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Weimar Nazi Germany > Weimar Republic > Flashcards

Weimar Republic Flashcards

1
Q

what challenges was Germany facing by 1918?

A

failure of the Spring Offensive
the allies on the offensive
a loss of over 2 million soldiers
suffering due to food shortages from the allied blockade.

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2
Q

What impact did the failures and hardships have on the German people’s sentiments towards Kaiser Wilhelm II?

A
  • Many civilians and soldiers became angry at Kaiser Wilhelm II for the failures and hardships
  • some believed in the need for a change similar to the Russian Revolution
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3
Q

What event influenced some Germans to seek a change in their government?

A

Russian Revolution, where the Tsar was overthrown and replaced by a government of the people

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4
Q

What events led to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in late 1918?

A
  • Kiel Mutiny, where German sailors refused to fight the British navy
    the establishment of Workers’ and Soldiers’ councils, breakdown of government control in various areas
  • pressure from ministers and Allies contributed
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5
Q

When did the Kiel Mutiny take place, and what were its consequences?

A

October 29, 1918
It involved German sailors refusing orders, leading to the establishment of Workers’ and Soldiers’ councils and 40,000 people takeover of the dockyard

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6
Q

Who assumed power after Kaiser Wilhelm II’s abdication, and which political party did they represent?

A

10th November
Friedrich Ebert- Social Democrat party (SPD) assumed power, becoming the Chancellor of the new government

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7
Q

What significant change occurred in Germany as a result of these events?

A

Germany transitioned to a democracy for the first time in its history with the establishment of the Weimar Republic

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8
Q

What was the immediate consequence of the German Revolution in terms of the First World War?

A

The new Weimar Republic called for a ceasefire, leading to the armistice on November 11, 1918. Germany officially lost the First World War

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9
Q

What were the long-term effects of the German Revolution on politics in Germany?

A
  • Politics in Germany became highly unstable, with extreme left-wing and right-wing groups fighting for power
  • The new government struggled to establish full control, and stability was not achieved until mid-1919.
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10
Q

What were the challenges faced by the new Weimar Republic in Germany after the First World War?

A

Uncertainty and Opposition - Many were unsure of the new government, and some wanted the return of the Kaiser

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11
Q

What impact did casualties have on Germany after the First World War?

A

Casualties - Germany had over 7 million casualties, both dead and injured

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12
Q

How did the financial crisis affect Germany after the First World War?

A
  • Financial Crisis - The war almost bankrupted Germany, costing £37 billion
  • The allied blockade severely impacted trade, leaving Germany in a poor financial situation.
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13
Q

What contributed to social unrest in Germany after the First World War?

A

Social Unrest - Thousands of soldiers leaving the army caused riots, and groups like the Freikorps (ex-soldiers who refused to give up their weapons) contributed to social unrest.

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14
Q

How did the German population perceive the surrender during the First World War?

A
  • War Surrender Perception - The German population was deeply unhappy with the Weimar Republic’s surrender
  • feeling they had not lost the war but that the government had “stabbed them in the back.” ‘dolchstoss’
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15
Q

What led to the formation of the Weimar Republic?

A
  • Kaiser Wilhelm II fled to Holland
  • The Treaty of Versailles mandated Germany to become a democracy.
  • In 1919, elections were held, and the Social Democrats (SPD), led by Friedrich Ebert, won, establishing the Weimar Republic.
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16
Q

Who led the Social Democrats (SPD) and became a key figure in the establishment of the Weimar Republic?

A

Friedrich Ebert, the leader of the Social Democrats (SPD), played a crucial role in the establishment of the Weimar Republic after winning the 1919 elections.

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17
Q

What were some key features of the Weimar Constitution?

A
  • Freedom: Everyone had freedom of speech, religion, and the right to hold meetings.
  • Personal Freedom: Ensured personal freedom and equality.
  • Voting Rights: All men and women over 20 could vote.
  • Reichstag: The Reichstag, elected by the people, was responsible for making laws.
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18
Q

what precautions were taken to prevent the concentration of power in the Weimar Republic?

A
  • The Weimar Constitution aimed to prevent excessive concentration of power
  • This was achieved through proportional representation and the roles of the President, Chancellor, and Reichstag.
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19
Q

Who served as the head of state in the Weimar Republic, and how were they elected?

A
  • The President served as the head of state in the Weimar Republic
  • They were elected by the people and had the authority to choose the Chancellor
  • the President could use Article 48 in certain situations.
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20
Q

What role did the Chancellor play in the Weimar Republic’s government?

A
  • The Chancellor served as the head of the government in the Weimar Republic
  • The President chose the Chancellor, and they played a crucial role in the administration
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21
Q

What was the significance of Article 48 in the Weimar Republic?

A
  • Article 48 granted the President the authority to take emergency measures in specific situations
  • This provision had significant implications for the governance of the Weimar Republic
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22
Q

How was the government structured in the Weimar Republic?

A
  • The Weimar Republic’s government included the Chancellor, who led the government, and the Cabinet, which served as the main decision-making body
  • Proportional representation played a role in the selection of government members.
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23
Q

What constituted the Parliament in the Weimar Republic?

A
  • The Parliament in the Weimar Republic consisted of the Reichstag and Reichsrat.
  • Members were elected through proportional representation, and the Reichstag, being the most powerful part, had members elected every four years.
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24
Q

How many seats were there in the Reichstag, and why was this number significant?

A
  • 421 seats
  • The significance lies in the fact that the distribution of these seats was based on proportional representation, determining the political makeup of the government.
25
Q

What is Article 48, and in what situations could it be used?

A
  • Article 48 granted the President emergency powers
  • In a crisis or emergency, the President could use Article 48 to rule independently, bypassing the need for approval from the Chancellor or Reichstag to pass laws.
26
Q

What were the strengths of the Weimar Constitution?

A
  • Proportional representation ensured fair representation for small parties.
  • The system aimed to prevent concentration of power in one group or individual, thus preventing dictatorships.
  • Germany, in 1919, was among the most democratic nations in Europe, offering equal rights and votes to women, surpassing even Britain.
  • Elections were held for both the Reichstag and the President.
  • The constitution guaranteed free speech and freedom of religious beliefs.
27
Q

What were the weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

A
  • Proportional representation often resulted in coalition governments, making it challenging for parties to cooperate and causing frequent collapses.
  • In the 1920s, the presence of 29 different parties reduced the chances of any one party securing a majority.
  • The army, judges, and civil servants favored a return of the Kaiser and were opposed to the Weimar Republic.
  • Article 48 granted the President the authority to take control in an ‘emergency,’ potentially leading to dictatorship.
  • The Weimar Republic faced widespread public dislike.
28
Q

What were the military terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

A
  • German army limited to 100,000 men.
  • Conscription was banned.
  • No tanks or artillery allowed.
  • Navy reduced to 6 battleships, and submarines were banned.
  • German air force was banned.
  • Rhineland demilitarized.
29
Q

What was the blame imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

A
  • Germany had to accept full responsibility for starting the war (Article 231 – The War Guilt Clause).
  • Not allowed to join the League of Nations.
30
Q

what reparations did Germany have to pay according to the Treaty of Versailles?

A
  • Germany had to pay £6.6 billion in reparations to Britain, France, and Belgium.
  • France gained control of the Saar coalfields for 15 years.
  • Germany lost its merchant navy.
31
Q

What were the territorial terms imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

A
  • Germany lost 13% of its land and 6 million Germans.
  • 48% of coal production was lost.
  • Germany’s overseas Empire was taken away and given to Britain and France.
  • Anschluss (union) with Austria was forbidden.
  • Loss of Alsace-Lorraine to France, Danzig became a free city, Malmedy given to Belgium.
  • German territory in West Prussia and Upper Silesia given to Poland, creating the ‘Polish Corridor.’
  • The Saar Coalfields given to France for 15 years.
32
Q

Why did the Germans call the Treaty of Versailles the ‘Diktat’?

A
  • The Germans were given no say in the treaty; it was sign it or risk invasion.
  • Germans called it the ‘Diktat,’ meaning a dictated peace.
33
Q

What did the Germans think of Ebert and the Weimar Government in relation to the Treaty of Versailles?

A
  • Germans referred to them as the ‘November Criminals.’
  • Accused of stabbing Germany in the back to take power from the Kaiser and army (The Dolchstoss Theory).
34
Q

What was the German reaction to Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles?

A
  • Many Germans hated Article 231.
  • Felt it was unfair to blame the new Weimar government for the actions of the now abdicated Kaiser.
  • Germans were disgraced and humiliated by this clause.
35
Q

How did the loss of armed forces and territory impact Germany according to the Treaty of Versailles?

A
  • Loss of armed forces hurt Germany’s pride and made them feel weak and insecure.
  • Loss of territory split up the country and took away 13% of Germany’s population, leading to financial and social consequences.
  • Germans were bitter and angry at the allies, believing they were trying to destroy Germany.
  • The £6.6 billion fine would almost bankrupt Germany, making it harder to pay back.
36
Q

What were the reasons for unrest and threats in Germany from 1918 to 1923?

A
  • Hatred towards the Weimar Republic for signing the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Opposition to high taxes introduced to pay reparations.
  • Political reasons for taking control.
  • Discontent with social problems facing Germany.
  • Influence of the communist revolution in Russia in October 1917
37
Q

What was the Spartacist Uprising, and how did it end?

A

Led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg to turn Germany into a communist country.
Attempted overthrow in January 1919 with 50,000 Spartacists.
Failed to gain support, defeated by Ebert, the Weimar Republic, and the army (Reichswehr).
Leaders, Luxemburg and Liebknecht, were murdered, ending the communist threat.

38
Q

What challenges did the Weimar Republic face from right-wing groups, and what were the consequences?

A
  • Right-wing groups, including the army, opposed the Weimar Republic for signing the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Desire for a military right-wing dictatorship.
  • Continued violence and murders, with 376 murders between 1919-1922.
  • Assassinations of Weimar politicians, including Matthias Erzberger and Walther Rathenau.
39
Q

Describe the Kapp Putsch and its outcome.

A
  • 1920 uprising after the crushing of the left.
  • Attempt to seize power led by Wolfgang Kapp and the Freikorps.
  • Weimar government fled to Dresden, army refused to stop the putsch.
  • Ebert called on Berlin workers to go on strike, workers supported and the putsch failed.
  • Very few involved were punished, highlighting challenges faced by the Weimar Republic.
40
Q

What was the primary cause of the Ruhr Crisis in 1923?

A

Germany’s struggle to make reparations payments (£6.6 billion) following World War I

41
Q

Describe the events of the Ruhr Crisis in 1923.

A
  • In January 1923, Germany defaulted on reparations payments to France.
  • France and Belgium sent 60,000 troops into the Ruhr to seize coal and steel resources.
  • French expectations of German workers supporting them did not materialize.
  • German workers, under the Weimar Republic’s decision, engaged in passive resistance, striking and refusing to work.
  • French responded by bringing in their own workers and suppressing resistance, leading to violence.
42
Q

What were the consequences and results of the Ruhr Crisis?

A
  • The invasion united the German people against the French and the impact of the Treaty of Versailles.
  • The German government printed more money to support striking workers.
  • Hyperinflation occurred as the value of the mark dropped dramatically.
  • German industrial production fell significantly.
  • Massive protests against French treatment of workers ensued, leading to violence and casualties.
43
Q

What were the two main causes of the Hyperinflation crisis in Germany in 1923?

A
  • Reparations: The £6.6 billion reparations after World War I financially strained Germany.
  • Occupation of the Ruhr: French occupation and seizure of German industries in the Ruhr.
44
Q

What are the effects of Hyperinflation on the German economy?

A
  • Worthless Currency: The mark became virtually worthless.
  • Starvation and Poverty: Millions faced dire economic conditions.
  • Rapid Price Increases: Prices soared hourly, leading to a rush by workers to purchase goods.
45
Q

How did hyperinflation impact the cost of everyday items, specifically bread, in Germany?

A

Nov 1918: 1 mark
Nov 1922: 163 marks
Sep 1923: 1.5 million marks
Nov 1923: 200 billion marks

46
Q

Who were the different social groups affected differently by hyperinflation?

A
  • Farmers: Spared the worst, could grow and consume their own food.
  • Businessmen: Many went bankrupt; unable to buy goods from abroad.
  • Workers: Had few savings, faced challenges but received higher wages.
  • Rich: Possessions and foreign currency allowed them to barter for essentials.
47
Q

What were some unconventional uses of the worthless German currency during hyperinflation?

A
  • Children played with it, and some used it as fuel due to its lower cost than wood.
  • Cost of an egg reached 80 million marks, emphasizing the currency’s worthlessness.
48
Q

Who became Chancellor of the Weimar Republic in August 1923, and what is the significance of his leadership?

A
  • Gustav Stresemann became Chancellor.
  • Significance: His leadership is often referred to as the Weimar government’s ‘Golden Years,’ marked by recovery and prosperity.
49
Q

What was the Dawes Plan, and how did it address the problem of hyperinflation in Germany?

A

US banker Charles Dawes aided in its creation.
Currency Burn: All existing marks were burned, and a new temporary currency (Rentenmark) was introduced.
Reparations Adjustment: Germany received more time and reduced reparations payments.
US Loans: US banks provided loans, totaling $3 billion over six years, used for infrastructure development.

50
Q

How did the Young Plan further contribute to the economic recovery of Germany?

A
  • Reparations Reduction: Reduced reparations from £6 billion to $1.85 billion, with a 60-year payment period.
  • Economic Impact: The plan helped Germany recover economically by easing financial burdens.
51
Q

How did Stresemann’s actions address and resolve the Ruhr Crisis?

A
  • Stable Currency: The Dawes Plan provided a stable currency, assisting in resolving the Ruhr crisis.
  • Reduced Reparations: Lower reparations payments and German cooperation led to the withdrawal of French and Belgian troops from the Ruhr.
  • Economic Restart: With the removal of foreign troops, German industry could restart, aiding economic recovery.
52
Q

What international agreements did Stresemann sign, and how did they impact Germany’s standing in the world?

A
  • Locarno Treaty (1925): Signed with France, Belgium, Great Britain, and Italy to maintain existing borders, improving European relations.
  • League of Nations (1925): Germany joined, gaining international respect as a ‘Great Power.’
  • Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928): 64 countries pledged to resolve conflicts by peaceful means, promoting global stability.
53
Q

How did Stresemann contribute to political stability in Germany?

A
  • Coalition Building: Stresemann organized a coalition of different parties in the Reichstag, fostering cooperation and quick decision-making.
  • End of Long Arguments: The coalition reduced prolonged debates in the Reichstag, bringing stability.
  • Improved Faith: Stresemann’s leadership instilled more faith in the government among the German population.
54
Q

What were Sresemann’s achievements?

A
  • Stresemann successfully resolved the Ruhr Crisis and Hyperinflation, Germany’s most serious crises in 1923.
  • He significantly improved Germany’s international reputation through the Locarno Treaty, entry to the League of Nations, and the Kellogg-Briand Pact.
  • The end of hyperinflation allowed people to purchase goods, ensured workers were paid, and eliminated the risk of starvation.
  • Due to loans and the resolution of hyperinflation, Germany’s industry grew by 40% between 1924-1929.
  • Wages increased, working hours remained stable, leading to happier workers and fewer strikes.
55
Q

What were Stresemann’s criticisms to his achievements?

A
  • Germany’s recovery was heavily reliant on loans from America, leaving the country vulnerable to crises (as seen in 1929 after the Wall Street Crash).
  • Unemployment remained a significant problem, peaking at 10% in 1927.
  • The middle classes never fully recovered from hyperinflation and economic crises, feeling ignored by the Weimar Republic.
  • Farmers continued to struggle throughout the 1920s, experiencing drops in profits and production.
  • Hatred towards the Weimar Republic persisted, with some, like the Nazis, accusing Stresemann of yielding to the French in the Ruhr.
56
Q

How did the standard of living change during the golden age?

A
  • Wages increased annually from 1924, totaling a 10% rise, making German workers among the best-paid in Europe by 1928.
  • Despite this, the middle class did not experience a similar wage increase, and high unemployment persisted in certain professions, such as lawyers, civil servants, and teachers.
  • The Weimar government addressed the housing shortage, constructing over two million new homes and improving nearly 200,000 between 1924 and 1931.
  • Homelessness decreased by more than 60% by 1928, significantly enhancing living conditions for many Germans.
57
Q

What were the health and welfare reforms during the golden age?

A
  • The Weimar Republic introduced health and welfare reforms, including the 1927 unemployment insurance law requiring contributions to a national scheme for unemployment welfare.
  • Reforms also provided benefits for war veterans, wives, dependents of war dead, single mothers, and the disabled.
58
Q

How did the role of women and their freedom change during the golden age?

A
  • In 1919, women over 20 gained the right to vote, and the Weimar Constitution promoted gender equality in education and profession.
  • By 1926, 26 women deputies were in the Reichstag, showcasing increased political participation.
  • Women experienced greater social freedom, going out unescorted, participating in public activities, and working in various professions.
  • Women’s fashion became more liberated, with shorter skirts, short haircuts, and makeup being embraced.
  • The number of women in new jobs, such as teaching, social work, shops, and assembly lines, increased.
59
Q

How did the culture and the arts change during the golden age?

A
  • The Bauhaus, a group of architects and designers, emerged, promoting bold designs and the integration of art and technology.
  • Neue Sachlichkeit, a new art movement, depicted society objectively; notable artists include Otto Dix.
  • German cinema thrived during the Weimar Republic, with Metropolis being a standout film of the era.
  • Marlene Dietrich became a global film star, portraying glamorous women.
  • New operas and plays, like “The Salesman of Berlin,” focused on realism, addressing societal issues.

Weimar Nazi Germany (4 decks)

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