31.1.2.1 Reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic.

Question 1

^{Reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic}

What were the two main reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic?

Answer 1

1. Defeat in war: This was a huge surprise to the Germans and many were left humiliated and ashamed.
2. Signing of the armistice: Many felt the terms were too harsh and resented the government for signing it, calling Ebert, the Weimar government and its politicians the ‘November Criminals’.

Question 2

^{Reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic}

When did Germany sign the armistice?

Answer 2

11 November 1918

Question 3

^{Reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic}

What were the territorial terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 3

• All German colonies to be given to the Allies.
• Alsace-Lorraine given back to France.
• Eupen-Malmedy given to Belgium after a plebiscite.
• Saar region to be administered by the League of Nations.
• Posen, Eastern Upper Silesia (after a plebiscite), and West Prussia to be given to Poland.
• Danzig was to become a Free City.
• Memel administered by the League of Nations.
• No union (Anschluss) with Austria.
• North Schleswig to Denmark after a plebiscite.

Question 4

^{Reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic}

What were the military terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 4

• No more than 100,000 soldiers and 15,000 navy men permitted.
• Tanks, armoured cars, and heavy artillery were not permitted.
• Airforce disbanded; military aircrafts were not permitted.
• Naval vessels to be less that 10,000 tons.
• Submarines were not permitted.
• The Rhineland was demilitarised.

Question 5

^{Reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic}

What were the financial terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 5

• Coal in the Saar would be mined by France.
• Reparations fixed at £6.6 billion.
• Cattle and sheep are to be given to France and Belgium as reparations.
• Ships over 1,600 tons to be given up.
• Merchant ships to be built by Germany to replaced ships sunken by U-boats.

Question 6

^{Reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic}

What was the ‘War Guilt Clause’ term that was included in the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 6

Article 231 stated that Germany had to take the blame for starting the war in 1914, enabling the Allies to demand reparations and compensations from Germany.

Question 7

^{Reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic}

What was the ‘Dolchstoss’ (stab in the back) theory?

Answer 7

The ‘stab in the back’ theory was made by German citizens claiming that German politicians had stabbed the army in the back, not knowing that if the German government declined the treaty, it would induce hostility and Germany would be invaded at once.

Question 8

^{Reasons for the early unpopularity of the Republic}

What was the irony behind the ‘Dolchstoss’ (stab in the back) theory?

Answer 8

• The German cabinet actually initially refused to accept the treaty, so much so that, on 19 June 1919, Scheidemann resigned as Chancellor from ‘disgust’.
• The Germans did not know that the reason why the Cabinet accepted the treaty was because refusing the treaty would renew hostility and Germany would be invaded at once, as announced by the Allies.