1. Impact of the first world war

Question 1

When was the Weimar Constitution finalized?

Answer 1

August 1919

Question 2

What significant political change did the Weimar Constitution represent for Germany?

Answer 2

First experience of Democracy

Question 3

At what age could men and women vote under the Weimar Republic?

Answer 3

20

Question 4

What was required for the Chancellor to govern in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 4

Support of most politicians in the Reichstag

Question 5

What did proportional representation mean in the context of the Reichstag?

Answer 5

Seats based on number of votes received

Question 6

What power did Article 48 grant to the president?

Answer 6

Suspend the Constitution in an emergency

Question 7

What event did the Treaty of Versailles officially end?

Answer 7

First World War

Question 8

What were the harsh terms imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 8

• Lost 13% of land
• Lost 48% of iron
• Over 6 million citizens absorbed into other countries

Question 9

What does Article 231, known as the War Guilt Clause, state?

Answer 9

Germany had to accept blame for starting the war in 1914

Question 10

What limitation was placed on the German Army by the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 10

Limited to 100,000 men

Question 11

How did many Germans perceive the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 11

Dictated peace (Diktat)

Question 12

What term was used to describe politicians who signed the armistice?

Answer 12

November Criminals

Question 13

What constant threats did the Weimar Republic face?

Answer 13

Threats from both left and right wing groups

Question 14

What revolution did the Weimar government fear a repeat of?

Answer 14

Bolshevik Revolution in Russia (1917)

Question 15

What was the Weimar Republic dependent on to support it against revolution?

Answer 15

The Army

Question 16

Who led the Spartacist League?

Answer 16

Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg

Question 17

What was the goal of the Spartacist League?

Answer 17

Establish a communist state

Question 18

What happened on 6th January 1919?

Answer 18

Spartacist’s attempt to overthrow the Weimar Government was put down

Question 19

Who put down the Spartacist uprising?

Answer 19

Freikorps

Question 20

What event in 1920 was a successful seizure of control by the right?

Answer 20

Kapp Putsch

Question 21

What did Ebert encourage the people of Berlin to do during the Kapp Putsch?

Answer 21

Go on strike

Question 22

What group supported the Weimar government during the Kapp Putsch?

Answer 22

Trade unionists

Question 23

What economic problems worsened for the Weimar Republic in 1923?

Answer 23

French occupation of the Ruhr

Question 24

Why was the Ruhr significant for Germany?

Answer 24

Considered the industrial heartland vital to economic growth

Question 25

What led to the French occupation of the Ruhr in January 1923?

Answer 25

Germany failed to pay reparations

Question 26

What did France and Belgium take from the Ruhr instead of waiting for payment?

Answer 26

Goods

Question 27

What was the Ruhr's status regarding German military presence?

Answer 27

Situated in the demilitarised zone of the Rhineland

Question 28

How did the German government respond to the French occupation of the Ruhr?

Answer 28

Backed the strikers and printed more money

Question 29

What economic phenomenon occurred due to the government's actions during the Ruhr occupation?

Answer 29

Hyperinflation

Question 30

What impact did hyperinflation have on people with savings?

Answer 30

Found themselves bankrupt

Question 31

What group benefitted from inflation due to borrowing?

Answer 31

Businessmen

Question 32

How did food shortages affect farmers during the hyperinflation?

Answer 32

Increased prices benefitted farmers

Question 33

What advantage did foreigners have in Germany during hyperinflation?

Answer 33

Could afford things most Germans could not

Question 34

What was the exchange rate of £1 in November 1923?

Answer 34

£1 = 1,680,800,000,000,000 marks