The End of World War I and the Weimar Republic

These flashcards cover important events and terms related to the end of World War I, the Weimar Republic, and the rise of the Nazis in Germany.

The German Revolution

A period in 1918 when Germany faced military defeat and workers' councils formed, leading to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

“Stab-in-the-Back” Myth

A belief among many Germans that the military was betrayed by politicians, socialists, and Jews, damaging trust in the new government.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty signed in June 1919, which Germany had no role in creating and which imposed severe reparations and territorial losses.

War Guilt Clause (Article 231)

A section of the Treaty of Versailles that placed full responsibility for WWI on Germany.

Hyperinflation

A period of extremely high inflation in Germany post-WWI, peaking in 1923, which devastated the economy.

Munich Putsch

An attempted coup by Adolf Hitler in 1923 to seize power in Bavaria, which resulted in his arrest.

Golden Years (1924–1929)

A period of recovery in Germany characterized by economic stability, cultural development, and international relations improvement.

Dawes Plan

A 1924 program that provided US loans to help stabilize the German economy.

Locarno Treaties

Agreements that improved relations between Germany and France/Belgium in the 1920s.

The Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn beginning in 1929 that led to high unemployment and political instability in Germany.