Weimar Republic - 1918-1933

Question 1

What were the economic, social and political impacts of WW1 on Germany?

Answer 1

Economic:
- Deeply in debt after borrowing money in the war and lending to allies
- Much of the machinery in Germany’s overworked factories was worn out

Social:
- Some factory owners made a fortune during the war while workers had restrictions on their wages
- Women worked in factories during war, seen as damaging traditional family values

Political:
- Politically unstable; many strikes, protests and mutiny in the military.
- Many Germans felt betrayed by politicians (the ‘November Criminals’ who ended the war and refused to support them

Question 2

Describe the timeline of the revolution and abdication of the Kaiser

Answer 2

28 October 1918: German Navy ordered to attack British ships. The sailors refuse to follow orders and enter a mutiny.
29 October - 4 November 1918: Mutiny spreads to towns and military bases across Germany
7 November 1918: Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg are under the control of workers and soldiers councils

9 November 1918: German army refused to support the Kaiser, and he abdicates.