Germany After the End of the First World War | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

The First World War and the Creation of Weimar Germany - Timeline & Summary

• In 1918, Germany was governed by a dictatorship led by Kaiser Wilhelm II, who had been in power since 1888. He aimed to bolster Germany’s economic and military strength but denied the populace their rights and freedoms.
• By November 1918, Germany’s situation had deteriorated to the point where Kaiser Wilhelm II had to abdicate and go into exile in the Netherlands. This event led to the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
• The Weimar Republic, with Friedrich Ebert as Chancellor, implemented several policies. One of the first actions was to sign an armistice, ending World War I. This decision was unpopular with the German public, who resented the admission of defeat to the Allies. The subsequent peace treaty further fueled widespread anger towards the Weimar government.
• The Weimar government introduced unprecedented reforms, including universal suffrage and a new German Constitution. Although the Constitution aimed to democratize Germany, it had significant flaws. The use of proportional representation led to weak coalition governments that often had to rely on emergency powers to pass essential laws. This undermined public confidence and allowed for potential exploitation of the government system.

Effects of the First World War in Germany

• Between 1914 and 1918, approximately two million German soldiers lost their lives, and an additional four million were wounded. Among these casualties was Hitler, who suffered temporary blindness from a mustard gas attack in October 1918.
• Germany's national debt soared from 50 billion marks in 1914 to a staggering 150 billion marks by 1918.
• The German population faced severe food shortages, with many on the brink of starvation.
  • Due to the British Navy blockade of German naval ports, the country was cut off from crucial food imports, exacerbating the food crisis.

The Events of the Revolution of 1918

• Germany witnessed a surge of internal turmoil in the year 1918.
• In October 1918, there was a significant uprising within the German navy at the ports of Kiel and Hamburg.
• Munich, the capital of Bavaria, saw a widespread strike by workers on the 7th of November, declaring themselves as an independent Communist state.
• In Hanover, soldiers joined forces with workers, leading to street riots.
• Berlin, the capital city of Germany, experienced large-scale protests in the streets.
• The Kaiser lost control over the entire country due to the lack of support from Berlin.
• Various towns established councils comprised of workers and soldiers, aiming to supplant the Kaiser's official local administrations.
• On the 9th of November 1918, the Kaiser's military advisers insisted that he abdicate to quell the civil unrest.
• Max von Baden, appointed Chancellor by the Kaiser on the 3rd of October, publicly announced the Kaiser's abdication without his consent or awareness.
• Subsequently, on the 10th of November, the Kaiser fled Germany by train and sought refuge in the Netherlands.

The Establishment of the Weimar Republic

• The Social Democratic Party (SPD) aimed to stabilize Germany post the Kaiser's abdication.
• Max von Baden stepped down as Chancellor, offering the position to Friedrich Ebert, the SPD leader, who accepted.
• On November 10, Ebert endeavored to prevent a Communist uprising, collaborating with General Groener and the army to quell the riots. He dissolved the old Reichstag, instituting a Council of People's Representatives comprising six politicians to govern until elections.
• Ebert's decisive actions initially prevented Germany from turning Communist, but his reliance on force had enduring repercussions, with the Weimar government struggling to exert substantial authority over the nation.

Elections and the National Assembly

• The initial nine months of the Weimar Republic were crucial for boosting public confidence in the new government.
  • Civil servants from the Kaiser’s government continued their duties.
    • They worked together with the army and the new workers' councils.
  • Ebert maintained his alliance with General Groener to ensure the Weimar government remained in power.
    • In exchange, Ebert promised not to reform the army.
  • Businesses retained their land and property, and the state did not nationalize them.
    • This aided Germany’s economic recovery and garnered support from major business owners like Hugo Stinnes.
  • Ebert assured more workers' rights to win the support of trade unions.
    • For example, he guaranteed an eight-hour working day.
• Ebert announced elections for a National Assembly, which would draft the German Constitution.
  • Under the Kaiser, Germany lacked a written constitution.
    • The Kaiser created and altered laws at his discretion.
  • A constitution would mark the beginning of democracy.
    • It would make the new government and the German people accountable.
• On January 19, 1919, Germany elected a new government.
  • The SPD secured 40% of the vote, and the Centre Party received 20%.
    • Both were moderate parties.
  • 82% of eligible voters participated.
• In February 1919, Friedrich Ebert was elected Germany’s first president.
• From November 1918 to July 1919, the Republic had not consolidated its power.
  • Extreme political parties opposed the new Republic and continued to protest and riot throughout Germany.
  • Although the SPD won 40% of the vote, it did not have a majority and needed to govern in a coalition with other parties.

The Weimar Constitution

• In February 1919, the National Assembly convened to draft the constitution, choosing Weimar as the location due to the turmoil in Berlin. Hence, the term 'Weimar Republic' originated from this event. The exhaustive process of crafting the constitution spanned six months. Eventually, it was approved with a significant majority of 262 votes to 75.
• The constitution meticulously delineated the powers and duties of each elected official within the Weimar government, establishing a framework for governance.

The Weimar Constitution - Strengths and Weaknesses