ABDICATION OF THE KAISER Flashcards
What happened on 29th September 1918?
Ludendorff called for armistice negotiations
What happened on September 30th?
Kaiser promised political reform
What happened on October 1st?
Prince Max formed a new government
What happened on October 28th?
Kaiser introduced further reforms making the chancellor accountable to the Reichstag
What happened on October 30th?
Naval Mutiny at Wilhelshaven
What happened on November 3rd?
Naval mutiny spread to Kiel
What happened on November 8th?
Revolt in Bavaria led to declaration of Bavarian socialist republic
What happened on November 9th?
Declaration of the German republic in Berlin and abdication of the Kaiser
What was the situation by the end of September 1918?
The German army on the western front was on the brink of defeat and Ludendorff wanted an armistice
What was the issue with negotiations?
President Wilson wouldn’t negotiate with an autocratic monarch - some attempt at reform in October
What was the morale of the German people like?
Low as they thought Germany were winning the war, adding to discontent - workers in large cities began to threaten strike action
What was happening amongst the armed forces?
There was also discontent, soldiers and sailors began to lose respect for officers - mutiny
What was created amongst the workers?
Workers and soldiers councils - similar to that in Russia
Why did the kaisers government collapse?
The threat of general strike in Berlin - chancellor prince max resigned and SPD leader Ebert became new leader
What later happened on November 9th?
General groener told the kaiser that the army wouldn’t fight for him - kaiser had little choice but to abdicate
