Germany Flashcards
How many German troops killed in WW2
2 Million
When did kaiser wilhelm abdicate
9th nov 1918
Who became the first chancellor of the weimar republic and what party did he represent
Ebert, SDP (social democratic party)
What did Ebert do as he gained power
Suspended the Reichstag and formed a council of peoples representatives
When was the Armistice signed
11th November 1918
What was the ‘stab in the back’ theory
The idea that the German government had betrayed its people by signing the treaty of versailles.
What did Ebert announce elections for after the end of ww2
The national assembly
All men and women could vote over the age of…
20
Was the national assembly vote a success? If so, why?
Yes. 83% of eligible candidates voted
SDP one majority vote
When was the Weimar constitution written
July 1919
What did the Weimar constitution say?
There would be a president, chancellor, parliament and ellectorate
Strengths of the weimar constitution
Democratic
Proportional representation
Provided balance
Army controlled by president so minor parties could not start wars
Weaknesses of the weimar constitution
Proportional representation caused parties to argue and not make decisions
Caused bigger parties to form coalitions
Article 48 was abused due to decisions not being reached
Who were the november criminals and why were they given this name?
The government officials who signed the treaty of versailles. They were seen to have betrayed (stabbed in the back) the people.
When was the treaty of versailles signed?
June 1919
Land policies in the treaty of versailles:
East Prussia given to poland
Alsace-Lorraine given to France
Poland and Czech must be given independence
Army policies in the Treaty of Versailles:
100k men
6 battleships
No airforce
No tanks
Demilitarise the Rhineland
Economic terms of the Treaty of Versailles
£6.6 billion in reparations
Blame in the Treaty of Versailles:
Article 231 states Germany accept responsibility for all loss and damage in the war
When was the Spartacist uprising?
January 1919
Who lead the Spartacist uprising?
Rosa Luxembourg
What buildings did Spartacists seize
Newspaper and communications buildings.
Who did Ebert turn to to stop the Spartacists?
The Freikorps.
How many communists were killed during the Spartacists uprising?
100
Who lead the Kapp Putsch?
Wolfgang Kapp
When was the Kapp Putsch?
March 1920
Why did the Kapp Putsch fail?
Ebert convinced workers to strike which meant that the Putsch could not continue.
When was the invasion of the Ruhr?
January 1923