WWI CONSEQUENCES Flashcards
What was the attack launched on the Western Front before the USA joined the war in early 1918?
Spring Offensive.
What was the result of the Spring Offensive?
Initially successful but it was ground to a halt and German forces were forced back.
In September 1918, what were the German’s encouraged to appeal for?
An armistice.
What happened on the 9th of November 1918?
Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated.
Following the Kaiser’s abdication, who was power passed on to?
A Council of People’s Representatives.
What was the largest party in the Reichstag? Who was the leader?
SPD. Ebert.
What did Ebert sign to bring the war to an end?
An armistice.
What was the result of the 1919 election? What was formed?
Moderate parties of the SPD, Catholic Centre Party and DDP formed a coalition.
What did the new coalition government create? How was it regarded?
Constitution.
Regarded with suspicion, as it was a significant change from the old autocratic system of the Kaiser.
What did the old military leaders create?
The stab-in-the-back myth. Arguing that politicians such as Ebert betrayed Germany.
How did shortages grow worse after WW1?
Shortages grew worse as the British naval blockade was tightened to put pressure on Germany to fulfil the terms of the Armistice.
What were the death figures for Germany as a result of the war? For families.
600,000 widows.
2 million children without fathers.
What put a strain on the government economically?
War pensions. Consumed one third of the budget.
What had ordinary Germans invested their money in? What happened?
War bonds.
The bonds had been eroded by inflation.
