Political Consequences

Was on the verge of a revolution similar ot that in Russia in 1917- hinder demobilisation, disrupt the distribution of food ,and hinder peace talks and possibly destroy the state abdication of the Kaiser- social consequences which follow Signs of chaos in German sailors- had mutinied following the arrest of their leaders. Considerable unrest among workers in the cities- established workers’ councils or soviets in cities such as Hamburg, Bremen and Berlin.

Having a leader of Ebert- was already a leader of a large party (SPD) so not that worryingArmistice was quickly signed to end the fighting Ebert was able to keep the support of the army by not reforming it or creating a new forceMaintained the support of industrialists- negotiated the Central Workign Association Agreement with trade unions, which gave workers an eight-hour work day and trade union recognition in larger companiesWas able to have majority in the elections

Partly serious as it did hinder support for the Weimar Republic and foster schemes which would lead to unrest years later- however, it was not fully serious as the Political Consequences of WWI, did not stop Ebert from gaining majority in the vote, nor did it foster any ill will from the army, important as they were the ones who were harmed most in the Treaty of Versailles (many of them being let go). Work conditions were also improved- which improved the locals lives. So therefore, although political consequences may have caused some unrest it is arguable that it did not cause significant disruption to the German state.

Social Consequences

Furthered divisions within German society as the gap in living standards between the rich and the poor worsened- made worse by restrictions placed on workers’ wages during the war. Factory owners earned vast profits, especially if they are involved with war production, while the income of their workers stagnated or declined because of inflationShortages from the war grew significantly worse due to the British naval blockade, and as they tightened to put pressure on Germany to fulfil the terms of the Armistice. As well as trade routes being destroyed by other countries intending to not trade with the ‘enemy’Divisions between urban and the rural areas emerged as those living in cities accused those in the countryside of hoarding food and other essentials. Some argued that women being in factories damaged traditional family values and society- German people being jingoistic people.Families being split apart.

Able to maintain production levelsWomen were able to be introduced to the world of work for one of the first time- especially ones involving physical labor

Mainly serious, as the social unrest of the people in various aspects of daily life (traditional values, famine, economic stability etc) is what caused trouble for the Weimar Republic in the future.

Economic Consequences

War pensions put a strain on the government as pension payments consumed one-third of the budgetBonds had been eroded by inflation.

Extremely serious, as it meant that later significant hyperinflation occurred; as well as a cost of living crisis to occur.

Treaty of Versailles

Removed large areas or rich industrial land​Germany lost:​10% of land​12.5% of population​16% of its coal​48% of iron industry​Lost all overseas colonies​Forbidden to unite with austriaPaying reparationsLoss of overseas colonies

Significantly serious, as it allowed for the problems with the democratic society to occur (since it had the country in unrest), as well as many people losing their jobs. The Treaty of Versailles gave birth to many of the issues mentioned in the aforementioned reasons.