The Impact Of World War 1 Flashcards
What event marked the end of fighting in the First World War?
The armistice was signed in November 1918.
What was established in Germany following the abdication of the Kaiser?
The Weimar Republic.
When was the Weimar Constitution finalized?
August 1919.
What significant political change did the Weimar Constitution represent for Germany?
It marked the first time that Germany had experienced Democracy.
At what age did men and women gain the right to vote under the Weimar Republic?
20.
What was required for the head of the government (the chancellor) in the Weimar Republic?
Support of most of the politicians in the Reichstag.
What system was used to allocate seats in the Reichstag?
Proportional representation.
What powers did Article 48 grant to the president?
To suspend the Constitution in an emergency.
What treaty officially ended the First World War?
The Treaty of Versailles.
What were the harsh terms imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?
- Loss of 13% of its land
- Loss of 48% of its iron
- Absorption of more than 6 million citizens into other countries.
What did Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles state?
Germany had to accept blame for starting the war in 1914.
What limitation was placed on the German Army by the Treaty of Versailles?
Limited to 100,000 men.
What term did many Germans use to describe the Treaty of Versailles?
Dictated peace (Diktat).
What was the term used to describe politicians who signed the armistice?
November Criminals.
What constant threats did the Weimar Republic face?
- Left wing groups
- Right wing groups.
What revolution did the Weimar government fear might repeat in Germany?
The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
Who led the Spartacist League that aimed to establish a communist state?
Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg.
What happened on 6th January 1919?
The Spartacist’s attempt to overthrow the Weimar Government was put down by the Freikorps.
What was the outcome of the Kapp Putsch in 1920?
The right were successful in seizing control.
How did Ebert respond to the Kapp Putsch?
Encouraged the people of Berlin to go on strike.
What economic crisis did the Weimar Republic face in 1923?
The French occupation of the Ruhr.
What was the significance of the Ruhr for Germany?
It was considered the industrial heartland and vital to economic growth.
What action did France and Belgium take when Germany failed to pay reparations?
They took goods from the Ruhr.
How did the German government respond to the French occupation of the Ruhr?
Backed the strikers and printed more money.
What economic phenomenon resulted from the government’s response to the Ruhr occupation?
Hyperinflation.
Who benefited from hyperinflation in Germany?
- Businessmen who borrowed money
- Farmers due to food price increases.
- Foreigners in Germany.
What was the exchange rate in November 1923 for £1?
1,680,800,000,000,000 marks.
