1.1.1 Why Was a New Constitution Necessary?

• To strengthen Germany's negotiating position, the Kaiser and leading general instigated a 'revolution from above'
• The new government was led by Prince Max of Baden, who became the new chancellor
• Military generals, such as Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff, supported the new government to avoid taking responsibility for admitting defeat
• The shock of defeat and economic crisis led to a mutiny in Kiel which spread across major cities, calling for the Kaiser to abdicate
• The Kaiser's resignation led to the creation of a republican government led by a left-wing coalition