Weimar and Nazi Germany: End of WW1 and the Early Republic

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key people, organizations, events, and terms related to the end of World War I in Germany and the foundation of the Weimar Republic.

British Naval Blockade

The blockade of German trade routes by the British Navy in 1918 that prevented supply ships from delivering food to ports, causing severe shortages and an estimated 750,000 deaths from hunger.

Keil and Hamburg Rebellions

Naval uprisings in November 1918 where German sailors, backed by local workers, refused orders to set sail and battle the British.

'Frieden und Brot'

A German phrase meaning 'Peace and Bread,' which was shouted by striking workers, sailors, and rioters as civil unrest spread across Germany in late 1918.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

The German Emperor who abdicated on the evening of 9th November 1918 after losing the support of ministers, senior military leaders, and the public, fleeing into exile in Holland on 10th November 1918.

Social Democratic Party (SDP)

The German political party led by Frederich Ebert and Phillip Scheidemann that moved rapidly to form a republic in November 1918 to prevent a communist revolution.

Phillip Scheidemann

A leading SDP politician who delivered a hurried speech to gathered crowds in Berlin on 9th November 1918, announcing Kaiser Wilhelm II's abdication and the establishment of a republic to restore calm.

Frederich Ebert

The leader of the SDP who took over as Chancellor on 9th November 1918, suspended the Reichstag, and partnered with the army, civil servants, industry leaders, and trade unions to govern Germany.

Council of People's Representatives

A temporary governing body of six leading politicians established by Frederich Ebert on 10th November 1918 to manage Germany until a permanent constitution was created.

Matthias Erzberger

A representative of the newly formed German government who met Allied leaders in a train carriage in France to sign the armistice ending World War I.

Armistice of 11th November 1918

The agreement signed in a French train carriage that officially ended the Great War at 11:00 am, which was viewed by many Germans as a betrayal of their nation and troops.

Workers' and Soldiers' Councils

Councils inspired by Communist ideas that emerged during strikes and unrest in cities like Munich, which civil servants were later instructed to cooperate with to keep public services functioning.