WW1 and Defeat: Germany and the growth of democracy: History: GCSE (9:1)

Patriotism

In 1914 most Germans were patriotic. They supported the war believing Germany would win it.

War weariness

By 195-16, as the war continued, protests began with around 500 people but increased to 10,000 wanting an end to the war

Russian Revolution

In 1917 a communist Revolution led to the Kaiser's cousin, Tsar Nicholas being overthrown

Political Instability

By 1918 Germans were fed up with the war. Many blamed the Kaiser and his government for the hardships they suffered causing political unrest

Losing

By 1918 the German generals believed they could not win the war. General Ludendorff advised the Kaiser to make the country more democratic so they would be treated less harshly by the victors

Democratic measures

The Kaiser gave the Reichstag some of his powers and allowed the main political parties to form a new government but protests continued.

Mutiny

On 28th October 1918 the Germany navy refused to follow orders and go to sea.

Worker's councils

Soldiers sent to deal with the mutiny joined the sailors, as did workers. Within 6 days the workers were ruling towns and cities all over Germany

Abdication

On 9th November, the Kaiser gave up his throne and left Germany taking all of his wealth with him

Friedrich Ebert

Was the leader of the SPD, the largest party, he formed a government which promised to hold elections and end the war

Naval Blockade

The British navy had blockaded the German ports preventing food from getting in. The Germans were starving.

The Armistice

On 11th November 1918 the war ended when the Germans surrendered.

November Criminals

Many Germans refused to believe that they had been defeated as the allied armies had not marched through berlin. They blamed the new government for surrendering unnecessarily