartacist uprising
  • Kapp Putsch
  • Freikorps involvement