The Challenges of the Weimar Republic 1918-23

Question 1

Question 1
What were key stages of Germany’s political changes in the aftermath of WW1?

Answer 1

• The Revolution from Above
• The Revolution from Below
• The Deal with the Army
• The Armistice.

Question 2

Question 2
What happened as apart of the “Revolution from Above” in September 1918?

Answer 2

Generals Ludendorff & Von Hindenburg recommended Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate & form a civilian government.

Question 3

Question 3
Why did the German high command want the Kaiser to abdicate?

Answer 3

• To seek better armistice terms with a democratic Government negotiating with their democratic enemies
• Shift the blame for defeat onto the new civilian government (especially the SPD).

Question 4

Question 4
Who temporarily led the new German Government after the Kaiser’s abdication?

Answer 4

Prince Max von Baden.

Question 5

Question 5
What political groups were heavily included in the new Government formed on 3rd October 1918?

Answer 5

The Liberals & Socialists.

Question 6

Question 6
What was the Kiel Mutiny & when did it happen?

Answer 6

A mutiny by sailors at Kiel against military orders, on 31st October 1918.

Question 7

Question 7
Why did the Kiel Sailor’s muting happen?

Answer 7

• It was very clear Germany was going to lose the war.
• The German Admiralty wanted the Navy to go on a final ‘death voyage’ against the Royal Navy.
• The Sailor’s valued their lives.

Question 8

Question 8
What did the Kiel sailors establish after mutinying?

Answer 8

Workers’, soldiers’ & sailors’ councils.

Question 9

Question 9
What happened on the 9th November 1918?

Answer 9

• Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated & fled to Holland.
• Max von Baden handed over Chancellorship to the SPD.
• Friedrich Ebert became Chancellor and Germany was declared a Republic.

Question 10

Question 10
What agreement was made between Chancellor Ebert & General Groener?

Answer 10

Army agreed to defend the new Republic in exchange for, Government maintaining Military Officers authority.

Question 11

Question 11
When was the Armistice signed to officially end WW1?

Answer 11

8th November 1918 (effective at 11:00 AM on 11th November 1918).

Question 12

Question 12
What did the Armistice signify for Germany?

Answer 12

Formal end of World War One & Germany’s military defeat.

Question 13

Question 13
When was the election for Germany’s first National Assembly held?

Answer 13

19th January 1919.

Question 14

Question 14
Where did the new National Assembly meet & why?

Answer 14

On 6th February 1919, in Weimar, to avoid Berlin’s revolutionary atmosphere.

Question 15

Question 15
Who was chosen as the first President of the Weimar Republic?

Answer 15

The Assembly in Weimar chose Friedrich Ebert.

Question 16

Question 16
What political parties formed the first Weimar coalition?

Answer 16

SPD, Centre Party, & DDP.

Question 17

Question 17
What major political shift occurred in Germany after WW1?

Answer 17

Transition from a constitutional monarchy to a democracy.

There was a Revolution post-WW1

Question 18

Quetion 18
Who could now vote after WW1 in Germany?

Answer 18

All men & women over 20.

There was a Revolution post-WW1

Question 19

Question 19
Which political group held power after the Kaiser’s abdication?

Answer 19

Socialists (SPD).

There was a Revolution post-WW1

Question 20

Question 20
How large was the SPD’s membership by 1918?

Answer 20

Over 1 million members.

There was a Revolution post-WW1

Question 21

Question 21
Who no longer held power in this new Republic?

Answer 21

Nationalists & Upper classes.

There was a Revolution post-WW1

Question 22

Question 22
How was the Kaiser’s abdication announced?

Answer 22

Prince Max von Baden frantically & forcefully announced the Kaisers abdication as Monarch.

There was a Revolution post-WW1

Question 23

Question 23
Who really instigated change in Germany after WW1?

Answer 23

The military, to protect their own interests.

There wasn’t a Revolution post-WW1

Question 24

Question 24
Why did the military push for a civilian government?

Answer 24

To blame the new government for Germany’s defeat.

There wasn’t a Revolution post-WW1

Question 25

Question 25 What kind of revolution did most Germans oppose?

Answer 25

A Russian-style Communist revolution. ## Footnote There wasn't a Revolution post-WW1

Question 26

Question 26 When would the National Assembly be established?

Answer 26

Only after elections were held. ## Footnote There wasn't a Revolution post-WW1

Question 27

Question 27 What did the SPD believe?

Answer 27

It was a onstiutionalist party that believed the people would come to power through the ballot box. ## Footnote There wasn't a Revolution post-WW1

Question 28

Question 28 When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

Answer 28

28th June 1919.

Question 29

Question 29 Where was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

Answer 29

The Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles.

Question 30

Question 30 Who were the key leaders responsible for the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 30

* Lloyd George (Britain) * Victor Orlando (Italy) * Georges Clemenceau (France) * Woodrow Wilson (USA)

Question 31

Question 31 What was the main purpose of the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 31

To formally end WW1 and impose penalties on Germany. ## Footnote Penalties included: reparations, disarmament, territorial losses, etc.

Question 32

Question 32 What international organisation was created by the Treaty, but Germany was banned from joining?

Answer 32

The League of Nations.

Question 33

Question 33 What restrictions were placed on the German military under the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 33

* Army limited to 100,000 men, * Navy restricted to 1/6 size of the Royal Navy. * Banned from having an Air force.

Question 34

Question 34 What region was demilitarised according to the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 34

The Rhineland.

Question 35

Question 35 What happened to the Saar coalfields under the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 35

Given to France for 15 years.

Question 36

Question 36 What did Clause 231, the War Guilt Clause, state?

Answer 36

Germany had to accept full responsibility for causing WW1 & for all damages.

Question 37

Question 37 How much were Germany’s reparations set at in 1921?

Answer 37

6.6 billion gold marks.

Question 38

Question 38 What happened to Germany’s overseas colonies under the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 38

Given to France and Britain as ‘mandates’.

Question 39

Question 39 What union was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 39

Anschluss (union between Germany & Austria).

Question 40

Question 40 True or False The Treaty of Versailles was signed on the 11th of November 1918.

Answer 40

False. ## Footnote It was signed on 28th June 1919

Question 41

Question 41 True or False Germany was allowed to join the League of Nations after signing the Treaty.

Answer 41

False ## Footnote Germany was banned from joining at first.

Question 42

Question 42 True or False The Saar coalfields were given to Britain for 15 years.

Answer 42

False ## Footnote They were given to France.

Question 43

Question 43 True or False The German army was restricted to 100,000 soldiers.

Answer 43

True.

Question 44

Question 44 True or False Germany was permitted to unite with Austria under the Treaty.

Answer 44

False. ## Footnote Anschluss was forbidden.

Question 45

Question 45 True or False German Navy was restricted to 1/6 the size of the British Royal Navy

Answer 45

True.

Question 46

Question 46 True or False Germany had to pay reparations of 6.6 billion gold marks set in 1921.

Answer 46

True

Question 47

Question 47 When was the Weimar Constitution decided?

Answer 47

July 1919.

Question 48

Question 48 What major political change occurred in Germany after the Kaiser’s abdication?

Answer 48

Germany became a Republic.

Question 49

Question 49 Why was there a strong call for Democracy in Germany after 1918?

Answer 49

* Working people wanted a say in the running of the country * There was fear of a Communist revolution without it.

Question 50

Question 50 What gap existed in Germany’s political structure between November 1918 & July 1919?

Answer 50

Germany had no formal political system during that period.

Question 51

Question 51 Which political groups mainly shaped the new Weimar Democracy?

Answer 51

Centrists & the SPD

Question 52

Question 52 Why was a Democratic system preferred over a Communist system?

Answer 52

People feared the chaos and violence of a Russian-style Communist revolution.

Question 53

Question 54 How often was the President of the Weimar Republic elected?

Answer 53

Every 7 years by the people.

Question 54

Question 54 What powers did the President have over the Chancellor?

Answer 54

Could appoint & dismiss the Chancellor.

Question 55

Question 55 What could the President do to the Reichstag?

Answer 55

Dissolve it & call new elections.

Question 56

Question 56 What Article allowed the President to rule by decree in an emergency?

Answer 56

Article 48.

Question 57

Question 57 Who decided what constituted an "emergency"?

Answer 57

The President.

Question 58

Question 58 On what condition did the Chancellor need to maintain their position?

Answer 58

The Reichstag's Confidence

Question 59

Question 59 What was the Chancellor's main function regarding laws?

Answer 59

Proposing laws for the Reichstag to vote on.

Question 60

Question 60 Who usually became Chancellor?

Answer 60

The leader of the largest party in the Reichstag.

Question 61

Question 61 What voting system was used to elect the Reichstag?

Answer 61

Proportional representation.

Question 62

Question 62 How often were Reichstag elections scheduled?

Answer 62

Every 4 years. ## Footnote Could be earlier if Reichstag was dissolved by the President).

Question 63

Question 63 Where were Reichsrat representatives elected from?

Answer 63

State Parliaments.

Question 64

Question 64 How many representatives made up the Reichsrat?

Answer 64

67 representatives from 17 states.

Question 65

Question 65 What power did the Reichsrat have over new laws?

Answer 65

Could advise & reject them, but could be overridden by the Reichstag.

Question 66

Question 66 What is a Plebiscite?

Answer 66

A public vote on a single issue, similar to a referendum but with more options.

Question 67

Question 67 What elections could the German people vote in?

Answer 67

* Reichstag. * State assemblies. * President. * Plebiscites.

Question 68

Question 68 What was the role of the Supreme Court under the Weimar Republic?

Answer 68

To interpret the Constitution.

Question 69

Question 69 When was the idea of Fundamental Rights first drafted, and when was it adopted?

Answer 69

First drafted in 1848, adopted in 1919.

Question 70

Question 70 What new rights were included in the 1919 Fundamental Rights?

Answer 70

Increased social rights for citizens. ## Footnote e.g. the right to belong to a union.

Question 71

Question 71 How many votes were needed to elect a candidate to the Reichstag?

Answer 71

60,000

Question 72

Question 72 What did Proportional Representation often force political parties to do?

Answer 72

Form coalitions to create a majority government.

Question 73

Question 73 How did voter turnout affect the number of Deputies in the Reichstag?

Answer 73

Higher turnout meant more Deputies; lower turnout meant fewer.

Question 74

Question 74 Who was the Chancellor accountable to?

Answer 74

The Reichstag.

Question 75

Question 75 What were the two houses of the German Parliament called?

Answer 75

The Reichstag and the Reichsrat.

Question 76

Question 76 What document guaranteed freedom of speech in the Weimar Republic?

Answer 76

The Bill of Rights.

Question 77

Question 77 What obligation did the Constitution place on the Government regarding social welfare?

Answer 77

It had to provide welfare, and it was legally binding.

Question 78

Question 78 Compare & Contrast Strengths & Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution *'The State of Democracy'*

Answer 78

* Positive - Parliamentary democracy gave working people a say. * Negative - Article 48 allowed the President to rule alone like a Monarch.

Question 79

Question 79 Compare & Contrast Strengths & Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution *'Voting Rights of Ctizens'*

Answer 79

* Positive - All men & women over 20 had the vote. * Negative - Proportional representation caused unstable coalition governments.

Question 80

Question 80 Compare & Contrast Strengths & Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution *'Freedom & Rights of Citizens'*

Answer 80

* Positive - Guaranteed freedoms (e.g. Speech) through Bill of Rights. * Negative - Broad representation allowed enemies of democracy into Parliament (e.g. Nazis)

Question 81

Question 81 Compare & Contrast Strengths & Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution *'The Welfare State'*

Answer 81

* Positive - Introduced a legally binding welfare system. * Negative - Welfare spending was expensive and mandatory.

Question 82

Question 82 Compare & Contrast Strengths & Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution *'Government Accountability'*

Answer 82

* Positive - President could call elections if the Government failed. * Negative - No clear definition of "emergency" for Article 48 — risky.

Question 83

Question 83 Compare & Contrast Strengths & Weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution 'The Reichstrat'

Answer 83

* Positive - Reichsrat could debate and question new laws. * Negative - Reichsrat could slow down passing new laws ~ causing gridlock.

Question 84

Question 84 What was the main threat to the Weimar Republic from the left in 1919?

Answer 84

A Russian-style communist uprising by the Spartacists.

Question 85

Question 85 What was the main threat to the Weimar Republic from the right in 1919?

Answer 85

Elites hidden within the new system aiming to make the Weimar Republic fail and restore old authoritarian power.

Question 86

Question 86 Who were the leaders of the Spartacist Revolution?

Answer 86

Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg.

Question 87

Question 87 What was Karl Liebknecht’s political background?

Answer 87

* Former SPD Reichstag member. * Elected in 1912. * Expelled in 1916 for opposing WW1. * Opposed Ebert’s post-war democracy.

Question 88

Question 88 What was Rosa Luxemburg political background?

Answer 88

* Established revolutionary SPD wing in 1905 with Liebknecht. * Imprisoned 1915-18 due to her anti-war views. * Believed a Communist revolution would be Germany wide.

Question 89

Question 89 What was Rosa Luxemburg’s stance on the January 1919 uprising?

Answer 89

She opposed it, believing it was too early for a successful revolution.

Question 90

Question 90 What work did Rosa Luxemburg continue during her imprisonment (1915–18)?

Answer 90

She wrote letters calling for revolutionary action, which were smuggled out.

Question 91

Question 91 Why did Industrialists fear the Spartacists?

Answer 91

They feared losing their factories & accumulated wealth to a Communist state.

Question 92

Question 92 Why did Conservatives fear the Spartacists?

Answer 92

As aristocrats, they feared losing their traditional power and privileges to working-class rule.

Question 93

Question 93 What did the Spartacists believe about political power?

Answer 93

Power should be in the hands of the working people.

Question 94

Question 94 What major event happened on 1st January 1919? ## Footnote This was to form the KPD

Answer 94

Spartacists & other hard left groups held a congress and formed the KPD.

Question 95

Question 95 Were Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg responsible for starting the uprising?

Answer 95

No, they opposed its timing & weren't responsible for launching it.

Question 96

Question 96 What date did the Spartacist Uprising begin?

Answer 96

5th January 1919.

Question 97

Question 97 What were the initial actions of the Spartacist Uprising?

Answer 97

Taking over newspaper offices & establishing revolutionary committees.

Question 98

Question 98 Why was the Spartacist Uprising unsuccessful?

Answer 98

It was poorly organised due to its rushed nature & easily suppressed by the Freikorps.

Question 99

Question 99 What happened to Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht?

Answer 99

They were murdered by the Horse Guard Division on 15th January 1919.

Question 100

Question 100 Why couldn't Ebert rely on the regular Army to crush the Spartacists?

Answer 100

Rank-&-file soldiers were working class & may sympathize with the revolutionaries cause.

Question 101

Question 101 Who made up the Freikorps?

Answer 101

Recently demobilised lower ranking commissioned officers who were strongly anti-Communist.

Question 102

Question 102 How did the Government use the Freikorps?

Answer 102

To violently suppress the Spartacist Uprising in January 1919.

Question 103

Question 103 What was a major consequence of the Government using the Freikorps?

Answer 103

Weimar Government became politically indebted to the right-wing forces.

Question 104

Question 104 Why was relying on the Freikorps a future risk for the Weimar Republic?

Answer 104

The right-wing forces were hostile to democracy and would expect favors or influence later.

Question 105

Question 105 What was the Kapp Putsch?

Answer 105

A right-wing revolt aiming to overthrow the Weimar Republic & restore an authoritarian regime.

Question 106

Question 106 When did the Kapp Putsch take place?

Answer 106

March 1920.

Question 107

Question 107 Who were the key conspirators behind the Kapp Putsch?

Answer 107

* Wolfgang Kapp. * General Luttwitz. * Ludendorff. * Disgruntled military officers. * The Freikorps.

Question 108

Question 108 How many Freikorps members marched on Berlin?

Answer 108

12,000.

Question 109

Question 109 What was the Army’s response to the Putsch?

Answer 109

Army refused to defend the Weimar Government, sympathizing with the putschists.

Question 110

Question 110 Where did Ebert’s Government flee during the Kapp Putsch?

Answer 110

Dresden.

Question 111

Question 111 What strategy did Ebert use to counter the Kapp Putsch?

Answer 111

He called a general strike by appealing to the working class.

Question 112

Question 112 How did the general strike affect Berlin?

Answer 112

It shut the city down completely, paralyzing the new government.

Question 113

Question 113 What was the outcome for Kapp & his allies?

Answer 113

They fled Berlin when their government collapsed.

Question 114

Question 114 What happened to the conspirators after the Putsch failed?

Answer 114

Some were arrested but received light sentences from sympathetic judges.

Question 115

Question 115 What did the wave of political assassinations during 1919–1922 signal about the Weimar Republic?

Answer 115

Showed the political instability and deep divisions within Germany.

Question 116

Question 116 Who was Walther Rathenau?

Answer 116

Germany’s Foreign Minister from February 1922 to June 1922.

Question 117

Question 117 Why was Walther Rathenau targeted for assassination?

Answer 117

Signed the Treaty of Versailles, which made him a target for nationalist extremists & disgruntled citizens.

Question 118

Question 118 How was Walther Rathenau assassinated?

Answer 118

He was shot with a submachine gun from a passing car whilst being chauffeured.

Question 119

Question 119 When was Walther Rathenau assassinated?

Answer 119

June 1922.

Question 120

Question 120 How was Hitler’s relationship with his parents?

Answer 120

Had a troubled relationship with his father. But was very close to his mother, who died when he was young.

Question 121

Question 121 What career ambitions did Hitler initially have?

Answer 121

Wanted to become an architect & artist but failed.

Question 122

Question 122 What subjects did Hitler pass at school to get GCSE equivalents?

Answer 122

Art & History.

Question 123

Question 123 What was Hitler’s role in the German Army during WW1?

Answer 123

Served as a runner, carrying messages between trenches.

Question 124

Question 124 What rank did Hitler achieve in WW1?

Answer 124

Corporal.

Question 125

Question 125 What military awards did Hitler receive in WW1?

Answer 125

Two Iron Crosses for bravery.

Question 126

Question 126 Why was Hitler hospitalized near the end of WW1?

Answer 126

Injured in a gas attack, where he heard of Germany's surrender & defeat.

Question 127

Question 127 What political group did the NSDAP originally begin as?

Answer 127

The DAP (German Workers' Party).

Question 128

Question 128 Where did the DAP first meet?

Answer 128

Backroom of a Munich beer hall.

Question 129

Question 129 What was Hitler’s original role when he first encountered the DAP?

Answer 129

He was a Bavarian Army spy sent to observe the DAP.

Question 130

Question 130 Why did Hitler continue attending DAP meetings after his report?

Answer 130

He agreed with their ideas & wanted to be involved while still drawing a government income as a spy.

Question 131

Question 131 When did Hitler help draft the 25-Point Programme?

Answer 131

February 1920.

Question 132

Question 132 What effect did Hitler's speeches have on the DAP?

Answer 132

His charisma attracted hundreds of new members.

Question 133

Question 133 How did Hitler become the leader of the DAP?

Answer 133

He gave an ultimatum to Drexler: make him leader or he would leave & take supporters with him.

Question 134

Question 134 When did Hitler officially become leader of the party?

Answer 134

July 1921.

Question 135

Question 135 What major change did Hitler make after becoming party leader?

Answer 135

Renamed the party the NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers' Party) — commonly known as the Nazis.

Question 136

Question 136 Who wrote the 25-Point Programme of the Nazi Party

Answer 136

Adolf Hitler & Anton Drexler.

Question 137

Question 137 What key ideas did the 25-Point Programme include?

Answer 137

Antisemitism, anti-communism, & belief in authoritarianism.

Question 138

Question 138 What did Nazi nationalism focus on?

Answer 138

Uniting all ethnic Germans into one Greater Germany.

Question 139

Question 139 What slogan captured the Nazi idea of unity?

Answer 139

"Ein Volk, Ein Reich" — "One people, one empire."

Question 140

Question 140 Why did German nationalism increase after WW1?

Answer 140

Many ethnic Germans were left outside Germany’s new borders due to the Treaty of Versailles.

Question 141

Question 141 Was Nazi Socialism true Marxist socialism?

Answer 141

No, it was Hitler’s alternative version focused on class harmony & obedience to the state.

Question 142

Question 142 What did historian Fischer say about Nazi Socialism?

Answer 142

It aimed for class harmony where everyone worked obediently for the state's interests.

Question 143

Question 143 Why did Hitler include "Socialism" in the party’s name?

Answer 143

To attract working-class support, despite hating true socialism.

Question 144

Question 144 When had antisemitism already been widespread before Hitler?

Answer 144

Since the late 19th century.

Question 145

Question 145 How did historian Fischer describe Hitler’s relationship with antisemitism?

Answer 145

As "the oxygen of Hitler’s political life," meaning all his political ideas were rooted in antisemitism.

Question 146

Question 146 How important was antisemitism to the Nazi Party’s beliefs?

Answer 146

It was one of the Nazis’ core pillars shaping many of their policies.

Question 147

Question 147 Why did Hitler hate Communism?

Answer 147

He feared it after seeing the Bolshevik revolution's success & heard 1st hand account horror stories of its atrocities.

Question 148

Question 148 According to Ian Kershaw, what influenced Hitler’s anti-communism?

Answer 148

Horror stories from Alfred Rosenberg, a first-hand witness to the Bolshevik revolution.

Question 149

Question 149 According to McDonough, what linked Hitler’s antisemitism to his anti-communism?

Answer 149

Hitler noticed that many communists were Jewish & equated communism with Judaism.

Question 150

Question 150 What does Authoritarianism mean?

Answer 150

Rule by one strong, singular dictator.

Question 151

Question 151 How did the Nazis view democracy?

Answer 151

Rejected it, believing it caused division & that unity required strong leadership.

Question 152

Question 152 What does the term Volksgemeinschaft mean?

Answer 152

"People’s Community" — a nation united without class, religious, or political conflict.

Question 153

Question 153 What was the ideal society under Volksgemeinschaft?

Answer 153

A society where all citizens worked together for the state's interests & needs.

Question 154

Question 154 What was Germany’s condition by late 1923?

Answer 154

Germany was still unstable but beginning to recover economically.

Question 155

Question 155 Which region of Germany opposed the national Government?

Answer 155

Bavaria.

Question 156

Question 156 Why did Bavarian leaders oppose the Weimar Government?

Answer 156

They believed it was too weak to deal with threats from the left (Communists).

Question 157

Question 158 Who supported the Bavarian opposition & wanted to march on Berlin?

Answer 157

Otto von Lossow.

Question 158

Question 158 Were the Bavarian leaders officially allied with the Nazis before the Putsch?

Answer 158

No, they were not in league with the Nazis, although they had similar aims.

Question 159

Question 159 What happened on 8th November 1923 in Munich? | In regards to Hitler & the Beer Hall

Answer 159

Hitler and his stormtroopers interrupted a meeting of 2,000 right-wing supporters in a Munich beer hall.

Question 160

Question 160 Which two Bavarian leaders did Hitler force to support the Putsch at gunpoint?

Answer 160

Otto von Lossow & Gustav von Kahr.

Question 161

Question 161 What simultaneous action did Hitler's stormtroopers attempt?

Answer 161

Seized members of the Bavarian Government but failed to take the army barrac

Question 162

Question 162 What critical mistake did Ludendorff make during the Putsch?

Answer 162

Allowed Lossow & Kahr to leave, & then later denounce the Putsch.

Question 163

Question 163 What action did President Ebert take on 9th November 1923?

Answer 163

Declared a state of national emergency & ordered General Seeckt to crush the revolt.

Question 164

Question 164 How did Lossow & Kahr respond after being released?

Answer 164

Issued a proclamation denouncing the Putsch.

Question 165

Question 165 What did Ludendorff persuade Hitler to do despite the setback?

Answer 165

Continue the revolt by marching to seize power in Munich.

Question 166

Question 166 What happened when 2,000 Nazis marched to a Munich military base?

Answer 166

They were met by armed police and soldiers; a gunfight broke out.

Question 167

Question 167 What injuries & outcomes resulted from the gunfight?

Answer 167

* 14 Nazis killed. * Hitler dislocated his shoulder & fled.

Question 168

Question 168 What happened to Ludendorff after the failed march?

Answer 168

Continued marching, approached the police & was then arrested.

Question 169

Question 169 When was Hitler arrested following the Munich Putsch?

Answer 169

11th November 1923.

Question 170

Question 170 What action did General Seeckt take after the Putsch?

Answer 170

Banned the Nazi Party.

Question 171

Question 171 When were the leaders of the Munich Putsch tried for treason?

Answer 171

February 1924.

Question 172

Question 172 How did Hitler use his trial to his advantage?

Answer 172

Used it as a platform to attack the Weimar regime & became a national celebrity.

Question 173

Question 173 What effect did the trial have on Nazi support in Bavaria?

Answer 173

Nazis became the third largest party in Bavaria.

Question 174

Question 174 What was the outcome of Ludendorff’s trial?

Answer 174

Was acquitted because judges accepted his claim that he was only accidentally involved.

Question 175

Question 175 What sentence did Hitler receive for his role in the Putsch?

Answer 175

Five years in prison - minimum possible sentence.

Question 176

Question 176 Where was Hitler imprisoned, & in what conditions?

Answer 176

* Landsberg Prison. * Very comfortable conditions.

Question 177

Question 177 What important work did Hitler produce while in prison?

Answer 177

He wrote - dictated - Mein Kampf - "My Struggle".

Question 178

Question 178 How long did Hitler actually spend in prison?

Answer 178

Nine months released for good behaviour.

Question 179

Question 179 What happened to the Nazi Party after Hitler's imprisonment?

Answer 179

It nearly disintegrated without his leadership.

Question 180

Question 180 How much debt was the German economy in by 1920?

Answer 180

Over 144,000 million marks. | Up from 5,000 million in 1913.

Question 181

Question 181 Why did Germany’s leaders during the war, originally think debt wouldn't be a problem?

Answer 181

They assumed Germany would win WW1 and impose reparations on defeated countries.

Question 182

Question 182 Did reparations directly cause Germany’s 1921 economic crisis?

Answer 182

No, but they contributed to it.

Question 183

Question 183 How did the value of the German mark change after WW1?

Answer 183

Was worth only half its pre-war value.

Question 184

Question 184 What caused the major devaluation of German currency?

Answer 184

Financing the war through loans and printing more money without enough gold reserves.

Question 185

Question 185 Why was austerity unpopular in Germany?

Answer 185

Would have badly hurt those on fixed incomes and those who had paid into war loans.

Question 186

Question 186 How did Germany’s post-war economy compare to other European countries?

Answer 186

It compared favorably — unemployment was 1.8% in Germany versus 17% in Britain.

Question 187

Question 187 Why did Fehrenbach’s Government resign in 1921?

Answer 187

To avoid being the ones to sign the unpopular reparations agreement.

Question 188

Question 188 Which two men eventually signed the reparations settlement?

Answer 188

Wirth & Rathenau.

Question 189

Question 189 What was the "policy of fulfilment" promoted by Wirth & Rathenau?

Answer 189

Cooperating with reparations to prove Germany couldn’t pay, hoping to get the figure reduced.

Question 190

Question 190 When did Germany pay its first reparations instalment?

Answer 190

End of May 1921.

Question 191

Question 191 What was clear after Germany’s first reparations payment?

Answer 191

That the German economy was struggling.

Question 192

Question 192 Who became the French Prime Minister and took a tougher line on Germany?

Answer 192

Raymond Poincaré.

Question 193

Question 193 What event in 1922 increased French suspicions of Germany?

Answer 193

The Rapallo Treaty between Germany & Soviet Russia - waiving Russian reparations claims.

Question 194

Question 194 How did the Rapallo Treaty affect French attitudes?

Answer 194

It made France more suspicious & pushed them toward occupying the Ruhr.

Question 195

Question 195 Why did France occupy the Ruhr in January 1923?

Answer 195

Germany fell behind on timber deliveries - repaarations - to France.

Question 196

Question 196 When did the occupation of the Ruhr begin?

Answer 196

11th January 1923.

Question 197

Question 197 Which countries supported the French occupation?

Answer 197

Belgium & Italy.

Question 198

Question 198 How many troops initially occupied the Ruhr?

Answer 198

60,000 troops - French & Belgian.

Question 199

Question 199 How did occupational troop numbers change during 1923?

Answer 199

Increased to 100,000.

Question 200

Question 200 How did the German people react to the Ruhr occupation?

Answer 200

They became united in opposition, showing national solidarity similar to 1914.

Question 201

Question 201 What was Germany’s strategy to comabt the occupation of the Ruhr?

Answer 201

Passive resistance — workers refused to cooperate with the occupying forces.

Question 202

Question 202 How did the German Government support passive resistance?

Answer 202

Continued paying the striking workers.

Question 203

Question 203 What financial consequence did passive resistance cause?

Answer 203

Germany stopped all reparations payments & worsened its economic crisis, contributing to hyperinflation.

Question 204

Question 204 What major economic problem occurred in Germany in 1923?

Answer 204

Inflation worsened & turned into hyperinflation.

Question 205

Question 205 What caused the hyperinflation to spiral even further?

Answer 205

The government printed more money, making prices rise even faster.

Question 206

Question 206 Give an example of extreme prices during hyperinflation.

Answer 206

5 million marks for a postage stamp or 80 million marks for an egg.

Question 207

Question 207 How often were workers paid during hyperinflation?

Answer 207

Twice a day, so they could spend money before it lost even more value.

Question 208

Question 208 How did many people trade for goods during hyperinflation?

Answer 208

By bartering - trading goods instead of using worthless money.

Question 209

Question 209 What happened to most Germans’ life savings?

Answer 209

They became worthless, causing many to fall into poverty.

Question 210

Question 210 Who benefitted from hyperinflation?

Answer 210

Businessmen, landlords, & homeowners who paid off debts with worthless money or bought real estate cheaply.

Question 211

Question 211 Which groups suffered the most during hyperinflation?

Answer 211

Those on fixed incomes — such as students, retirees, and the sick — who saw their purchasing power destroyed.

Question 212

Question 212 Which professions generally fared well during hyperinflation?

Answer 212

Farmers, shopkeepers, & craftspeople, because there was still demand for their goods & services.