Creation of a Republic, 1918-19

Question 1

Nature of Prince Max’s govt

Answer 1

Made constitutional reforms: extended vote, made ministers and army responsible for government, not kaiser.

Question 2

28 October

Answer 2

Government inauguration day. Navy in Kiel refuse to sail against British fleet. Set off strikes and mutinies across Germany.

Question 3

German Empire breaking up

Answer 3

8 Nov

Bavaria broke from Germany; kaiser abdicated; Prince Max’s government resigned.

Question 4

Council of the People’s Representatives

Answer 4

Set up 10 Nov

Led by Socialist groups in Reichstag (SPD, USPD).

Question 5

Ebert-Groener Pact

Answer 5

Chancellor Ebert signed pact with army (army would support government as long as government opposed left-wing ideas.

November 10, 1918

Question 6

Signing of the Armistice

Answer 6

11 Nov
Erzberger signs the armistice. Germany had no say in treaty negotiations. Parties in the Reichstag began to form and reform and the government introduced social reforms during this unstable period.

Question 7

The Spartacist Revolt

Answer 7

4-15 Jan 1919
Germans were afraid of the ‘Red Plague’ of communism from Russia. Spartacist uprising in Berlin, Ebert moved government to Weimar for safety. Freikorps brutally dealt with Spartacists.

Question 8

Results of 19 Jan 1919 Election

Answer 8

82.7% of electors voted. SPD did not get majority so formed coalitions with Centre Party and DDP.

SPD: 38%

Question 9

ToV

Answer 9

28 June 1919

Ended war. Terms: Germany lost land, demilitarised and had to pay reparations.

Question 10

When was the Weimar Constitution passed?

Answer 10

31 July 1919

Question 11

How many votes for a seat

Answer 11

60,000

Question 12

Bill of Rights

Answer 12

freedom of speech an religion
right to work an financial assistance
workers had special protection 
welfare rights, eg. for disabled
right to property- business could not be nationalised without compensation