German Revolution and the Creation of the Weimar Republic, 1918-1919. Flashcards
Results of vote for peace in July
212-126 (FOR)
Economic Statistics
1913-1918 Mark lost 75% of value
£8.3Bn in costs, only 16% covered by taxation
Some inflation
Living Conditions Statistics
Meat consumption is 12% of pre-war level
1917- Turnip Winter due to naval blockade
Deaths from starvation and hypothermia= 414,000
Who led military dictatorship and for what time?
Hindenburg and Ludendorff
From 1916 to the 26th October 1918
29th September 1918
H&L suggest speedy armistice and new Civilian Government
3rd October 1918
New civilian government formed
Led by Prince Max of Baden
Liberals and Socialists
October Reforms- Date and Provisions
28th October 1918
A Parliamentary Monarchy
Not much change but increased democracy and lessened Kaiser’s powers.
“It is hardly in doubt [..] that the monarchy and the army were not prepared to subordinate themselves to the civil government.” -Kolb.
Kiel Mutiny- Date and statistics
3rd November 1918
1,000 arrests
sparked riots across the country, reached capital on the 9th of November.
“not a question of a centrally-planned campaign […] but a spontaneous outbreak by the war-weary people.” -Kolb.
8th November 1918?
Proclamation of a Bavarian Republic
Led by Kurt Eisner
Forced King Ludwig III to flee to Austria
Proclamation of the Republic- Date etc.
9th November 1918
Both Scheidemann and Liebknecht announced.
“Scheidemann’s announcement, which was considered premature by Ebert, was designed to forestall action by the more radical elements”- Bookbinder.
9th November events?
Ebert given Chancellorship due to lack of support for Prince Max.
Proclamation of Republic
Kaiser abdicates and flees (due to pop. pressure and H&L.)
Ebert-Groener Pact- Date and Provisions
10th November 1918
Both wished to keep it secret
Would protect each other/ not interfere.
ZAG (ZentralArbeitsGemeinschaft)- Date and Provisions
15th November 1918
Between trade unions and industrialists
Max. 8hr work day, trade union negotiating rights, worker’s committees for all jobs w/ over 50 ppl.
“Social policy in exchange for renouncing socialisation- such was the employer’s strategy during the revolutionary months.” - Kolb.
Revolutionary Government (Council of People’s Deputies) -Term time and statistics
November ‘18 to February ‘19
3 SPD and 3 USPD
Supported by workers due to ZAG
Dissolved themselves with a vote of 344 to 98
^This was in order to leave way for a new government
Spartacists and some USPD wanted more radical change so did not support
Jan 1919 Spartacist uprising- Causes and initial events
Dismissal of KPD head of police
Came after the KPD Boycott of the January elections
No real plan- 500,000 participated in strike and 100,000 participated in riots (7th of Jan)
Spartacist Uprising- Suppression
SPD (Ebert and Defence Minister Noske) use Army and Freikorps to suppress the revolt
^Divided the LW
15th Jan- 100 protesters and Luxembourg & Liebknecht Shot.
Highlighted Weimar’s reliance on the Army for political stability.
January 1919 elections
SPD 38%
Pro-Weimar 77%
New constitution- People involved, vote results, date?
Hugo Preuss, Lawyer then SPD
262:75 FOR
11th August
Strengths of Weimar Constitution
Democratic- (UK only 30+ w/ property, France not until ‘44)
Gender equality, freedom of Speech/ religion etc.
Proportional representation gave everyone a voice, more representative of the whole. No single person/party could have too much power.
Accountability- Reichstag vote every 4 years
Weaknesses of Weimar Constitution
Proportional Representation- numerous coalition government, decisions more time consuming and harder to make.
Chancellors chosen by President
President elected every 7 years- long time?
Article 48 (emergency powers) could easily be abused. (and was).
Article 25 (dissolve Reichstag)
