Germany and the Growth of Democracy Flashcards
1890 - 1929
Who came to power in 1890 in Germany?
Kaiser Wilhelm II
What were the Kaiser’s aims?
Be a strong leader and build a strong navy and army.
Industrialise Germany
What deformity did the Kaiser have?
Had a withered left arm
Who was the Kaiser related to at the time?
George V
Tsar Nicholas II
What did the Kaiser envy about Britain?
He envied the navy and wanted one for himself
What ‘race’ did the Kaiser start?
Naval arms race
What did the Kaiser start to build Germany?
Industrialisation
What started in 1914 and last 4 years?
World War 1
Who declared war on each other on
Aug 1st, 3rd and 4th?
Aug 1st - Russia v Germany
Aug 3rd - France v Germany
Aug 4th - Britain v Germany (Because of Belgium)
What did the Kaiser do in 1918?
Abdicated - gave up the thrown
Who took the Kaiser’s place?
Friedrich Ebert leader of SPD party
When did WW1 end?
11 Nov 1918
What type of government would Germany become?
Democratic
What was the Weimar Government and Ebert forced to sign?
The Treaty of Versailles
Who was Ebert before the Weimar Government?
Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD)
Give three facts of the Head of State? (President)
- Elected every 7 yrs
- Controlled army, navy & air force
- Had the power of Article 48
Give three facts of the Chancellor? (Prime Minister)
- He/She is chosen by the president
- Responsible for day to day running
- Responsible for healthcare, taxation, law & Order + schooling
Give three facts of the Reichstag?
- Discussed and introduced laws
- Members were elected every 4 yrs
- The voting system was based off of proportional representation - however many % of votes a party got determined the amount of seats the got.
Give three facts of the German People? (electorate)
- All men + women could vote if over age 20
- They allected President + politicians
- They were granted most basic freedoms
What is Article 48?
In a time of crisis the President can rule on his own without the support of the Reichstag