Second Reich collapse 1918-1919 Flashcards
What was the Reichstag ?
Parliment
Who was the Kaiser ?
“King of Germany”
What was the Reichstract ?
The government
Why was imperial Germany so economically developed ?
Many skilled German scientists that were ahead of their time creating products such as fertiliser
Why were working conditions so bad in Germany ?
Extreme industrialisation left workers rights behind
When did the Kaiser hand over his power to the Reichstag ?
September 1918
Who advised the Kaiser to give up his power completely ?
Ludendorff & Hindenburg
Why did Ludendorff & Hindenburg advise the Kaiser to step down completely ?
- could blame loss of WW1 on next people in power
- Lenient treatment from Allies in TOV
- Public frustration due to poor working conditions
- Could have been a revolution risking their lives
When was the Kiel Mutiny ?
November 1918
What happened in the Kiel Mutiny ?
Naval soldiers mutinied against orders and instead set up a soviet in Kiel
What was significant about the Kiel Mutiny ?
Many other important cities followed creating local governments which were more respected than Prince Max’s
Who was Prince Max ?
Leader of the interim government after the Kaiser had handed power to the Reichstag
Why was the Kaiser forced to fully step down from power ?
Because Prince Max tried to open talks with Allies but they wouldn’t comply until the Kaiser had completely gone. Outcry in the streets followed
When did the Kaiser step down ?
9th November 1918
After the Kaiser had stepped down what changed in the interim government ?
It made way for the leaders of the local soviets as they were better respected and had greater power