Weimar: Creation Of The Republic + The New Constition Parties Flashcards
When was, and what was the ‘revolution from above’
- US troops moved into Europe and joined the war against Germany in October 1917
- Ludendorff suggested to the Kaiser unrest might be calmed with a changing government, so the Army leadership steped down, a new government was put in place, lead by Prince Max of Baden
What was the treaty of Versailles? And when was it signed?
Treaty ending war between Germany and the allies signed on the 20th of June 1919.
What land had the Germans lost in the treaty of Versailles?
- all the land gain of the treaty of Brest litosvk
- Upper Silesia
- Alsace and Lorraine
- Eupen
What were the military consequences of the treaty of Versailles?
- De militariesed the Rhineland, and became buffer zone for France -> German troops could not enter
- German army Limited to 100,000 troops that couldn’t leave Germany
- Not allowed tanks or heavy artillery
- Was not allowed submarines or an Air Force
What was the fixed amount of money that the had to pay in 1921
The Germans agreed to pay reparations of 132,000 gold marks.
When and why was the Weimar Republic created?
On October 3, 1918 print Max asked for allies, armistice. Allies discuss this, but USA wanted to watch Berlin and force surrender
German politics moved on and resulted in political turmoil and creation of the Weimar Republic
Who are the Spartacist?
Communist group that wanted the workers revolution in Germany, like that of the one in Russia.
When was the council of peoples representative set up?
On November 10, 1918, a new government was set up
Who are the most significant parties in the council?
They were led by the socialist groups. The most significant were the social democrats (SPD), and the independent social Democrats (USPD).
Who was Frederick Ebert?
He was the leader of the SPD and became Chancellor in the cabinet.
What was the Ebert-Groener, and why was it made
The new government had inherited all of the previous governments problems, causing them to make this pact with the army.
The army would support the government if the government would oppose ideas in the Reichstag.
What steps did the government take initially?
- The first move was to stop the war, where on the 11th of November, Erzberger of the German delegation signed the armistice on behalf of the government
- told they cannot take part in treating negotiations, and with the humiliation parties formed and reformed to gain enough votes to have a voice in the new Reichstag
- Government also made social reforms to try and improve political and economic unrest (e.g. eight hour working day, independent trade unions etc)
Why was there a rift between the SPD and USPD, and what was the result?
- Argued over how radical their policy should be
- Caused council members to resign and many USPD members join the German communist party (KPD)
The SPD couldn’t get the full majority they wanted, so what did they resort too
Could only govern by forming coalition governments with other parties. So they formed a coalition with the centre party and the German Democratic party.
Thus other parties had seats in the rice tag and therefore a vote, but weren’t part of the government
What was the German national peoples party? (DVNP)
Represented the majority of right wing views, and was created from the conservative and nationalistic parties.
