1Why did the Kaiser abdicate?
US President Wilson refused peace terms while Kaiser was in control
Waning support
2When did the Kaiser abdicate?
9 Nov 1918
3Why were there elections in 1918?
Kaiser fled, so new Constitution was necessary
4How did the new republic get its name?
Berlin was considered too dangerous; CA met in more peaceful Weimar
5Why was a coalition government formed?
Proportional representation resulted in many parties being formed, which made it difficult to create political stability.
No party was able to win a majority.
6What were strengths of the new Constitution?
Men and women over 20 had the vote<br>The chancellor had to have majority support<br>Voting by proportional representation
7What were weaknesses of the new Constitution?
Article 48: President could suspend Constitution
8When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?
28 Jun 1919
9What area was demilitaried in Germany?
Rhineland
10How was Germany's military restricted?
Army not to exceed 100k
No tanks, armoured cars or aircraft
No submarines
11What was Article 231 of the ToV?
War Guilt Clause<div>Germany to accept WW1 blame and compensate Allied powers for damage</div>
12What was Dolchstoss?
Many Germans believed army was backstabbed by ToV
Politicians signing known as Nov Criminals
13What reparations did Germany have to pay?
£6,600mil - cattle, sheep, merchant ships
14Who were the Spartacists?
Radical group from SPD - sought to establish state with Communist ideals
15What did the Spartacists aim in Jan 1919?
Attempted to overthrow Ebert/Weimar govt
16Who were the Freikorps?
Military groups formed at end WW2
Didn't support WR but aimed to stop Bolshevism
17Why did the Spartacist uprising fail?
Spartacists attacked by army/Freikorps
(Liebknecht/Luxemburg were killed)