Weimar Germany (1918-1929) Flashcards
What tactics was used by the Allies during WW1 to cause food shortages in Germany?
A Naval blockade
Why did many Germans not understand why Germany surrendered in 1918?
Because some parts of the army had seen little action in the war and did not understand the military situation
Because Germany had not been invaded by the Allies- there was only fighting in France
Who was the Kaiser?
Germany’s monarch and leader, he abdicated on November 9th 1918 giving power to the Social Democrats
When was the armistice signed?
November 11th 1918- this ended fighting on the Western Front
What was the name of the treaty that ended WW1?
The Treaty of Versailles- signed on June 28th 1919
What were the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles?
GUILT- Article 231 Germany had to accept War Guilt (blame for starting the war.)
ARMY- The army was limited to 100,000 men and conscription was banned. They were also allowed no submarines and only 6 battleships and no air force.
REPARATIONS- Germany had to pay £6,600 million in compensation to Britain, France and Belgium
GERMANY LOST LAND- Germany lost around 10% of its territory
LEAGUE OF NATIONS-Germany was not allowed to join until it could prove it was a peaceful country
EXTRA POINTS- It forbade the Anschluss (uniting of Germany and Austria) and created Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as independent countries
Which electoral system was the Weimar Constitution based on?
Proportional Representation
This is where parties receive a number of seats based on their percentage of the vote.
What were the problems with Proportional Representation?
It made it difficult for one party to form a majority government in the Reichstag this led to coalition governments being formed.
Coalitions were weak and often unable to make important decisions.
What was Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution?
It gave the President the ability to take over the ruling of the country in an emergency. He did not need the support of the Reichstag in order to pass laws.
What were the politicians who signed the Treaty of Versailles known as?
The November Criminals
What was the stabbed in the back myth?
The belief that the army could have won WW1 but were betrayed by the politicians and groups at home in Germany
Who were the Spartacists?
A German communist group led by Karl Liebknecht and Roso Luxebourg who tried to take control of Germany in January 1919.
How was the Spartacist Revolt defeated?
The government was too weak to defeat them so had to use a right wing group of ex soldiers known as the Frei Korps to regain control.
What happened to Rosa Luxembourg and Karl Liebknecht?
They were both executed without trial.
What was the Kapp Putsch?
An attempt by the leader of the Frei Korps, Wolfgang Kapp to take control of Germany in March 1920 because of the weakness of the Weimar Government.
How was the Kapp Putsch defeated?
The government was too weak to defeat them on its own and relied on the Trade Unions calling a general strike and refusing to work with the Frei Korps.
What were the consequences of the political rebellions?
There was increased violence on the streets
The Weimar Government was seen as weak and the German people did not respect it.
Support for extremist Political Parties began to increase.
Why did the French and Belgian governments send soldiers to occupy the Ruhr in 1923?
Because Germany did not pay its reparations because it could not afford them.
