Establishment of the Weimar Government Flashcards
Events to the Kaiser Abdication
World War 1 started but by 1918, Germany lost many to a flu and were losing the war
In 1918, there were many mutiny’s such as Kiel and rebellion
What does revolution from above mean
It is a change from actions of important people
What does revolution from below mean
It is change from actions of normal people
When did the Kaiser abdicate
9th November 1918
What is the Stab in the Back theory
It is the theory that politicians made Germany surrender and sign the treaty
That the German Army would of won but was held back by the politicians
What were the positives of the Weimar Constitution
Freedom of Speech
People Over 20 could vote
Democracy
Who was Friedrich Ebert
Leader of SPD and Chancellor in 1918
He wasn’t supported by many
Supported both workers and the Elite
He promised reduced working hours, wouldn’t take over industries and would keep same civil servants
What is Proportional Representation
Electoral system in Germany
Each party gets seats on the number of votes they get
Who were the big three
Lloyd George - Britain - In the middle
Clemenceau - France - Very Harsh
Wilson - USA - Very Lightly
What were the main bits of the Treaty of Versailles
Territory - lost all colonies and parts of Germany, very rich in resources
Arms - Limited army and demilitarised Rhineland
Blame - Accepted the blame for the war
Reparations - 6.6 billion for damages to Allies
How did the Germans feel about the Treaty
Humiliating
Thought it was based on the 14 points by Wilson
Unjust
What were the left wing views
Workers have political power
Interests of workers promoted
Inspired by Russian Revolution
What were the right wing views
Wanted a strong government and leader
Capitalism
Hated Communists
What was the Spartacist Uprising
Left wing
Tried to take over government by the communist party
Friekorps stopped it
What was the Kapp Putsch
Right wing - Friekcorps marched on Berlin and Government fled
New government started before the left started a strike
Allowed the Government to take back power
March 1920
