Learning Objective: To understand what Germany

was like in 1918 and explain the impact of defeat on

Germany

Germany November 1918• Nov. 1918 Germany signed

the armistice that ended the fighting

• They had lost the war• Although very little fighting

had taken place in Germany, Germany had nearly been destroyed.

• Germany suffered many social, economic and political problems

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/the-establishment-of-the-weimar-republic/2434.html

What impact did the First World War have on

Germany?

Politically (the way the country was run)

Social problems (how it affected the people)

Economy (how it affected finances and money)

Use the diagram on p.251 in Walsh to complete your task.

The Birth of the Weimar Republic

• One of the terms of the peace was that Germany become democratic

• The Kaiser refused and trouble broke out all over Germany

• Sailors and soldiers rebelled in what was known as the Kiel mutiny. This triggered other revolts all around the country

• On 9th of November as a result the Kaiser abdicated his throne

• The following day the leader of the Socialist party, Ebert became leader of Germany and the new Government, the Weimar Republic.

The Weimar Constitution• Look at the

following constitution

Define the following terms

• Article 48• Proportional

representation• Reichstag• Chancellor• PresidentThink about• Who was the

most powerful?• What were the

strengths of the constitution?

• What were the weaknesses of the Constitution?

President

ChancellorCourts Armed forces

Government Ministers

Reichstag (German Parliament)The government sent laws to the

Reichstag for approval

The German people (everyone over the age of 20 could vote)

Article 48 (power to rule by emergency decree without the Reichstag

Strengths Weaknesses

All Germans had equal rights and could vote

In 1919 the Weimar Republic had many enemies- it wasn’t sensible to give them all the vote- they would vote for extremists

Proportional representation made sure that political parties were allocated seats in Parliament in proportion to the number of votes they got- this was fair.

Proportional Representation encouraged many small parties which got a small number of seats. This meant that no party could get a majority so governments had to form coalitions which were sometimes very difficult to agree and work- they could never be a strong government.

A strong President was necessary to keep control over the government and country

The president had too much power- he could turn himself into a dictator

Article 48 was a good way to ensure the efficient running of the government if an emergency came up

Article 48 could be abused to rule undemocratically

Each state could keep its own traditions and some control over their own affairs

The states could be hostile and even try to overthrow it

But the problems had just begun for Weimar!!

• Weimar was forced to sign the harsh Treaty of Versailles

• At first the Weimar Republic refused as a gesture of their disgust

• However, they had to sign it, they had no choice, they couldn’t survive the resumption of war to force them to accept

• Not only was the Treaty harsh but the German people felt that the new government had stabbed them in the back and betrayed Germany.

What were the terms of the Treaty?

G A R G Le

How did Germany feel about the Treaty?

Today in the Hall of Mirrors the disgraceful treaty is being signed. Do not forget it! The

German people will, with unceasing labour. Press

forward to reconquer the place among the nations to

which they are entitled.

Task: Look at the sources on p.254

List the criticisms that they are making about the Treaty

of Versailles.

What was Germany so angry about?

• Disliked the armed reductions- humiliated- Germany army was a source of pride, they were vulnerable and defenceless against other nations

• Reparations- claimed they were broke and couldn’t afford to pay- it was too high

• Unfair- they had got rid of the Kaiser and they were being punished for his crimes

• Diktat- Germany had been silenced- they had not been allowed to have a say

• They felt that had been treated harshly and not followed Wilson’s principles- German people now lived under foreign rule (No self determination)

Stab in the back myth• The treaty greatly

weakened the new Weimar government

• It suited many Germans to not believe they had lost the war at all

• A myth developed that claimed the army and the German nation had been stabbed in the back by weak politicians

• The treaty was a symbol of Germany’s humiliation and defeat and Weimar’s as well!

Task

• Your task is to write a letter advising Ebert

What challenges is he facing and what would you advise him to do?

You must include at least three challenges and problems and explain them. Then give him some advice and ensure you explain this as well.