The Origins of the Republic 1918–19

Question 1

What allies fought against Germany in WW1?

Answer 1

Britain, France, Russia, The USA.

Question 2

When did WW1 start and end?

Answer 2

1914-1918

Question 3

How many German troops were killed/wounded in WW1?

Answer 3

• 2 million were killed.
• 4 million were wounded.

Question 4

What did the British Navy do to Germany in 1918?

Answer 4

• Blocked German trade routes preventing German supply ships from delivering food to the ports.
• Led to severe food shortages, 750,000 people died from hunger.

Question 5

What did the people in Stuttgart & Hanover do as a result of the blocked German trade routes?

Answer 5

People protested and rioted in the streets.

Question 6

What did the people in Munich do as a result of the blocked German trade routes?

Answer 6

Declared a general strike

Question 7

What were the Navy rebellions in Keil & Hamburg?

Answer 7

• Sailors refused to follow orders, set sail, and fight the British.
• Supported by the workers in both towns.
• Unrest spread throughout Germany.

Question 8

When did Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate?

Answer 8

November 9th 1918

Question 9

What did Kaiser Wilhelm II do the day after he abdicated? {November 10th 1918)

Answer 9

Escaped the country and went into exile in Holland.

Question 10

What was happening on the streets of Berlin?

Answer 10

• People were calling for the abdication of the Kaiser.
• People were calling for the establishment of a communist government in his place.

Question 11

Who was Phillip Scheidemann and what did he do?

Answer 11

• One of the leading members of the Social Democratic Party (The SDP).
• Gave a hurried speech announcing the abdication of the Kaiser.
• Told them a republic would be set up in his place.

Question 12

Who was the role of chancellor passed to?

Answer 12

Friedrich Ebert (The leader of the SDP).

Question 13

What did Friedrich Ebert do?

Answer 13

• Suspended the old Reichstag.
• Formed a “Council of People’s Representatives”.

Question 14

What was Friedrich Ebert’s plan?

Answer 14

For six leading politicians to lead the country until a formal constitution could be written.

Question 15

Who signed the armistice and when?

Answer 15

• Matthias Erzberger
• 11th of November 1918

Question 16

What did Friedrich Ebert do to keep order in Germany?

Answer 16

• Kept all the existing civil servants.
• Kept up communication with the leaders of the army to help him keep control.
• Worked with industry workers to encourage them to continue supplying to Germany.
• Negotiated with the trade unions, agreed to certain changes to working conditions.

Question 17

What threats did Friedrich Ebert face?

Answer 17

• Extreme politicals parties.
• Risk of public unrest.