Nazi Germany

Weimar Germany

Negative aspects of the Weimar republic

• The voting system meant that parties gained a member of representatives in the reichstag based on votes. This led to small parties having representatives

• No party could gain a majority and this led to disagreements, instability and frequent elections

• Article 48 of the new constitution stated that in an emergency the president could take control of the government and issue new laws

Aim of the treaty of versailles

To impose penalties and reparations on Germany after World War I, limiting its military capabilities and territorial claims to ensure lasting peace.

Terms of Treaty of Versailles

• Germany army cut to 100,000 men

• Germany was not allowed a airforce

• Germany navy cut to 6 warships

• Germany navy wasnt allowed any submarines

• Germany had to pay war reparations of 6.6 billion

• Germany’s colonies were given away to other countries

Difficulties faced by Germany in 1918

• British Navy prevented supplies such as food, fuel, and medicines from entering germany

• There was a decrease in the production of coal which led to power cuts all over germany

• There was a decrease in raw materials which led to difficulty running industries.

• Thousands of Germans were suffering from a flu epidemic.

• Rationing got stricter leading to starvation all over Germany.

• The USA joined the war and Germany was losing.

• German allies had surrendered

• There were many revolts against the government all over Germany.

The ending of WWI

• Sailors from Kiel and Wilhelmshaven had refused to perform one final offensive attack on the British Navy. This is known as a mutiny.

• This sparked many other soldiers and workers to perform mutinies of their own, and they did this by creating soviets in many German cities.

• These mutinies led to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in November 10th 1918.

• On November 11th 1918 the war ended and the government officials who signed the truce treaty were known as “November Criminals”

Opposition to the Treaty of Versailles

• The Germans got no say in the treaty so they called it a DIKTAT (dictated peace)

• The Germans alone were the only ones who got blamed for the war.

• They felt humiliated as they felt that the terms of the Treaty were harsh and unacceptable.

• They believed that since the Kaiser had abdicated they shouldn’t be the ones getting punished because of him.

• The Germans hated having to pay reparations

• The reduction in armed forces led to unemployment

Positive aspects of the Weimar Republic

• All men and women over the age of 20 had the right to vote

• The voting systerm allowed parties to gain a member of representatives based on votes

• Germans were guaranteed free speech and Religion

• German citizens were all to be equal

• Germans had control over the parliament and could kick out and replace politicians

• The Reichstag made the laws

Formation of the Weimar Republic

The German political system following the abdication of the Kaiser was known as the Weimar Republic. The new government initially met in Weimar as Berlin had security risks

The Weimar Government vs the Spartacists

The Weimar Government is led by Friedrich Ebert and his social democratic party. On January 1919 a group of revolutionists challenged the Weimar Government. They are known as the Spartacists

The Sparacists

• The aim of the Sparacists was to turn Germany into a communist state by overthrowing the government and creating soviets

• They were led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxembourg

• They were prepared to use violence

The Revolt

• In January 1919 a protest of around 100,000 workers was taken over by the Spartacists

• Many communications and Newspaper buildings were taken over, but the Spartacists didnt plan what to do after this, so many demonstrators went home.

• The Freikorps, a group of ex soldiers who hated the Spartacists were sent by Friedrich Ebert. The Freikorps came with machine guns and started shooting.

• Nearly 700 revolutionists died, 100 workers died and the leaders of the Spartacists were dead. This week was known as “Bloody Week”

Impact of Spartacists revolt

• Created greater divisions between political groups in Germany

• Increased fear of communism spreading

• Created a platform for Hitler to gain support