Early Weimar

Early Weimar

Early Years:
1. Kaiser Wilhelm II ruled Germany as a monarchy
2. At the end of World War I there was a period of violent unrest in Germany.
  1. The Kaiser was forced to abdicate in November 1919.
3. In 1919 a new government took over, Led by Freidrich Ebert
  1. This changed Germany into a republic.
4. Ebert was the first president, Schiedemann as chancellor.
5. Germany had no say in the Treaty of Versailles (TOV).
  1. At first, Ebert refused to sign the treaty, but in the end he had little choice.
    1. Germany was too week to risk restarting the conflict.
Discontent
1. Spanish Flu - was brought to Germany more people died of this than from WW1
  1. An influenza epidemic killed thousands.
2. Money- The cost of war was high, there was very little money left which led to trouble in 1923.
  1. Thousands of people were poor and starving.
3. Army - German soldiers believed they could win the war.
4. Power - There were coal and therefore power shortages as the main source was from the Saar.
5. Kiel - German sailors didn't want to fight. They mutinied rather than fight.
6. Kaiser - Advocated, German people want new Germany and less harsh treaty.
7. Starvation - Blockade meant that food couldn't be brought in, so most of Germany was living on turnips and bread.
8. Many Germans had denied that they had lost the war.
9. Many blamed the 'November Criminals' who had agreed to the armistice and the TOV.
  1. They also blamed the communists, government and Jews.
10. The government was also seen as weak and inneffective.
The Weimar Constitution
1. Chancellor
  1. Head of Government
  2. Like a prime minister
  3. Chosen every four years
2. President
  1. Appoints chancellor
  2. Elected every seven years
  3. Can rule alone in an emergency - Article 48
  4. Commander of Armed Forces
  5. Head of State
  6. Head of Military
3. Reichstag
  1. Makes the laws
  2. Elected house of Parliament
4. Voting
  1. Men and women over 21 could vote.
  2. Proportional Representation
  3. The percentage of votes is equal to the percentage of seats.
  4. E.g. - 10% of votes = 10% of Seats
  5. As a result of proportional representation there were too many different elected parties.
  6. Governments had to be made as a coalition of different parties.

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