The Legacy of the First World War

• Britain, France and Russia had fought against Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey in WW1.
• The USA joined the allies in 1917. In early 1918, the Germans were being pushed back on the western front and the British naval blockade had resulted in shortages of food. German defeat was imminent.
• In early October 1918, a new government was formed, led by prince Max of Baden. The new government included members of the Reichstag and was Germany's first parliamentary cabinet.
• The new government in 1918 meant that the government was accountable to the Reichstag rather than to the Kaiser. Up to this time, the Kaiser had control over the army as well as parliament.
• Prince Max approached Woodrow Wilson about ending the war but Wilson said he would not discuss peace terms in Germany while the Kaiser and his military advisers were in control.
• In the Kiel mutiny, sailors at Keil refused to go to sea and attack the British navy as they thought it was foolish and could endanger ceasefire talks.
• On the 9th November 1919, Kaiser Wilhelm realised he had little support and abdicated. 2 days later, Friedrich Ebert was declared the chancellor of the new republic.
• Ebert accepted the armistice on the basis of Wilson's fourteen points. He also announced that there would be elections on the 19th January 1919.
• Wilson's 14 points were put forward in January 1918 as a base for peace talks at Versailles.

  The 14 points included the idea of self-determination which looked to give nations the right to lead themselves.

  It also included the establishment of the League of Nations to maintain peace.
• In the January 1919 elections, no single party had a majority so there would have to be a coalition.

  The assembly elected Friedrich Ebert as the new president.

  The SPD formed a coalition with the catholic Centre Party (ZP) and the Germany Democratic PRT (DDP).
• Members of the assembly in 1919 had to draw up a new constitution and form a peace treaty with the allies.
• Seats won in the 1919 elections:

  SPD- 163

  DDP- 75

  ZP- 71
• The role of the president was the supreme commander of the army.

  He chose the chancellor.

  He was elected every 7 years.

  Article 48- The president could suspend the constitution in an emergency and have full control and make laws without the need for the Reichstag.
• The Reichsrat consisted of 55 representatives from 18 German states.

  They were made to approve laws proposed by the chancellor and Reichstag but could not make any laws.
• The Reichstag had 421 members in 1919 and 647 in 1933.

  The Reichstag was elected every 4 years.

  It was more important than the Reichsrat and could make laws.

  The Chancellor had to have the support of the majority of its members.

  Chosen by all men and women over 20.
• Article 1- German Reich is a republic. Political authority comes from the people.

  Article 22- Reichstag delegates are chosen by all people over 20 by proportional representation.

  Article 23- Reichstag elected every 4 years.

  Article 41- President is chosen every 7 years by the entire electorate.

  Article 48- In an emergency, the president can rule by decree and make laws and keep the chancellor in office without the need for the support of the Reichstag.

  Article 54- The Chancellor requires the support of the Reichstag.
• The laws of the Weimar republic were very democratic- all men and women over the age of 20 could vote.

  The Chancellor had to have the support of the majority of the Reichstag.

  A strong president was necessary to control the government and the country in the crisis Germany was experiencing.

  Voting was by proportional representation.
• Proportional representation produced a large number of political parties which made it difficult to secure a majority in the Reichstag.

  Article 48 meant that the Reichstag could become obsolete.

  Leaders of the army wanted the Kaiser to return.

  Many important civil servants did not want the Weimar republic in power as they did not agree with its liberal views.