Part 1_3 Germany development of dictatorship, 1918–45

School History Overview

Topic: Establishment of the Weimar Republic and its Early Problems

Subject: Edexcel International Paper 1: Depth Studies - Germany: Development of Dictatorship (1918-45).

Instructions for Use

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Learning Objectives

• Understand the reasons for Kaiser Wilhelm II's abdication and the subsequent establishment of the Weimar Republic.

• Analyze the emergence of democracy in Germany following WWI.

• Assess the reactions of the German populace to the Treaty of Versailles and its implications on the psyche of the nation.

Important Keywords

• Monarchy: A form of government where a single person reigns, usually a king or queen.

• Weltpolitik: Kaiser Wilhelm II's foreign policy aimed at establishing Germany as a leading global power through aggressive diplomacy and expansionist tactics.

• Democracy: A political system in which government is determined by the elected representation of the citizens.

• Hyperinflation: An economic situation characterized by rapid and excessive price increases, leading to a significant loss in the real value of the local currency.

• Kaiser: The title for the German Emperor, signifying the monarchy.

• Treaty of Versailles: A peace treaty signed in 1919 that ended WWI, imposing severe reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

Kaiser Wilhelm II's Abdication

• Quote from Abdication Proclamation: "I herewith renounce for all time claims to the throne of Prussia and to the German Imperial throne connected therewith." This proclamation marked the end of the German monarchy.

• Context: Wilhelm's abdication was precipitated by widespread unrest and demands for reform, culminating in the 1918 Revolution, which urged the transition from monarchy to republic.

Context of the Weimar Republic

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of:

• The abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the power dynamics that followed.

• The German Revolution and its role in dismantling the imperial regime.

• The strengths (such as democratic freedoms and civil rights) and weaknesses (such as political fragmentation and economic crises) of the new Republic and its constitution.

• Divergent reactions to the Treaty of Versailles among various social groups, including nationalists and leftists.

Key Themes

• German Militarism and Foreign Policy Leading to WWI: The aggressive stance taken by Germany cultivated an environment ripe for conflict.

• Challenges Faced by the Newly Established Government: Issues including political extremism, economic instability, and societal divisions posed significant threats to the young democracy.

Historical Context: Germany in WWI

• Date of Unification: 1871, resulting in the formation of the German Empire under Otto von Bismarck.

• Wilhelm II's Rule: 1888-1918, characterized by increased militarism, colonial pursuits, and the eventual dismissal of Bismarck's pragmatic policies, leading to isolation and war.

Political System Before WWI

• Constitutional Monarchy: Initially anticipated with democratic elements, but ultimately dominated by Kaiser Wilhelm II's absolute power.

• Reichstag: The parliamentary assembly created in 1871, intended to foster democracy but faced debilitating challenges, including limited power over the Kaiser and electoral manipulation.

Economic Context

• Industrialization: Significant transformation from an agrarian economy to an industrial powerhouse, leading to increased economic growth and urban migration.

• In 1910, approximately 11 million industrial workers in Germany contributed to its economic status.

• Political Power: By 1912, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) emerged as the largest political force, advocating for workers' rights and social reforms.

Challenges Post-WWI

• Food Shortages: Marked by famine and disease, the return home of soldiers caused logistical chaos worsened by the Allied blockade.

• German Revolution: Sparked by economic hardship and disillusionment with the war, it led to the birth of the Weimar Republic from November 1918 to August 1919, amidst calls for peace and reform.

The Weimar Republic

• Established in 1919: Aimed at instituting a democratic government but faced myriad challenges ultimately contributing to its collapse in 1933.

• Weaknesses:

  • Political Conflict: Marked by extremism from both left and right.

  • Article 48: This clause allowed the President to legislate by decree, undermining the parliamentary system and promoting authoritarianism.

Treaty of Versailles

• Signed on June 28, 1919: This treaty not only ended WWI but imposed severe economic reparations on Germany, leading to widespread resentment.

• Reparations: Initially set at £6.6 billion, impacting the German economy significantly (equivalent to £248 billion in 2018).

• Territorial Losses: Included significant territorial cessions such as Alsace-Lorraine to France and the demographic alterations in Eastern Europe.

Challenges from Right and Left

• Political Unrest: Resulted in uprisings such as the Kapp Putsch by rightists and the Spartacist Uprising by the left.

  • Kapp Putsch: An attempted coup by right-wing forces in January 1919, aiming to reinstate the monarchy.

  • Spartacist Uprising: Led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg in January 1919, striving for a communist revolution.

Glossary of Terms

• Monarchy: A government system led by a monarch.

• Kaiser: Title for the German Emperor.

• Weltpolitik: Germany's foreign policy to establish itself as a global power.

• Hyperinflation: A monetary phenomenon where prices rise uncontrollably, diminishing currency value dramatically.

Tasks

1. Analyze the document of Kaiser Wilhelm II's abdication.

2. Describe the four major problems faced by Germany after WWI.

3. Evaluate how reparations after WWI affected Germany's economy and societal conditions.