Weimar Woes

Socialism

A political belief system focusing on equality, advocating for wealth sharing and opposing capitalism.

Conservatism

A political belief system that favors tradition.

Liberalism

A political belief system that prioritizes individual freedom and rights.

Nationalism

A political belief system emphasizing a country and its culture over individual rights.

Constitution

A set of rules governing the relationship between a government and its people.

Totalitarian

A political system where the state has absolute power and control over all aspects of life.

Franco-Prussian War

A conflict in which Germany, dominated by Prussia, defeated France in 1870

Kaiser Wilhelm II

The autocratic leader of Germany during its imperial expansion and World War I.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government established in Germany after World War I.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations on Germany.

Hyperinflation

A drastic and rapid increase in prices, resulting in a collapse of currency value.

Freikorps

Paramilitary groups formed by former soldiers in Germany that helped suppress leftist uprisings.

Spartacist Uprising

A left-wing rebellion in January 1919 aimed at establishing a communist government in Germany.

Munich Putsch

A failed coup attempt by the Nazi Party in 1923 to overthrow the Weimar government.

Proportional Representation (PR)

An electoral system that allows multiple parties a voice, leading to coalition governments.

Armistice

An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting, leading to a ceasefire.

Article 231 (War Guilt Clause)

A clause in the Treaty of Versailles that placed blame for World War I on Germany.

Reparations

Payments imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles as compensation for war damages.

Red Rising in the Ruhr

A 1920 uprising by workers in the Ruhr region due to poor conditions and low pay.

Kapp Putsch

A right-wing coup attempt in 1920 by Freikorps against the Weimar government.

Economic Problems 1918-1923

A period marked by hyperinflation and government bankruptcy totaling crises for the Weimar Republic.

Social Democrats (SPD)

The largest political party in Weimar Germany, advocating for reforms to improve welfare.

National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP)

The far-right political party, commonly known as the Nazi Party, that sought to overturn the Treaty of Versailles.