Germany info ~1919 Flashcards
Define constitution
A set of rules for a country
Why was the Weimar Constitution formed in 1919?
Germany had just gotten rid of one system of government
-badly needed another
(Weimar constitution= one of most democratic at time)
When was the armistace for WW1 signed?
11:11:1918
Why was the signing of the armistace in 1918 a shock for the German public?
Kaiser had censored news of the war
- Public thought Germany way winning- thought sudden defeat was result of pacifists and weak politicians stabbing army in the back
- -> criticised gov.
How did the Weimar Constitution work in terms of how members were elected?
All Germans over 20 can vote
-Election using proportional representation
President- elected every 7 years
(appoints courts & armed forces (reichwehr))
Reichstag (parilament) elected every 4 years
Reichsrat (senate) appointed from 17 local gov.s in Germany
(Reichstag +Reichsrat= laws)
Chancellor (head of gov.) appointed by President
What did the president in the Weimar Constitution have access to as emergency powers?
Article 48
-complete control
Can set aside Fundamental Laws
What were the 3 fundamental laws in the Weimar Constitution?
Personal Freedom
-No one can be arrested unless they have broken the law
Freedom of Expression
-All Germans can express their opinion in speech, writing, or picture
The freedom to hold peaceful meetings and form unions and societies
What were the advantages and disadvantages of the Weimar Constitution?
Advantages
Fundamental Laws- Offered equality
Election of Reichstag & President- public control
Disadvantages
President appointing courts & armed forces- Can create corrupt system
Article 48- Offers President complete control over country- Massive scope for corruption
What was the Treaty of Versailles?
Main peace treaty after WW1- June 1919
Who signed the TofV?
Britain- Lloyd George
USA- Wilson
France- Clemenceau
Germany- Muller
What was the effect of WW1 on Britain?
750,000 men dead- many wounded
NO attacks on British soil
What was the effect of WW1 on France?
Generation of men killed
Damage throughout country
What was the effect of WW1 on the USA?
Only joined in 1917- limited effects
What did Britain want in terms of reparations after WW1?
To trade w/ Germany
Stable gov.
Stop spread of communism
What did France want in terms of reparations after WW1?
Revenge
Guarantee that war wouldn’t happen again
What did the USA want in terms of reparations after WW1?
‘A just and lasting peace’
No secret treaties
What did right wing parties want in Germany in 1919?
(mainly conservative) Stable society Strong govt. and leadership Capitalism Nationalism Uphold traditional values (in law&order and societal structure)
Define nationalism
Putting the needs of the country over the needs of an individual
What did extreme right wing parties want in Germany in 1919?
Resented how army was abandoned
Fear and hatred towards communists
Wanted to reserve TofV
What did left wing parties want in Germany in 1919?
Rapid change in society
Power in hands of workers
Opposed capitalism
Co-operation w/ other countries
What did extreme left wing parties want in Germany in 1919?
Revolution (like Russia in 1917)
More power for workers
Abolish power of army and land-owning class
What did most Germans feel like not enough was being done about in 1919?
End of WW1
Unfair conditions of TofV
Rising unemployment
Falling living conditions
Who did the KPD (Communist party) in Germany represent?
Where do they fit on the political spectrum?
Workers
Some middle classes
Most extreme left
Who did the SPD (Social Democrates) in Germany represent?
Where do they fit on the political spectrum?
Workers
Middle classes
Left
