2.2A&B What Was The Weimar Republic? Flashcards
How did Kaiser Wilhelm II respond to calls for democracy before 1918?
Reluctantly made a few minor changes; still held power.
What happened in Germany on 9 November 1918?
Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated and fled to the Netherlands.
Who took over as the leader of Germany after the Kaiser abdicated?
Friedrich Ebert, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
What type of government did Ebert aim to establish in Germany?
A democratic republic, valuing equality and freedom.
Who were the Spartacists?
A left-wing group, mainly communists, led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht.
What did the Spartacists want for Germany?
Wanted Germany to be governed by workers’ councils; opposed Ebert’s democratic ideas.
What methods did the Spartacists use to promote their views?
Organised strikes, demonstrations, and uprisings against Ebert’s government.
Who were the Free Corps?
Ex-soldiers who opposed communism; formed private armies to suppress uprisings.
How did the Free Corps react to the Spartacist uprising in January 1919?
Brutally crushed the uprising in Berlin; killed Spartacist leaders.
What was the result of the Spartacist uprising for the German government?
Ebert’s government gained more control but relied on violence to maintain stability.
What key event happened on 19 January 1919?
Germany held elections for the National Assembly to establish a new government.
Where did the National Assembly meet, and what did they establish?
Met in Weimar; established the Weimar Republic.
Define ‘Weimar Republic.’
Democratic government set up in 1919 after the Kaiser’s abdication; aimed for political equality and freedom.
Why was the Weimar Republic’s establishment significant?
Marked Germany’s transition from monarchy to democracy after WWI.
What did the Weimar Republic symbolize for Germany?
Fresh start; a hope for peace, democracy, and equality.