The first world war had a devastating impact on the entire Europe both psychologically and financially. From a continent of creditors, Europe turned into one of debtors. Unfortunately, the infant Weimar Republic was being made to pay for the sins of the old empire. The republic carried the burden of war guilt and national humiliation and was financially crippled by being forced to pay compensation. Those who supported the Weimar Republic, mainly Socialists, Catholics and Democrats, became easy targets of attack in the conservative nationalist circles. They were known as the november criminal because germans believe that weimer republic was responsible for the defeat in world war 1.Therefore its supporters were mockingly known as November Criminals

Who were the November criminals - the supporters or the Weimar Republic?

The term "November criminals" was used by right-wing nationalists and conservatives in Germany to refer to the supporters of the Weimar Republic, the democratic government established after the end of World War I. They were called so because they believed that the politicians who signed the armistice and negotiated the Treaty of Versailles were responsible for Germany's defeat and the harsh terms imposed on the country.

Background:
1. End of World War I: The armistice signed on November 11, 1918, marked the end of World War I for Germany.
2. Treaty of Versailles: The treaty, signed on June 28, 1919, placed full blame for the war on Germany and its allies and imposed severe penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, disarmament, and substantial reparations.

Reasons behind the term:
1. Armistice: The armistice was seen by many Germans as a betrayal, as it came as a shock to the population and military, who were not aware that the German government was negotiating an end to the war.
2. Treaty of Versailles: The terms of the treaty were considered harsh and humiliating by many Germans. The country was forced to accept full responsibility for the war, leading to widespread resentment and anger among the population.
3. Economic and political instability: Following the war, Germany faced economic hardship and political instability. The Weimar Republic struggled to maintain control and deal with the consequences of the treaty, which further fueled resentment and discontent.

Use of the term:
1. Propaganda: Right-wing nationalists and conservatives used the term "November criminals" as a form of propaganda to undermine the legitimacy of the Weimar Republic and its supporters.
2. Blaming the politicians: The term specifically targeted the politicians who signed the armistice and negotiated the treaty, accusing them of betraying the German people and being responsible for Germany's defeat and subsequent suffering.

Impact:
1. Destabilization of the Weimar Republic: The use of the term "November criminals" contributed to the erosion of public trust in the Weimar Republic and its political leaders.
2. Rise of extremist movements: The widespread discontent and disillusionment with the Weimar Republic created a fertile ground for the rise of extremist movements, such as the Nazi Party, who capitalized on the anger and resentment of the German population.

In conclusion, the term "November criminals" was used to refer to the supporters of the Weimar Republic, who were accused of betraying Germany and being responsible for the harsh terms imposed on the country after World War I. It played a significant role in undermining the legitimacy of the democratic government and contributed to the rise of extremist movements in Germany.