The Weimar Republic 1918-1923 Flashcards
What were the later months of 1918 like?
German army appeared close to defeat; food and supply shortages all over Germany - lots of people close to starvation - due to Royal Navy’s blockade of ports; on 30th October German Navy mutinied and refused to attack British Navy; workers and soldiers took over ports like Kiel and other cities joined revolt
When did the Kaiser abdicate and to where?
9th November, to Holland
When was the republic founded and by whom?
10th November, by Friedrich Ebert, in the town of Weimar.
Why were people shocked by the surrender?
They had been told that they would win - they never forgave the Republic and it got off to a bad start, WR politicians seen as weak
Name the three uprisings in the WR.
Spartakist (communist) Putsch, Kapp Putsch, and Munich (Beer Hall) Uprising
What were the strengths of the Weimar Constitution?
Everyone, including all women, had the right to vote; proportional representation meant that parties were given seats in proportion to how many votes they got; each state could keep some control over their affairs; a strong President was necessary to keep control over the government.
What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?
Votes for all gave enemies of the public a chance to destroy it; proportional representation meant no majority, weak and unstable governments with coalitions needed; President had too much power and under Article 48 could abandon democracy and rule by decree; democracy was new to Germany and people blamed democratic government; army generals and judges wished the Kaiser to return.
