Origins of Weimar Flashcards
How did the war end?
In April 1918 there were British naval blockades. Shortages ensued.
In October Prince Max of Baden formed a new parliamentary cabinet and was in control of the Reichstag. With negotiations with Prince Max of Baden, he was told that the Kaiser would have to go for the Fourteen Points to be signed at the armistice.
After the Kiel mutinies where soldiers refused to fight in hopes the war would end, Kaiser abdicated on the 9th. On the 11th, the Peace Settlement was made and elections for a new Constituent Party were set of 19/1/19.
Ebert founded the SDP.
People felt the war was lost due to enforced peace and the Weimar Republic stabbing them in the back - dolschtoss.
What chaos ensued leading to the elections?
In 1918 the Constituent assembly fled to Weimar due to political chaos. They had to decide on signing the Fourteen Points and the elections. At the elections, there was no majority so Ebert was made President, Scheidemann Chancellor, and a coalition was set with the DDP and the ZP, (Democratic Party and the Centre Party)
What were issues with Weimar constitution?
Challenge from army.
Proportional representation.
Challenge from the judiciary courts and senior civil servants.
The Reichstag vs the President and Article 48.
What was article 48? What was article 54?
Article 48 - In the case of public safety being threatened, the Reich president can take measures to regain order and security.
Article 54 - the Chancellor has to have confidence of the Reichstag.
What was Weimar’s structure?
President - elected every 7 years.
Chancellor - elected by president, needs Weimar support.
Reichstag - Made laws and elected every 4 years.
Reichsrat - 55 representatives in 18 states to approve laws.
Voters over 20.
The President was the Supreme Commander of the army.
