Weimar Germany T1

• Legacy of WW1:

  • 11 million Germans fought - 2 million killed
  • Collapse of Imperial Germany (monarchy)
  • Unrest = riots and strikes
• Collapse of Imperial Germany:

  9th Nov 1918 - Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates

  10th Nov - Friedrich Ebert becomes Chancellor

  11th Nov - Erzberger signs armistice ending WW1.
• Strengths of the Weimar Constitution:

  • Voting system installed, strong political system, smaller political parties given a say
  • Women given the vote
  • Could only pass laws if approved by the Reichstag.
• Weaknesses of Weimar Constitution:

  • Failed coalition governments lead to more elections
  • Looks weak - no clear leaders.
  • Lack of control - Article 48 used too often to make decisions.
• What was the Treaty of Versailles?


  June 1919.

  Peace treaty - Germany accepts full blame for actions in WW1, agrees to pay reparations to the Allies (136,000 marks)

  Lost land and military forces - destroyed Germany economically.

  Hated by Germans - looked weak, named politicians who signed it 'November Criminals'.
• What was the Sparticist Revolt?

  1919.

  Left-wing communist threat - 400,000 members led by Rosa Luxembourg (Red Rosa).

  6th Jan - 100,000 go on strike.

  Defeated by Friekorps - shot Rosa dead.

  Aim = wanted to defeat WR and replace it with communism.
• What was the Kapp Putsch?

  1920.

  Right-wing nationalist threat - led by Wolfgang Kapp, were Friekorps.

  5000 marched on Berlin and declared Kapp as leader.

  Ebert told workers to go on strike - 4 days, no food, no electricity.

  Kapp was arrested.

  Aim = wanted Kaiser in power
• What was the French Occupation of Ruhr?

  1923.

  Germany unable to send coal to France - France sent troops and took away goods and coal.

  Ebert ordered miners to go on strike and France arrested strikers.

  Ebert wanted to avoid violence, made Germany look weak.

  Lead to debt and unemployment.
• What was hyperinflation?

  1923.

  Government printed more money, became worthless.

  Goods cost more.

  Other countries refused German money - humiliating, led to a hatred for foreigners.

  Middle classes affected the most - savings become worthless.
• Stresemann's actions (economic stability):

  Reichsmark: 1923 - addressed hyperinflation, new currency introduced, German money accepted.

  Dawes Plan: 1924 - addressed economic stability, reparation payments reduced to $50 million per year, more confidence in WR.

  Young Plan: 1929 - addressed economic stability, reparations reduced to $2 billion and given 59 more years, improved industry and gained more confidence in the WR.
• Stresemann's actions (foreign relations):

  Locarno Pact: 1925 - addressed foreign relations, Germany allowed to be part of foreign agreements, more support and confidence in WR.

  League of Nations: 1926 - addressed foreign relations, joined league, improved industry and gained more confidence in WR.
• Standard of living in 1928:

  • Unemployed workers - 1.3 million
  • Wages increased by 25%

  Working class: Biggest section of population, need to get them to vote for Ebert and politicians, take away support from other parties, more confidence in WR.
• Women in Weimar Republic:

  • Women in work 75% during war dropped to 36% post-war.
  • Given vote in 1918, 2500 female doctors, 10% of politicians were female in 1932.
  • Influence by American women - felt more empowered and appreciated.
  • Opposition = traditionalism, expected to give up work after marriage, still had lower wages than men (30%), Germany now had a failing birth rate.
• Culture in Weimar Germany:

  Art - images of drunks and prostitutes

  Literature - stories of horrors of war, 'All Quiet on the Western Front'.

  Cinema - controversial and uncensored.

  Architecture - futuristic building

  Government supported - gave money to support creative businesses.

  New objectivity - before WW1 only shown positive side of Germany, all about propaganda.
• Causes of change in culture = greater freedom of expression, improved economy, influence from USA, new technology, public support, Weimar Government.