Weimar Republic - Lecture Notes

Introduction to the Weimar Republic

• Start Date: Began after World War I (1918)
• Context: Germany faced serious political, social, and economic challenges post-WWI.

Impact of World War I on Germany

• 1914: Strong, optimistic Germany with a powerful army.
• Post-WWI:
  • Bankrupt
  • Politically unstable
  • Deep societal divisions

Formation of the Weimar Republic

• 1918:
  • Allies offered peace under the condition of democratization.
  • Kaiser refused, leading to revolutions.
  • 9th Nov 1918: Kaiser abdicated (fled).
  • 10th Nov 1918: Ebert became the new leader.
  • Signed an armistice with the Allies.

Key Policies of the New Republic

• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of worship
• Improved working conditions

Opposition to the Weimar Republic

• Right Wing: Desired a return of the Kaiser; blamed politicians for WWI defeat.
• Left Wing: Communists wanted a revolution similar to Russia's in 1917.

Early Challenges and Revolts

Left-Wing Threats

• 1919 Spartacist Rebellion: Set up Soviets in multiple towns.
  • Crushed by the army and Freikorps.
  • Many casualties.
• Feb 1919 Bavarian Soviet Republic: Communists declared a Soviet Republic after Kurt Eisner was murdered.
  • Crushed by Freikorps; 600 communists killed.

Right-Wing Threats

• 1920 Kapp Putsch: 5,000 Freikorps marched into Berlin and took control.
  • Failed due to a general strike initiated by the government.

Treaty of Versailles

• May 1919: Treaty signed under duress by Ebert.
• Many Germans blamed Ebert for the treaty and end of WWI.
• Led to significant unrest and economic problems, contributing to Hitler's rise in 1933.

Economic Problems and Hyperinflation

• Reparations: 6.6 billion marks demanded from Germany.
• 1922: Germany couldn't pay reparations; French occupied Ruhr.
• Hyperinflation: Government printed money, currency became worthless.
  • Workers paid twice daily; savings and businesses ruined.

Gustav Stresemann and Stabilization

• Chancellor (1923-1929):
  • Reformed the currency.
  • Dawes Plan: Reparation scheme with American loans (800 million marks).
  • Improved international relations (Locarno Treaties, joining League of Nations, Kellogg-Briand Pact).

Collapse and the Great Depression

• 1929: Stresemann died of a stroke.
• Economic Collapse due to the Great Depression.
• 1933: Hitler appointed Chancellor.

Conclusion

• Overview of Weimar Republic's initial phase and key challenges up to Stresemann's era.

Additional Resources

• For detailed information on specific topics, refer to related videos on the Treaty of Versailles and Gustav Stresemann.