Weimar and Nazi Germany - End of WWI and Early Weimar Republic
Introduction
- Focus: Germany at the end of WWI and early Weimar Republic
- Impact of WWI on Germany
Key Facts about WWI
- Germany vs. Allies: Britain, France, Russia, USA
- Duration: 1914-1918
- 2 million German troops killed
- 4 million wounded
- Financial impact:
- British naval blockade:
- Severe food shortages
- Estimated 750,000 deaths from hunger
- Protests and riots in Stuttgart, Hanover, Munich
- Influence of Russian Revolution
- Communist ideas gained popularity
Germany’s Collapse
- Collapse of front line resistance by Nov 1918
- Uproar with protests, strikes, and riots
- Navy rebellions in Kiel and Hamburg
- Sailors and workers demanded peace and food
Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Abdication
- Nov 9, 1918: Ministers told Kaiser to abdicate
- Initially refused, but lost support
- Nov 9, 1918: Kaiser abdicated
- Nov 10, 1918: Kaiser fled to Holland
Establishment of Weimar Republic
- Calls for a communist government
- SPD’s Philip Scheidermann announced Kaiser’s abdication and new republic
- Chancellor Role: Passed to Friedrich Ebert (SDP leader)
- Ebert’s Actions:
- Contacted army leaders
- Formed Council of People’s Representatives
- Calmed crowds using quick actions and people-oriented terms
- Nov 11, 1918: Matthias Erzberger signed the armistice with Allies
Challenges for the Early Weimar Republic
- Public and industry leader satisfaction
- Ebert’s Measures to Maintain Control:
- Retained existing civil servants
- Cooperated with worker and soldier councils
- Maintained communication with army leaders
- Reassured industry leaders (coal, shipping)
- Negotiated with trade unions
- Weak Control and Constant Threats
- Extreme political parties
- Risk of public unrest
Conclusion
- Ebert managed immediate post-armistice control but faced ongoing challenges
- Introduction to the complexities of the Weimar Republic
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