The political impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany Flashcards
What led to the political crisis of June 1919 ?
When the harsh terms of the treaty were revealed to Germany , ministers from all parties shared Chancellor Schiedemann’s view that accepting the treaty would go against German honour .However Germany thought it seemed possible to negotiate some amendments in the treaty.In the rejection of German changes and the demand for acceptance within seven days caused a political crisis in Germany.
What did the Political crisis of June 1919 consist of ?
There was a disagreement about the treaty. Schiedemann and his ministers wanted to reject the treaty whereas the majorityy of the cabinet and of the SPD members of the Reichstag believed Germany had no other choice than to sign the treaty.
Schiedsmann resigned and a new coalition cabinet was formed.
What were the discussions between President Ebert and army general.
Meanwhile, some high ranking officers in the German army were discussing the possibility of revisiting the signing of the Treaty through renewed military action.President Ebert told General Groener that he would support rejection of the treaty if there was any chance of the military action being successful.Groener was a realist so he informed Ebert that military resistance would be futile and Germany had no alternative but to accept the treaty.The Bauer cabinet bowed to the inevitable signing of the treaty.
What did the divisions over the signing of the treaty cause ?
hindered and dominated German political life throughout the years of the Weimar government
What was the reaction of the pro republican parties ?
The SPD and its allies in government knew that the signing would rebound upon them and lead to questioning and disagreement.They were so concerned that they asked for the support of their main opponents in the DNVP, DVP and DDP to state those who signed the trusty weren’t being unpatriotic.They also took the view that the most sensible course of action. was to comply with the treaty while negotiating modifications - known as policy of fulfilment
However, importantly how did the treaty turn some of the supporters of the Weimar Republic against them ?
Its real damage was in alienating moderates who had been happy to accept the new constitution and its promises of a ‘better Germany ‘ but who could not stomach politicians who appeared to have betrayed an unbeaten country..The treaty caused political demoralisation in the centre of government , and once again paired the Republic with weakness and failure .The politicians who agreed to it were forced to be defensive.
What was the reaction of the right to the treaty of Versailles ?
Right wing resentment of the Republic was intensified by the signing of the armistice.German nationalists could not accept the fact of Germany’s military defeat, nor the establishment of the new republic.
what did the signing of the peace settlement lead to ?
It led to many joining groups committed to overthrowing the Republic.In the eyes of extreme nationalists, the politicians who now governed Germany lacked any legitimacy because they had betrayed the “ Fatherland “ several times - in the dethroning of the Kaiser, the signing of the Armistice, and the acceptance of the Treaty of Versailles.
What did the “ Stab in the back “ theory affect extreme nationalists ?
The myth of the ‘ stab in the back ‘theory was justification for continued nationalist attacks on the Republic, its political supporters and on the treaty.
