Crisis in Germany in 1918 Flashcards
What happened in 1916?
The Battle of Jutland which was the largest and only naval battle of WW1. It paved the way for the Allied Blockade as the British navy had proved their dominance.
What was the Allied Blockade?
It was intended to steer Germany into submission and in 1918, German naval forces had been instructed to break the blockade.
What did this lead to ? (german naval forces fighting back)
It led to a naval mutiny at Wilhelmshaven which reduced morale and the naval forces were powerless.
What did this naval mutiny lead to?
It led to an uprising in Kiel where a red flag of revolution was raised. It resulted in the formation of committees which represented the new form of German politics.
Why was there a military crisis?
1) Military forces had an unwillingness to fight due to constant failures.
2) constant failures meant low morale
3) weaker forces meant soldiers and sailors didn’t believe they could win the war.
What was The Offensive (1918)?
Ludendorff had launched a last ditch attempt to win the war (Ludendorff Offensive). It failed which led to Germany having no hope of winning as Americans changed the balance of the war. On the 29th Sept 1918, Ludendorff informed Foreign Minister to request a ceasefire but from civilian gvt.
What had happened after the war in terms of the economy?
After the war, lots of money was used in rebuilding any destroyed German infrastructure.
What was the economy based on in WW1?
The war effort.
What happened to factories?
They stopped producing everyday goods and turned to weapons and ammunition.
What did Austria-Hungary do?
They made substitutes for scarce resources during the Allied Blockade.
What happened to civilians morale during the war?
It decreased due to deprivation
What did the British Blockade do?
The blockade of the North Sea was preventing many food supplies from reaching Germany.
What happened in 1917?
Strikes supported by trade unions. Wanted improved working conditions and pay.
What happened in 1918?
People in cities like Berlin and Munich found that arguments of revolutionary political groups appealed to them. Civilians turned their anger towards leadership.
Who was in control of Germany before the Weimar gvt?
The Kaiser was in control but after 1916, Hindenburg and Ludendorff essentially turned it into a military dictatorship
