Weimar and Nazi Germany

When did World War One end?

11th November 1918.

By the end of WWI, how many German soldiers/troops were dead?

2 million.

By the end of WWI, how many German soldiers/troops were wounded?

4 million.

By the end of WWI, how many Germans died due to food shortages? Why?

750,000 - British navy had blockaded German naval ports so no food could enter from overseas.

Between 1914 - 1918, how much did Germanys debt increase by?

100 billion marks - from 50 billion in 1914 and 100 billion to 1918.

Who ruled Germany before the Weimar Constitution?

Kaiser Wilhelm.

Under Kaiser Wilhelm, was Germany an autocracy or democracy?

Autocracy.

What happened in Germany during October 1918?

• Germany navy mutinied (refused to obey orders).

• Civil unrest began to spread with mass protests, worker strikes and riots from workers/soldiers.

When did Kaiser Wilhelm abdicate?

9th November 1918.

Who established themselves as the new leaders of Germany after the Kaisers abdication?

Social Democratic Party, SDP (Largest political party).

Who led the SDP in 1918?

Fredrich Ebert.

Explain how the SDP became Germany’s new leaders from November 1918 - January 1919.

• 9th Nov - Philipp Scheidemann hears armed rioters wanted to establish communist government in Berlin and shouts from a window for the people to remain calm.

• 10th Nov - Friedrich Ebert dismisses old Reichstag and creates council of people’s representatives (6 people to govern Germany until elections held).

• 11th Nov - Friedrich Ebert declares that Germany is a democratic republic with elections.

• 19th Jan - Germany elect new government with SPD winning 40% of votes and Ebert declared as first president.

Who was the first president of Germany?

Friedrich Ebert.

Did the Weimar Constitution create a democratic or autocratic government?

Democratic.

How often was the President elected in the Weimar Constitution?

Every 7 years.

Who chose the chancellor in the Weimar Constitution?

The President.

Who is in charge of the government and chooses all the government ministries?

The Chancellor.

Who could vote in the Weimar Constitution?

Anyone over the age of 21.

Which two houses made up Parliament in the Weimar Constitution?

Reichstag and Reichstrat.

Was the Reichstag or Reichstrat more powerful?

Reichstag.

How often was Parliament elected in the Weimar Constitution?

Every 4 years.