WEIMAR- creation

Question 1

Kaiser abdicates, armistice signed

Answer 1

• November 18; “November Criminals”
• Formally ended the war

Question 2

Weimar assembly established

Answer 2

• January 1919
• Ebert becomes president
• Constitution drafted

Question 3

Problems with the Treaty

Answer 3

• Scheidemann’s coalition government collapsed due to divisions- Bauer takes over
• Reparations were seen as too harsh by many
• Full guilt clause unpopular

Question 4

Treaty of Versailles signed

Answer 4

• June 1919
• Bauer’s government

Question 5

Weimar constitution

Answer 5

• Signed August 1919
• 262 for, 75 against
• Terms:
  > Proportional representation
  > Equal vote for women and men of 20
  > Elections every 4 years
  > Bill of Rights included freedom of speech

Question 6

Weaknesses of constitution

Answer 6

• Proportional representation led to ineffective coalition governments
• 13 chancellors in 15 years
• Article 48 bypassed democracy
• 1924-28- 6 coalition governments

Question 7

Strengths of constitution

Answer 7

• Individual rights clearly stated
• Proportional representation led to more valuable votes
• Full democracy