Challenges From The Left

Question 1

Challenges from the Left
Background Fact 2 - What were the left-wing?

Answer 1

The left-wing were a population of Germans who believed in community and equality, showing support for communism which the right-wing majorly opposed.

Question 2

Challenges from the Left
The Spartasist Revolt - Barricades

Answer 2

• In January 1919, workers began protesting in Berlin against poor working conditions and low wages, by taking over buildings and setting up barricades to revolt, this was known as the Spartasist Revolt.

✓ This was a threat because it showed the amount of outrage within the German population, who are willing to take action against the government for change.

x However, the revolt was stopped by the Freikorps and army, undermining the power that the protesters held over the government.

Question 3

Challenges from the Left
The Spartasist Revolt - Luxemberg

Answer 3

• During the revolt, the Freikorps and army were sent in to end the riots where thousands of protesters and leaders were killed, such as Rosa Luxemburg.

✓ This was a threat as it further sparked distrust between the people of Weimar and its government, who killed innocent protesters for voicing their issues.

x However, the revolt was stopped by the Freikorps and army, undermining the power that the protesters held over the government.

Question 4

Challenges from the Left
The Ruhr Mines - Protests

Answer 4

• In the spring of 1919, a series of protests and strikes were led by those angered by the economic problems within Germany and a lack of achievement from the German revolution.

✓ This was a threat as it showed the power and will which the public had to make a change

x However, protests like these usually lacked leadership and therefore failed to make change

Question 5

Challenges from the Left
The Ruhr Mines - Central Germany

Answer 5

• Protesters demanded working improvements and shorter hours. These protests spread to the Ruhr mines in Central Germany and Berlin

✓ This was a threat because the protests gained more attention in Central Berlin, causing more outrage.

x However, the protests were stopped by the Freikorps, causing the death of many protesters.

Question 6

Challenges from the Left
Bavaria - Kurt Eisner

Answer 6

• In November 1918, Jewish revolutionaries led by Kurt Eisner took control of Bavaria, however he was later forced to resign as Eisner’s left wing USPD lost the February 1919 elections.

✓ This was a threat because it showed how easily places like Bavaria could be overthrown

x However, Eisner was forced to resign, undermining the impact he had on Bavaria

Question 7

Challenges from the Left
Bavaria - The Red Guard Army

Answer 7

• After resigning Eisner was assassinated by the right, which caused outrage within the left. As a result, far Left groups took power in a Soviet Republic and set up the Red Guard Army, taking elites as hostages.

✓ Taking powerful people into hostage was a major threat to the government as it showed the extent of the Left’s power and will to get their way

x However, the Freikorps and army were sent in to stop the Left, leading to a right wing government being made.

Question 8

Challenges from the Left
Historians - Ruth Henig

Answer 8

Ruth Henig: “The crushing of the spartasists in January 1919 permanently split the Left in Germany.”

Question 9

Challenges from the Left
Historians - Detlev Peukert

Answer 9

Detlev Peukert: “The Republic survived all challenges because both Left and Right were disorganised and divided.”