G Origins of Weimar Republic

Question 1

What was the effect of WW1 for Germany?

Answer 1

1. Massive starvation due to brits blocking food supplies.
2. The War cost Germany £37 billion to fight
3. 7 million people dies, the soldiers who returned began to riot and protest

Question 2

Why did the Kaiser step down?

Answer 2

Between Oct and Nov 1918 he realised he had lost control of Germany.
October : German sailors launched Kiel Mutiny (where sailors refused to fight for Kaiser against Brits.
November :40,000 sailors tried to set up their own workers government. Government control began to break down.
By Nov 9th he realised he needed to step down to avoid communist revolution.

Question 3

What were the causes of the revolution?

Answer 3

1. Food shortages - by Nov 1918 it was clear Germany didn’t have the recourses to win ww1
2. Anger with Kaiser for starting war in the first place. In 1918 the “Spring offensive” failed and they knew army would collapse
3. People inspired by commie revolution in Russia in 1917
   A new democratic government was quickly set up in November 1918 to avoid a Communist revolution.

Question 4

What were strengths and weaknesses of the Weimar constitution?

Answer 4

+ The voting system made sure all Parties had a say in running country
- Article 48 meant the President could take “total control in an emergency.