Wilhelm II was unstable and
prone to violent rages, he lacked
ability to govern effectively
However, he wanted a Weltpolitik
(world policy) and industrial
strength increased rapidly under his
rule. in 1914, it was producing 4x at
much than in 1880.
War weariness, economic
problems and defeat in 1918.
War deepened divisions in
society, huge gaps
between rich and poor.
restrictions were placed
on workers earnings
during the war.
Germany was virtually
bankrupt. Industrial
production down 1/3 of
1913's.
natural income at 1/3 of in 1913.
1/3 of budget on war pensions.
Revolution made a democratic
republic "The Weimar
republic".Many civilians despised
new leaders.
Stresses of war led to
abdication of the Kaiser.
The treaty of Versailles, June 1919.
decided upon the British,
American and French leaders.
Germany lost: Its
overseas empire,
some territory in
Europe, right to
join with Austria,
and full control
of armed forces
(was limited).
lost approximately 10% of it's empire, 12.5%
of its population, and almost half of its
iron/steel industry.
Germans hated the
treaty. They thought it
was too harsh
because they had to
pay a large amount of
money, they were
ordered to sign it, and
they felt the new
politicians betrayed
the country.
Start of Weimar Republic
9/11/1918 - Kaiser left
Germany, 11/11 - Ebert
signs armistice as new
temporary leader,
turns into democracy.
6/01/1919 - Spartacist
rebellion (communist).
9/01 - Freikorps, right
wing regain control.
Late Jan - SPD wins so
Ebert became
president. 11/02 - New
parliament meet in
town of Weimar.
Political Violence 1920/22
A RW group led by Wolfgang Kapp tried to take over
Germany. In 1920, he gathered the Freikorps and took over
Berlin, the government fled. Kapp didnt have the support of
workers so the government returned.
Left-wing workers stayed on strike. The
government sent soldiers to deal with
the rebellion and over 1000 workers
were killed.
In 3 years, there were over 350 political murders in Germany,
mostly carried out by right-wing extremists. Many of the
murderers got short sentences (average 4 years in prison).
Invasion of the Ruhr
French + Belgian soldiers began to take what was owed. Germans ordered its workers
in the Ruhr to go in strike. This was passive resistance. The soldiers were tough with
the strike.
The government met to discuss the crisis. They promised to continue
paying the workers on strike. The government printed a large amount of
money to do this... but it caused problems.
Hyperinflation
By July 1923, the price of one egg was 5000 marks. Money was marked worthless.
The government printed more and
more money which meant workers
spent it quickly, and prices had to go
up.
people in fixed incomes sank deeper into poverty.
Munich Putsch
8th Nov 1923, Hitler
interupted meeting where
head of bavarian
government was speaking.
He fired a bullet into the
ceiling and said he was
taking over bavaria.
He locked head and
companions into a small room
and Ludendorff said he
supported Hitler.
Kahr promised to
help Hitler and was
released, but called
the Police. 3
policemen and 16
Nazis died. Hitler
and Ludendorff
were arrested, and
Hitler was trialed
for Treason.
His trial was a media sensation and he used
the opportunity to put across his political
views. Hitler was sent to prison for 4 years.
In prison, he wrote
Mein Kampf (my
struggle) which
explained his life
story and views. He
was released from
prison after just 9
months, despite the
48 month sentence.