DS1 Weimar Germany possible 4 mark questions

Describe events in the Ruhr in 1923

On January 11 1923, the French and Belgian armies sent 60,000 soldiers into the Ruhr region of Germany. The French aimed to take the unpaid reparations and took control of key industries and natural resources. The Weimar Government instructed the Ruhr workers to go on strike, instead of helping the French. This worsened the economic crisis in Germany.

What impact did the Spartacists have on the German Republic?

The left-wing Spartacists attempted to overthrow the Weimar Government in January 1919. Their uprising highlighted the political division in Germany and led to increased repression of leftist movements, ultimately strengthening the right-wing factions

What were the ‘November Criminals’?

They were the politicians who signed the Armistice in November 1918 which ended WW1 and made Germany accept war guilt. This label was used by right-wing groups to blame them for Germany's defeat.

What was the Dawes Plan?

It was a plan in 1924 agreed by Stresemann. It consisted of loans from the USA to the value of 800 million gold marks, and it aimed to stabilise the German economy by restructuring reparations payments and reducing the financial burden on Germany.

What did the Spartacists want to achieve

A communist revolution in Germany, aiming to establish a workers' government and end capitalism by overthrowing Ebert

What was the role of the President under the Weimar Constitution?

The president was elected every 7 years. The president had significant powers, including the ability to appoint and dismiss the chancellor and they could bypass the Reichstag to make laws.

Describe Hitler’s role in establishing the Nazi Party prior to 1923

In 1919, Hitler joined the German Workers Party, which was later changed to the Nationalist Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) - or Nazi’s for short. Hitler was then elected Party Chairman, and he developed a 25-point programme

What problems was Germany facing by the end of 1918

Severe economic hardship, political instability, and social unrest, and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Describe the political situation in Germany at the end of WW1

On November 9 1918, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated and fled to Holland. Power was handed to a government led by the leader of the left-wing Social Democratic Party, Friedrich Ebert, which then led to the forming of the Weimar constitution

What were the main features of the Weimar constitution?

The German people, the Reichstag, the Chancellor and the President.

Describe the activities of the Freikorps, 1919-20

The Freikorps were ex army soldiers who were laid off because of the Treaty of Versailles. They were used by the Weimar government to fight against the communist threats, such as the Spartacists.

Describe the events of the Spartacist rising of 1919

The Spartacists were led by Rosa Luxembourg and Karl Liebknecht. On 5 January 1919 they invaded Berlin to try and overthrow Ebert, and they fell to the Freikorps as it wasn’t very organised. 100 Spartacists were killed (including the leaders).

Describe the events of the Kapp Putsch of 1920

The Kapp Putsch was a Right wing revolt. The right-wing nationalist Dr Wolfgang Kapp took over Berlin aiming to set up a new government as the rebels were angry at them for signing the Treaty of Versailles. The army refused to attack him and he was only defeated when the workers of Berlin went on strike organised by left-wing activists.