Hyperinflation

What event marked the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II?

The abdication occurred on 9 November 1918 due to military leaders distancing themselves from him.

What was the 'Turnip Winter'?

The 'Turnip Winter' refers to the severe food shortages and malnutrition experienced by the German civilian population during 1916-17.

Who proclaimed the Weimar Republic?

Friedrich Ebert proclaimed the Weimar Republic on 9 November 1918.

What was the significance of the Weimar Constitution drafted in 1919?

It attempted to reconcile liberal democratic ideals with the realities of a divided post-war society.

What electoral system did the Weimar Constitution introduce?

Proportional representation was introduced to ensure fair representation of all political parties.

What was Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution?

Article 48 granted the President emergency powers to safeguard against crises.

What was the Spartacist uprising?

The Spartacist uprising in January 1919 was a revolt led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, driven by disillusioned workers and revolutionary socialists.

How did the Ebert government respond to the Spartacist uprising?

The Ebert government relied on the Freikorps, right-wing paramilitaries, to suppress the uprising.

What was the Kapp Putsch?

The Kapp Putsch was a right-wing coup attempt in March 1920, frustrated by the Treaty of Versailles.

What was the outcome of the Kapp Putsch?

A general strike paralyzed the putsch and forced its collapse.

What economic burdens did the Treaty of Versailles impose on Germany?

The Treaty imposed reparations of 132 billion marks, territorial losses, and military restrictions.

What was the impact of hyperinflation in Germany by late 1923?

The German mark became virtually worthless, wiping out middle-class savings and creating social chaos.

Who introduced the Rentenmark and when?

Gustav Stresemann introduced the Rentenmark in November 1923 to stabilize the currency.

What did the hyperinflation crisis demonstrate about the Weimar Republic?

It highlighted the interconnectedness of political weakness, economic mismanagement, and social unrest.

What was the public sentiment towards the Weimar Republic after the hyperinflation crisis?

Public faith in the government eroded, leading to disillusionment and support for extremist parties.

What role did the Freikorps play in the early Weimar Republic?

The Freikorps were right-wing paramilitaries used by the Ebert government to suppress leftist uprisings.

What was the effect of the Allied naval blockade on Germany during WWI?

The blockade caused severe shortages of food and essential goods, leading to malnutrition and social unrest.

What was the political context in which the Weimar Republic was established?

It was established amidst revolutionary fervor, with workers' and soldiers' councils seizing power in many cities.

Why did the Weimar Republic lack a strong popular mandate?

It was imposed from above and relied on conservative elites and the army, who were politically autonomous.

What was the significance of the Ebert government's reliance on extra-constitutional forces?

It revealed the Republic's dependence on right-wing factions and undermined its legitimacy.

What caused the decline in morale among German civilians by 1918?

Severe food shortages due to the Allied blockade.

Who abdicated on November 9, 1918, leading to the end of the German monarchy?

Kaiser Wilhelm II.

What was declared by Friedrich Ebert to prevent a socialist revolution?

The Weimar Republic.

What event marked the end of fighting in World War I for Germany?

The Armistice on November 11, 1918.

What myth emerged in Germany blaming socialists and Jews for the country's surrender?

The 'stab-in-the-back' myth.

What was the main feature of the Weimar Constitution regarding representation?

Proportional representation.

What emergency power was granted to the President under the Weimar Constitution?

Article 48.

What uprising occurred in January 1919, led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht?

The Spartacist Uprising.

What was the outcome of the Kapp Putsch in March 1920?

The coup briefly seized Berlin but collapsed due to a general strike.

What economic crisis began in January 1923 due to Germany defaulting on reparations?

The occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium.

What led to hyperinflation in Germany in 1923?

The government printed money to pay striking workers and meet obligations.

What was the value of the German mark in November 1923 compared to the US dollar?

1 USD was approximately 4.2 trillion marks.

What were the consequences of hyperinflation for the German middle class?

Destruction of savings, worthless pensions, and a shift to bartering.

What political party gained support due to the social unrest caused by economic crises?

The NSDAP (Nazi Party).

What measure did Stresemann introduce in November 1923 to stabilize the economy?

The Rentenmark.

What was a significant consequence of the Weimar Republic's reliance on the Freikorps?

It revealed the fragility of the Republic and dependence on extra-constitutional forces.

What was the public reaction to the political violence during the early years of the Weimar Republic?

Public opinion remained deeply polarized, and political violence became normalized.

What were the reparations imposed on Germany by the Versailles Treaty?

132 billion marks, along with territorial losses and military restrictions.

What was the impact of the Spartacist Uprising on the Weimar Republic?

It demonstrated the challenges from the radical left and the Republic's fragility.

What was the significance of the Kapp Putsch in the context of the Weimar Republic?

It highlighted the threat from the radical right and the instability of the government.