The German Revolution Of 1918

Question 1

Why did Germany ask for a ceasefire in October 1918? (Military)

Answer 1

• USA entered war in 1917
• ‘Spring Offensive’ had failed
• German allies left the war (eg Austria and Turkey)
• Lack of military supplies due to naval blockade
• Mutiny at Kiel on 28th October (navy and army desertion)

Question 2

Why did Germany ask for a ceasefire in October 1918? (Domestic)

Answer 2

• Lack of food (naval blockade, people starved)
• Power cuts and limited medicine (Influenza epidemic)
• Political unrest/strikes (eg Berlin January 1918)

Question 3

When was the ceasefire requested?

Answer 3

3rd October 1918

Question 4

Why was the Kaiser (Prince Wilhelm) forced to abdicate in November 1918?

Answer 4

• USA/Woodrow Wilson wanted to end the war and so the Kaiser had to go
• The German army had stopped and some mutinied
• Ebert wanted the Kaiser to step down so no full scale revolution would take place

Question 5

When did the Kaiser abdicate? Who took charge?

Answer 5

On the 9th November, Price Wilhelm resigned, leaving Ebert as the head of the government.

The next day, Wilhelm fled to Holland and the armistice was signed.