Consequences of the First World War

When did the First World War begin?

1914

Which two armed camps had WWI split Europe into?

• Austria-Hungary and Turkey (the Central Powers).

• Britain, France and Russia (the Allies)

Which sides did Russia and the USA join?

• Russia made peace with Germany in 1917.

• USA joined the allies.

What did Germany do to defeat the Allies before large numbers of American troops arrived?

Germany launched a massive attack against allied forces in France in the Spring of 1918.

At first this was successful, but war-weariness and strength of allies brought it to a halt.

What happened on the 19th September 1918?

Chief of staff, General Ludendorff informed his superior, Paul von Hindenburg, and Chancellor Hertling that the war was lost and that Germany should appeal to the USA for an armstice (formal agreement to stop fighting).

What did Ludendorff urge for?

He urged the creation of a more democratic regime to show that Germany was serious about making peace.

How did German people react to news of defeat in late October/November 1918?

Was a shock, despite the increasing food shortages caused by the naval blockade, as Germany had defeated Russia, and German troops were still in Northern France and Belgium.

What had army commanders been telling people throughout the war?

That they were close to victory.

How did the navy respond to Ludendorff’s call for an armstice?

They disagreed and ordered the fleet to sea, but this led to a mutiny, which was followed by the establishment of soviets in many cities across Germany.

When was the Kaiser adbicated?

9 November 1918.

What happened to power after the kaiser was abdicated?

Power went to a Council of People’s Representatives, a temporary government under Friedrich Ebert, the leader of the largest political party, the SPD, until a national assembly could be elected.

What did Germany appear to be on the verge of?

A revolution.

Why did Ebert and the SPD not want a revolution like in Russia?

• Would lead to civil war.

• Would disrupt demobilisation (standing down of armed forces)

• disrupt the distribution of food.

• hinder peace negotiations.

How was Ebert able to prevent a revolution?

• He maintained the support of the army by not reforming it or creating a new force.

• Kept support of industrialists, who negotiated with trade unions the Central Working Association Agreement, which gave workers an 8 hour day and established workers’ councils in large companies.

What economic impacts did the first world war cause?

• Industrial production was only 2/3 that of 1913.

• National income was 1/3 of 1913.

• 600,000 widows and 2 million children without fathers. By 1925, the state was spending 1/3 of its budget on war pensions.

What social impacts did the war have on Germany?

• Deepened divisions within German society, with huge gaps in living standards between rich and poor.

• Restrictions put on workers’ earnings during the war, while factory owners could make large profits.

• During the war many women had worked in factories and some believed this damaged family values.

What did Ebert sign following the Kaiser’s abdication?

An armstice.

What did Ebert announce that the Republic would guarantee?

• Freedom of speech.

• Freedom of worship.

• Better working conditions.

What did the change from an autocratic system to democratic system create?

Created opposition and challenges.

This helped to create the ‘stab-in-the-back’ myth.

What was the stab-in-the-back myth?

Claimed that Germany had been betrayed by politicians such as Ebert and that it was this that prevented Germany from winning the war.