CHALLENGES TO THE REPUBLIC 1919-23 Flashcards
What is usually blamed for the weakness of the Republic?
The system of proportional representation to elected members to the Reichstag.
What was the result of unstable coalitions?
There were frequent changes in government that undermined confidence in the new democracy.
How many cabinets were there between February 1919 and January 1933?
Twenty.
Who became the president after Ebert’s death in 1925?
Hindenburg.
What was Article 48?
President could rule by emergency decree.
When was article 48 used? (As well as after this period)
1923-4, following the Ruhr and hyperinflation crisis.
1930-33, following the Wall Street crash and the collapse of Müller’s government.
What did many workers hope would be established at the end of the war?
A soviet-style government. Industry would be nationalised.
What caused the formation of the Spartacists?
A lack of reform led to the resignation of the Independent Socialists from the Council of People’s Representatives.
When did the Spartacists attempt to seize power in Berlin?
5th to 12th January 1919.
Why was the Spartacist uprising not a serious threat to the Republic?
They had inadequate armed forces and the revolt did not spread through Germany. Their opponents, the Freikorps were able to suppress it.
What sparked the Kapp Putsch?
The government began to disband the Freikorps.
Who was proclaimed as chancellor in the Kapp Putsch?
Wolfgang Kapp.
Why did the government flee during the Kapp Putsch?
The army refused to crush the rising.
How was the Kapp Putsch eventually defeated?
Trade Unions called a general strike, which paralysed public services.
Where did the Kapp Putsch have some success?
In Bavaria. Where the army installed a right-wing government.
