1919 - 1923 Flashcards
Describe the Kiel Mutiny
It was a major revolt by the sailors of the German Navy. It took place near Wilhemshaven. In October, the navy` mutinied, and rebellion spread throughout the country. From 26th October to 5th November, strikes and demonstrations were held against the war. They refused to set sail on October 30th. On 6th November, soldiers’ and workers’ councils had taken control in many cities. On 7th November, the SPD leaders sent an ultimatum to the Kaiser, telling to abdicate - or else they would join the revolution. There was a general strike in Berlin on 9th November. Armistice was agreed on 11th November.
When was the new Republic declared? Who was the new president?
In January 1919, Frederich Ebert of the SPD was elected as the new president of Germany.
In what ways was the Weimar constitution better than the old constitution?
- Chancellor was voted for by the public, not the Kaiser
- Men and women over 20 could vote, rather than only men over 25
- The leader was elected by the public
- They had a ‘Bill of Rights’ which included rights such as equality and political freedom
Briefly describe Weimar problems from 1919-1923
- The constitution did pose problems.
- Left-wing uprisings
- Right-wing rebellions
- Inflation ‘n’ Invasion
- Munich Putsch
What problems did the constitution pose?
Article 48 gave the president sole power in ‘times of emergency’. What constituted of an emergency, however, was not mentioned. Furthermore, proportional representation, while being seemingly fair, led to 28 parties in 1930, making it nearly impossible to establish a majority. It led to weak coalition governments. Lastly, German states had too much power and often ignored the government.
Describe the events of the Spartacist Uprising
In January 1919, 50,000 Spartacists rebelled in Berlin. On 5th January, they captured the HQ of the government’s newspaper and telegraph bureau. The uprising was easily crushed by the Freikorps. On 10th January, they took over the Spartacist HQ, and by January 15th, they were crushed. A 100 spartacists were killed compared to only 13 Freikorps.
What were the other communist uprisings that took place?
In 1919, communist worker’s councils seized power all over Germany and set up a ‘People’s Government’ in Bavaria.
In 1920, a paramilitary group called the Red Army rebelled in the Ruhr in an uprising called as the Red Uprising.
In 1923, communists took power in Saxony and Thuringia.
Describe the events of the Kapp Putsch
In March 1920, the government attempted to disband the Freikorps, however this wasn’t met well by them. The Freikorps, lead by Wolfgang Kapp marched into Berlin to declare a new nationalist government. The army didn’t stop them. The Republic fled to Dresden and appealed to the workers for a strike. The strike was very effective - the Putsch collapsed within days.
What were the other examples of right-wing rebellion?
A nationalist terrorist group murdered 356 politicians in 1922, and murdered foreign minister Walther Rathenau for signing a treaty with the Soviets (Treaty of Rapallo). In 1921, Finance Minister Matthias Erzberger was assassinated too. The Munich Putsch also took place in 1923.
Berlin: 1st October 1923 - Black Reichswer (right wing) rebelled.
Describe the first two crises of 1923.
Invasion - In 1923, French and Belgian troops invaded the Ruhr, because Germany failed to pay reparations. They looted the Ruhr of raw materials in compensation for actual payment. This was legal under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. Some German workers were shot.
Inflation - In order to pay reparations, the government printed more money, however as they did this, the value of the money went down and prices skyrocketed - leading to hyperinflation.
Describe the Munich Putsch
8th November - Hitler interrupted the Beer Hall Meeting and forced Kahr and fellow politicians to support him at gunpoint. SA took over the Arrmy HQ. Jews were beaten up. Kahr was released by Hitler, and Kahr called the police.
9th November - Nazis marched on Munich, but were met by the police. 16 Nazis died. Hitler and Ludendorff were both arrested.
What were the causes of the Munich Putsch?
- Weimar Weaknesses - Article 48 and P.R. made the govt. vulnerable to L.W. and R.W. rebellions. Hyperinflation and the Ruhr crisis made the citizens angry with the govt, and turned to extremist groups.
- Nazi Party was growing - 6,000 to 20,000 members. Hitler friends with Ludendorff - WW1 hero.
- Stresemann called off resistance in September 1923 - made people angry - nationalists thought that government was weak.
- Mussolini - in 1922, Mussolini marched into Rome - this made Hitler think that he could to the same.
- Bavarian Rebellion - Bavarian leaders including Kahr had planned to march 15,000 soldiers into Berlin, but they post-poned it. Hitler hoped that Munich Putsch would force them to join.
What were the results of the Munich Putsch?
- DISASTER - Nazis were defeated. 16 were dead. Hitler was sentenced to 9 months in prison, was forbidden to speak in public and was shot. He escaped from the crime scene - bad leadership.
However…
- Trial - Hitler’s trial gave him a platform to spread Nazi ideology. Even the judges were swayed by his speeches.
- Mein Kampf - In prison, Hitler wrote Mein Kampf - the “Bible” and “Blueprint” of the Nazis.
- Strategy - It also came to Hitler’s realization that he needed to gain power legitimately by getting elected.
How did the Weimar Republic survive its problems from 1919 to 1924?
FASS
- Freikorps - SPD defense minister Gustav Noske used Freikorps. They were right-wing nationalists and enjoyed putting down communist revolts.
- Army - The army (led by von Seekt) was also right-wing and enjoyed putting down communist revolts.
- Strike - The Kapp Putsch was led by right-wing, therefore Ebert appealed to communist workers for a strike.
- Stresemann - Stresemann employed various policies and treaties to help Germany’s economic and social position.
What were the effects of hyperinflation?
- Economic - collpase of the currency. Prices skyrocketed. Destruction of savings. Businesses unable to operate - investment was not recomended. The rich and middle-class became poor - had to sell silver and precious stones for staples such as bread. The poor were in an even worse condition. Barter system was used.
- Political - Instability - Weimar faced challenges, extremism gained popularity. Weakening of Weimar.
- Social - Protests, basic goods scarce, more crime.
