The impact of the first world war Flashcards
When Kaiser Wilhem abdicate?
9 nov 1918
Strengths and weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?
Strengths: Very democratic, Dictatorship was no longer a thing as the Reichstag had to approve decisions, Voting by proportional representation allowed for a fair system.
Weaknesses: Coalition government made it difficult to make fast decisions, Article 48 undermined democracy, it was a new system so people weren’t familiar and criticised it when things went wrong
Why was the weimar government initially unpopular?
Surrendered to the war, established a weak constitution and failed to end food shortages
What was the Spartacist uprising?
A group formed under the influence of communism, they tried to over throw weimar and take control. They formed a government party called the KPD. On jan 6 1919 they tried to create a communist state however they were no match for the army and Freikorps and the leaders were killed. There were a few other rebellions however they lost.
How did Weimar fight against uprisings?
Weimar had an agreement with the army that under any threat of a revolution then the army would be in favour to Weimar and in return the Weimar will support and supply the army.
What was the Kapp Putsch?
A plan lead by Kapp was drawn to seize Berlin and eventually gain control to a right wing government. Kapp successfully took over Berlin on the 13th march 1920, and the Weimar ordered the army to take it down but they refused. Trade unionists and civil servants were asked for support by Weimar which caused the putsch to collapse.
Who benefitted from the inflation?
Businessmen were able to pay off debts easier, serious food shortages lead to rise in prices which benefitted the farmers, Foreigners found that there money was extremely valuable making them wealthy.
