Significant Events

Question 1

When was the WW1 Armistice declared?

Answer 1

The Armistice between the Allies and Germany was organised on the 11th of November 1918.

Question 2

When did the German Kaiser abdicate?

Answer 2

Wilhelm II abdicated in 1918, shortly before the foundation of the Weimar republic and signing of the treaty of Versailles.

Question 3

When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

Answer 3

The treaty was signed by German politicians on the 28th of June, 1919.

Question 4

Why was the German public unsupportive of the Treaty of Versailles.

Answer 4

The harsh reparations caused the early Weimar republic great economic strife. Additionally, Germany was forced to take all blame for the war, and the surrender came as a surprise to the public who believed that Germany was winning the war through propaganda.

Question 5

Who founded the Weimar Republic?

Answer 5

The Weimar Republic was a German democracy founded on the 9th of November, 1918. It was founded by German politicians and first lead by Friedrich Ebert.

Question 6

What was the first left-wing revolt in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 6

The Spartacist uprising, which occurred between the 5th to 12th of January 1919 and was participated mostly by ex-soldiers. Notably, the republic employed the Freikorps to help quell the rebellion.

Question 7

When was the Nazi 25 Point Programme published?

Answer 7

The program was published by Adolf Hitler on the 24th of February 1920 and contained many of the Nazi party’s key beliefs and goals.

Question 8

What was the Kapp Putsch?

Answer 8

The Kapp Putsch was a 1920 right-wing revolt lead by Wolfgang Kapp and the Freikorps. They attempted to restore the original German monarchy, however despite forcing the government to flee they could not gain enough support and the movement failed.

Question 9

When did the Weimar Republic begin experiencing hyperinflation?

Answer 9

The Republic began experiencing hyperinflation in 1921 as the government overprinted money to repay its debts.

Question 10

When did the French and Belgians occupy the Ruhr?

Answer 10

The Ruhr was occupied from 1923-1925 in response to the Republic’s failure to repay its debts.

Question 11

What was the 1923 Munich Putsch?

Answer 11

The Beer Hall Putsch, led by Adolf Hitler and assisted by Erich Ludendorff, was an attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic by the Nazi party. It resulted in many arrests, including Hitler’s.

Question 12

When was Hitler imprisoned?

Answer 12

Hitler was imprisoned in Landsberg in 1924, however he only served 9 months.

Question 13

What was Hitler’s famous book?

Answer 13

Mein Kampff, which translates to ‘My Struggle’ was written in two parts by Hitler in prison. It was later published on the 18th of July 1925 to national acclaim.

Question 14

When did the great depression occur?

Answer 14

The great depression first began in 1929 and had a significant impact on the German economy. When combined with the already controversial Weimar government, this created widespread political instability.

Question 15

Who won the 1932 Weimar Republic elections?

Answer 15

Paul von Hindenburg defeated Hitler in the elections with a joint party coalition, earning a 2nd 7-year term.

Question 16

What percentage of the vote did the Nazi party receive at the 1932 elections.

Answer 16

The party received roughly 37% of the vote, which was not enough to gain a majority and win the election.

Question 17

When was the Enabling Act passed?

Answer 17

The Act was passed in 1933 in response to the Reichstag fire, granting Hitler emergency dictatorial powers.

Question 18

What was the Reichstag fire.

Answer 18

The German Reichstag was subjected to an arson attack on February 27th, 1933. The party responsible was unknown, however Hitler and the Nazis used the event to pin the blame on the communists.

Question 19

When was the Concordat signed?

Answer 19

The Concordat between Germany and the Catholic Church was signed in 1933 and formed an agreement that the Nazis would not interfere with the catholic church.

Question 20

When did Hitler ban all opposing political parties?

Answer 20

Hitler banned all opposing parties on July 14, 1933. This disrupted many plans to overthrow him from rival political leaders.

Question 21

What was the significance of the Night of the Long Knives?

Answer 21

Occurring on the 30th of June, 1934, the night involved the systematic execution of various Nazi rivals by the SS. Notable murders include that of Ernst Rohm, Kurt von Schleicher and Gregor Strasser.

Question 22

When was the SA dismantled?

Answer 22

The SA was largely dismantled in the Night of the Long Knives when its leadership was murdered. Afterwards, it was slowly disassembled, and remaining members fled or joined the SS.

Question 23

Why was the SA dismantled?

Answer 23

Hitler became concerned with the power the SA held, especially its leader Ernst Rohm. Additionally, many politicians and industrialists distrusted the SA, so Hitler removed it to appease them.