Unit 1 Weimar Flashcards
When was the Weimar Republic established?
The Weimar Republic was established in 1919 after the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II
What was the Weimar Constitution?
The Weimar Constitution was the democratic constitution that established the framework for the Weimar Republic, including a president, a chancellor, and the Reichstag (parliament).
What challenges did the Weimar Republic face in its early years?
The Weimar Republic faced challenges such as political instability, economic hardship, and uprisings from both the left (e.g., Spartacist Revolt) and the right (e.g., Munich Putsch).
What was the Treaty of Versailles, and how did it affect Germany?
The Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty that ended World War I. It imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany, leading to widespread resentment.
What was hyperinflation, and when did it occur in Germany?
Hyperinflation occurred in 1923 when the German government printed excessive amounts of money to pay reparations, causing the value of the German mark to plummet and prices to skyrocket.
Who was Gustav Stresemann, and what were his contributions to the Weimar Republic?
Gustav Stresemann was a key political figure who served as Chancellor and Foreign Minister. He helped stabilize the German economy, renegotiated reparations, and improved Germany’s international standing through the Dawes Plan and Locarno Treaties.
What was the Dawes Plan of 1924?
The Dawes Plan was an arrangement where the USA loaned money to Germany to stabilise its economy and spread out the payment of reparations, which helped alleviate some of the financial pressures on the Weimar Republic.
What were the “Golden Years” of the Weimar Republic?
The “Golden Years” (1924-1929) were a period of relative stability and economic prosperity in Germany, marked by cultural flourishing and increased international cooperation.
What impact did the Wall Street Crash of 1929 have on the Weimar Republic?
The Wall Street Crash led to the Great Depression, which severely affected Germany’s economy due to its reliance on American loans. This economic crisis increased unemployment, poverty, and political instability, contributing to the rise of extremist parties like the Nazis
What was the significance of the Reichstag Fire in 1933?
The Reichstag Fire was a pivotal event that the Nazis used to justify the suspension of civil liberties and the arrest of political opponents, paving the way for Hitler’s dictatorship
What was the Spartacist Revolt?
The Spartacist Revolt was a communist uprising in Germany, led by the Spartacist League, that aimed to overthrow the Weimar Republic and establish a socialist government. It took place in January 1919.
Who were the leaders of the Spartacist Revolt?
The Spartacist Revolt was led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg, prominent members of the Spartacist League and founders of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD).
How was the Spartacist Revolt suppressed?
The Weimar government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Ebert, used the Freikorps (paramilitary groups) to violently suppress the Spartacist Revolt. The uprising was crushed within a few days, and its leaders, including Liebknecht and Luxemburg, were captured and killed.
What was the Munich Putsch?
The Munich Putsch, also known as the Beer Hall Putsch, was a failed coup attempt by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to overthrow the Weimar Republic and seize power in Bavaria. It occurred on November 8-9, 1923.
What were the main causes of the Munich Putsch?
The Munich Putsch was fuelled by widespread discontent with the Weimar Republic, hyperinflation, resentment over the Treaty of Versailles, and the belief that the government was weak.
