1918 Crisis Flashcards
(13 cards)
Prince Max of Baden
Member of Grand duchy of Baden
Former Army officer
Appointed Chancellor by Wilhelm in October 1918 and resigned on 9th November 1918
Appointed Friedrich Ebert as his successor.
He wrote the Peace Note
The Peace Note
A letter sent to Woodrow Wilson asking for an armistice as a means of buying time to regroup and prepare for a new offensive.
Reaction to the Peace Note
President Woodrow Wilson was not convinced by Germany’s actions and intentions following the Peace Note. He remained cautious and responded by implementing a 14 Point Plan. This plan outlined principles Germany needed to adhere to for peace negotiations.
What was the 14 point plan?
The 14 Point Plan was a set of principles created by President Woodrow Wilson that Germany needed to follow for peace negotiations after World War I. It was a key part of Wilson’s effort to establish fairness and global stability.
The 14 points
Open diplomacy: No secret treaties between countries.
Economic free trade: Unrestricted trade on the seas during both war and peace.
Equal trade conditions: Fair trade for all nations.
Decrease armaments: Reduce military forces globally.
Adjust colonial claims: Settle colonial disputes fairly.
Evacuation from Russia: Central Powers to withdraw, allowing Russian independence.
Belgium restored: Belgium to be evacuated and its sovereignty restored.
Return of Alsace-Lorraine: Return the Alsace-Lorraine region to France.
Readjust Italian borders: Adjust borders based on ethnicity.
Self-determination for Austria-Hungary: Allow people to choose their own governments.
Redraw Balkan borders: Create new nations like Roumania, Serbia, and Montenegro.
Turkish state: Guaranteed free trade in the Dardanelles.
Independent Poland: Establish an independent Polish state.
League of Nations: Create an international organization to maintain peace.
What were citizens’ reactions to the 14 points/Peace Note?
It showed them the truth of Germany’s dire situation.
It made them lose respect for the German leaders
When was the Kiel Naval Mutiny?
3rd November 1918
What was the Kiel Naval Mutiny?
Two crews refused to follow through with with orders to attack British Ships.
This mutiny spread to the German naval base in Kiel where sailors gained control of the base
What was society’s reaction to the mutiny?
It spread to the city
Workers and soldiers councils were established
When did Kaiser Wilhelm abdicate?
9th November 1918
Why did the kaiser abdicate?
November events and Germany’s defeat in ww1.
Friedrich Ebert
An SPD politician - President in 1913
Elected to Reichstag in 1912
First Chancellor in 1918
The first president of the Weimar Republic of 1919
What were Ebert’s beliefs/aims?
He didn’t believe in a violent revolution
He wanted to build a democratic, parliamentary system of government.
His first priority was to organise elections for a constituent Assembly which would draw up a new constitution.
