Oct - Nov 1918 Flashcards
Reasons why Germany was unstable in Nov 1918?
Challenges from the left and right, unhappiness from loss of war, Ebert’s legitimacy, social problems
When was the Armistice?
11th November 1918
What were Ebert’s priorities?
Set up legitimate government, maintain law and order, keep essential services running
Problems from the right wing in 1918?
Hostile, Freikorps set up
What were the Freikorps?
Ex-soldiers with military skill, para-military group
Economic problems after the war?
Inflation, shortage of raw materials and food, 35% of trade on the black market
What were the KPD inspired by?
The Russian’s Communist Revolution of 1917
Stinnes-Legien Agreement?
Trade unions agree not to strike in exchange for workers rights, 8 hour working day
Ebert-Groener Pact?
Deal with the army allowing old elite commanders to keep their position, in return they will assist in crushing Weimar Republic revolutions
When was Prussia united?
1871 after the Franco-Prussian war, became Germany
What was the order of power in Imperial Germany?
Kaiser, Chancellor, Ministers, Bundesrat (Prussian dominance here), Reichstag, Electorate
Hindenburg and Ludendorf’s role in WW1?
Army High Command (OHL) created a ‘silent dictatorship’ convinced Germans they were winning when they weren’t
How much did industrial output fall between 1914 and 1918?
40%
Who was the Chancellor that introduced parliamentary government?
Prince Maximillian
What were the October reforms?
Reichstag controls army and navy, Chancellor and ministers answerable to the Reichstag, armistice negotiations, ministers drawn from largest parties
Who was the Kaiser that abdicates in 1918?
Kaiser Wilhelm II
What was Burgfrieden?
Political truce between German parties, broke in 1917
How did the OHL create a ‘silent dictatorship’
Censorship and propaganda
One way that Germans funded WW1?
War bonds, promising more money to the people if they invest in war. Couldn’t afford to pay them back
What was the downside of the Ebert-Groener Pact?
Ebert was too dependent on the Army
What group of people mutinied in Nov 1918?
The navy in Kiel
Who drew up the original autocratic constitution?
Otto Von Bismarck in 1871
