The Weimar Republic 1918-39 Flashcards
What was the Reichswehr?
German armed forces during Weimar Republic.
What was the Freikorps?
Groups of ex-military with substantial power in Weimar Republic.
What were the main 3 types of terms for the treaty of versailles?
Military terms, Economic terms, Territorial terms.
Why was it not immediately clear to Germany they had lost The First World War?
They were not immediately invaded like in The Second World War.
What was the Spartacist Uprising?
A left-wing, communist uprising in Germany.
What were the causes of the Spartacist Uprising?
Communist Uprising in Russia, Many Germans feeling unhappy with the new democracy.
What were the aims of the Spartacist Uprising?
To overthrow central government with workers and soldiers councils using violent methods.
Why was the Spartacist Uprising a threat to the Weimar Republic?
• Left wing parties had significant support from the people
• Potential for Russia to support left-wing uprisings
• Uprising caused the government to relocate
• Trade unions causing lots of disruptions and industries going on strike.
What was proportional representation?
A method to elect the reichstag whereby the percentage of seats a party gained was the same as percentage of votes they recieved.
What did using proportional representation lead to?
Fragile coalition governments.
What was federal structure?
When 18 local governments (lander) within Germany each had a local region to govern, limiting the power of national governments?
What did using federal structure lead to?
It made Germany very difficult to govern.
What was the role of the chancellor?
• Chancellor appointed by the president
• Presents laws to the reichstag but needs majority of support to pass laws
• Has some power but can be easily undermined.
What were the economical consequences of the treaty of Versailles?
• The financial terms crippled Germanys economy
• Standard of living worsened • Hyperinflation.
What were the military consequences of the treaty of Versailles?
Made Germany weaker and unable to defend themselves.
What were the territorial consequences of the treaty of Versailles?
•Led to a loss of land resources and people
• Germany speakers no longer had German territory.
What were the political consequences of the treaty of Versailles?
• Made Germany appear to be weak
• They were embarrassed to take full blame.
Why did the reparation payments cause economic problems for Germany?
They had to pay £6.6 million a year and did not make payments on time so the French said they would take what they owed.
Why did the occupation of the Ruhr cause economic problems for Germany?
The Ruhr was in the Rhineland so the German forces couldn’t stop the French, French could take resources such as coal and steel, Workers went on strike and in some cases changed mine resources to stop the French, German government paid the workers by printing more money.
Why was Hyperinflation so present in Germany?
- Less goods being produced and more money in circulation - huge increases in prices.
- Every day items became affordable, People on salaries suffered,