Weimar Republic 1918-1929 Flashcards
What was the impact of the first world war on Germany?
1) 2 million German troops died and over 4 million were wounded (11 million fought in the war)
2) Government debts increased from 50 billion marks to 150 billion marks
3) More than 750,000 Germans died from food shortages.
The abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II
9 November 1918 -
The Kaiser visited army headquarters in Spa where the ministers tried to persuade him to abdicate. He refused but since army officers refused to support him he was left with no choice but to abdicate.
10 November 1918 -
The Kaiser fled to Holland.
When was the German Republic declared?
9 November 1918
When did the revolution end?
August 1919 when the Weimar Republic was officially established
Key events in the revolutionary period:
On 10 November 1918 Ebert suspended the old Reichstag and formed the Council of People’s Representatives which would control the government until the new constitution.
Berlin streets were crowded and some people were armed hoping to take over parts of the city.
Politicians in the SPD were able to take control of Germany preventing anarchy and a takeover from extreme communists.
When was the armistice signed?
11 November 1918
What was the armistice?
The formal agreement between Germany and the Allies to end WW1.
What steps did Ebert take to increase the people’s confidence in the new republic?
He ensured civil servants that worked under the Kaiser stayed in the office.
He reassured General Groener that the army would not be reformed so officers kept their ranks. In return Groener agreed to use the army to keep the republic in power.
Also reassured industry leaders that the new republic would not confiscate nor nationalise land.
Ebert also won the support of the trade unions as he promised to work towards an eight hour day.
The national assembly key events:
The role of the national assembly was to create a new constitution for Germany.
On 19 January 1919, elections took place to elect a national assembly and 82% of the electorates voted. SPD had 40% of seats whilst the centre party had 20%.
Due to the unrest and violence in Berlin they met in Weimar (250km away).
On the 31st of July, a new constituition was agreed, by 262 votes to 75.
Who is head of state in the Weimar constitution and what is their role?
President - head of the Weimar Republic, elected every seven year and chooses the chancellor.
Who is the government in the Weimar constitution and what is their role?
Chancellor - head of the government and chose all ministers
Cabinet - the main decision making body of the government that worked closely with the chancellor
Who is the parliament in the Weimar constitution and what is their role?
Reichstag - directly elected by the people every four years, controlled taxation and more powerful out of the two houses.
Reichsrat - represented the regions of Germany and elected every four years.
Who is the electorate in the Weimar constitution and what is their role?
consisted of men and women aged 21 and over who voted for parties/ people/ ideologies
Strengths of the Weimar Republic:
Democratic (Article 1)
Proportional representation - made sure small parties had a fair share of seats.
Checks and Balances - no one group or person could have too much power.
Central government was more powerful than before but local government still retained power in the regions.
The Reichsrat could regulate the power of the Reichstag by delaying new laws.
Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution:
Proportional representation led to coalition governments that were unstable or found it difficult to maintain strong policies.
Article 48 - stated that in a crisis the president could pass a necessary law by decree.
People believed they didn’t get a say in the election of the constitution and that it was based on division and violence.
