chapter 1 - impact of war, the political crises of october to november 1918, and the establishment of the weimar constitution Flashcards
october reforms
end autocratic rule
appointment of prince max as chancellor
military put under governments control
peace note
A letter Prince Max wrote to President Wilson in October asking for an armistice.
What impact did the Peace Note have on soldiers and sailors?
Many soldiers and sailors lost respect for their officers and the beginning of naval mutiny.
What actions did the SPD take during the November Revolution?
9th November, SPD called for workers to join a strike against the Kaiser
SPD threatened to withdraw support from Prince Max’s government unless the Kaiser abdicated
What actions did Prince Max take in reaction to the SPD?
Prince Max had announced the abdication and resigned himself.
Who gained the role of Chancellor from Prince Max and when?
Friedrich Ebert, leader of the SPD, on the 9th November – the day it was announced that Germany was a republic.
ebert groener pact
Groener told Ebert that the army leadership would support the government in return Ebert should resist demands of soldier’s councils to democratise the army.
strengths of the constitution
Provided a wider right to vote (women can vote)
System of proportional representation
Full democracy in local government
Clearly set out rights of the individual
Referendums could be called by the president, reichstrat or by people’s request.
weaknesses of the constitution
System of proportional representation (small parties)
Coalition governments
Presidential decrees
Survival of undemocratic institutions
The existence of Article 48
Who became the new Commander in Chief of the army in 1920?
General Hans von Seeckt.
article 48
power of the president to rule by decree
when was the election
19th jan 1919
proportional representation
% of votes = % of seats
