1. The origins of the Republic, 1918–19 Flashcards
When did the Kaiser abdicate and to where?
On the 9th November, the Kaiser fled to Holland
Who - and what - was the Kaiser of Germany?
A Kaiser can also be referred to as a German Emperor. At this time, it was Kaiser Wilhelm.
What was the Kaiser told to do and when? By who and why did he need to do so?
By late 1918, he was told by the army that he had to abdicate to stop the country from falling into civil war.
How did the war affect Germany in 1918?
The Allies had blockaded Germany, preventing food and resources from entering the country. This led to food shortages across Germany.
The shortages of supplies led to unrest in the country. There were strikes and demonstrations; even an uprising in Munich. Naval crews mutinied (rebelled), refusing to follow orders.
When was the Armistice signed? Who accepted it?
Friedrich Ebert, leader of the SPD (Social Democrats) and then Chancellor accepted the Armistice on the 11/11/18
What were the terms of the new constitution?
Democratic system - everyone over 20 could vote
System of checks and balances, meaning that power was shared out
Proportional representation
Reichstag + Reichsrat
President + Chancellor
What were the terms of the new constitution?
Democratic system - everyone over 20 could vote
System of checks and balances, meaning that power was shared out
Proportional representation
Reichstag + Reichsrat
President + Chancellor
Article 48
What was ‘proportional representation’? What was the problem with it?
One term of the Weimar constitution.
% of Reichstag seats = % of votes
The main problem was the lack of agreement - in the 1920s, there were 28 different parties in the Reichstag, each of which wanted different things. This made it difficult to have a stable government.
What was the Reichsrat
The other house of the Parliament. Could delay new laws unless overruled by the Reichstag. Made up of representatives from local government
Who was the President? How often was he elected and what were two of his roles?
He was the head of state. Elected every 7 years, he chose the chancellor and dismissed the Reichstag.
Who was the Chancellor and what was his role?
He was the head of government. He ran the country.
Who was the Chancellor and what was his role?
He was the head of government. He ran the country.
What was Article 48? What was the issue with it?§
This was an article that allowed the president to suspend the Reichstag and pass laws by decree
This made it seem as though the new constitution didn’t really work
What was the issue with the sharing of power between the president, the chancellor and the Reichstag?
In times of crisis, strong decisive government from the chancellor became very difficult
