The origins of the Weimar Republic

Question 1

Why did Germany need a new government in 1918?

Answer 1

Before 1918, power in Germany rested with the Kaiser, but by 1918, the Kaiser was in trouble as Germany had been fighting a war for 4 years and faced certain defeat. The Allies only agreed to make peace with Germany if they became a democracy, which meant the end of the Kaiser and he fled to the Netherlands.

Question 2

Who was elected the new leader of Germany?

Answer 2

Friedrich Ebert (Leader of the SPD)

Question 3

What did Article 48 state?

Answer 3

That the President could suspend people’s rights if public order was threatened

Question 4

What system was used to decide which parties got seats in the Reichstag?

Answer 4

Proportional Representation

Question 5

How did the Weimar Constitution change Germany?

Answer 5

It gave all men and women over the age of 20 the right to vote
It used proportional representation to decide which parties got seats in parliament
People had more human and civil rights as well as the right of free speech

Question 6

List 2 features of proportional representation

Answer 6

The number of MPs reflect the total number of votes cast per party
It is unlikely that a party with a minority of votes can form a government
Voters may be more likely to vote if they think it will count
Politicians generally have different opinions on what to do

Question 7

Name 2 strengths of the Weimar Constitution

Answer 7

More democratic (Voting age was reduced from 25 to 21)
Checks and balances (the constitution was carefully constructed so that no person or group could have too much power)

Question 8

Name 2 weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution

Answer 8

Coalition government (coalitions frequently argued and fell apart)
Weakness in a crisis (the lack of strong, single party governments was a particular problem as clear and swift decisions were needed)
Based of division and violence (there was always a sense that the Weimar Republic was not really the choice of the people)