Weimar Opposition And Control Flashcards
Left wing extremism:
Spartakist uprising-1919
Ruhr Uprising-1920
Kustrin Putsch-1923
Red fighting league disbanded in 1929
Right wing extremism:
Bavarian socialist republic crushed in 1919 by the Freikorps
Kapp Putsch-1920
Operation consul organised over 350 political assassinations 1919-1922
Munich Putsch-1923
What was the ‘stab in the back’ myth?
That WW1 was not lost by the military but by the betrayal of socialists, communists, Jews and politicians. This was due to the media being confident of victory and German soil never being invaded
Why did the ToV cause conflict?
- It was associated with the new republic and constitution
- Reparations were blamed for Germany’s economic problems (this was false)
- People we’re reluctant to accept demobilisation and restrictions on the military
What were some terms of the ToV?
Reduce army to 100,000
Limited navy, no tanks or aircraft
No military forces in the Rhineland
Polish corridor meant 1 million Germans became under Polish control
Lost 100% of pre war colonies, 80% of their fleet, 13% of territory and 12% of their population
How did reparations ‘cripple Germany’?
Took 10-12% of Germany’s income a year which is manageable but caused conflict. Powerful voices were against reparations and made assaults on the Weimar, sapping political will from politicians.
Explain why the Spartakist uprising in 1919 was and wasn’t serious
Serious because the civilians were well armed, gained control of central Berlin and forced the government to move and use the army despite having a limited number.
Wasn’t serious because the civilians weren’t trained, Government were safe, Article 48 was used and they were annihilated by the Freikorps and army
Explain why the Bavarian Republic in 1919 was and wasn’t serious
Serious because they wanted a radical form of government, had continuous threats and had battalions of red guards
Wasn’t serious because they were crushed by Freikorps and a right wing government took over in Bavaria
Explain how the Ruhr Uprising of 1920 was and wasn’t serious
Serious because there was 50,000 workers (1,000 died), they controlled large parts of the Ruhr, it influenced other events and the army were used despite having a limited amount
Wasn’t serious because the Freikorps and army easily defeated them
Explain how the Kapp Putsch of 1920 was and wasn’t serious
Serious because 5000 men marched in Berlin and took the Reichstag, the army refused to kill the Freikorps, took other key political buildings and managed to form a government with Kapp as its leader
Wasn’t serious because it didn’t have the support of the people, Ebert wasn’t in the country and it only lasted 3 days
Explain how the Munich Putsch of 1923 was and wasn’t serious
Serious as had backing of military war hero Ludendorff, forced of 3000 men marched on Munich centre, SA took control of the Army headquarters
Wasn’t serious as Hitler was later imprisoned and Ebert used Article 48 to stop him
Who were the conservative elites?
Mostly upper class that had power and wealth, held right wing views, traditional values and most were monarchists
Who and why did people support the Republic?
The Kaiser was a main reason for the war so people wanted an end to the monarchy
German Workers
More legal rights for business owners
Women given the right to vote and supported more moderate parties like the ZP
Votes from 1919-1932 to show Weimar support
1919-80% pro Weimar, went down especially during the hyperinflationary crisis in 1923, went up slightly during the golden years, then went down after the Wall Street crash and in 1932- 35% pro Weimar
Main methods the Weimar used to control/win over the people
Social rights including 8 hour max working day (Stinnes-Legien) women’s right to vote and unemployment insurance
Use of force and Article 48 to stop uprisings like in the Ruhr and Munich
Banned SA and SS at different points and political uniforms like the Red Front
Ebert-Groener Pact to stop left wing uprisings
