Germany’s Position at the End of the War

Question 1

What were the political challenges Germany faced at the end of WW1?

Answer 1

• revolution in Oct-Nov 1918
• abdication of Kaiser 09.11.18

Question 2

What did the Kaiser’s abdication lead to?

Answer 2

• formation of new, democratic gov.
• first president was the Social Democrat, Friedrich Ebert

Question 3

What were the new leaders of the Weimar Republic called and why?

Answer 3

• November Criminals
• signed armistice (and later ToV)

Question 4

What did many nationalists believe in?

Answer 4

• ‘stab in the back’ myth
• believed that German Army could’ve continued fighting but were betrayed by politicians

Question 5

What were the economic challenges Germany faced at the end of WW1?

Answer 5

• national income was 1/3 of what it had been in 1913
• industrial production was 2/3 of what it had been in 1913
• many German workers were bitter at restrictions placed on earnings during war (factory workers made fortunes)
• war left 600000 widows and 2 million children without fathers
• by 1925, spent 1/3 of budget on war pensions

Question 6

What were the social challenges Germany faced at the end of WW1?

Answer 6

• huge gaps in standard of living
• poor had suffered from food shortages
• women called up to factories, seen as damaging traditional family values