-
Threat from the Left
Many germans hoped that a socialist country could be established in Germany. Soldiers, sailors and workers set up councils in October and November. Due to fear of revolution, Ebert made a deal with the army leader, Groener. It was agreed that the army would support the Eberts decisions in return for support and supplies from the government. The government was dependant on the army which continued to damage their authoritative reputation -
The Spartacist Uprising
The sparticist began their attempt to overthrow Ebert and the Weimar government in order to create a communist state. Ebert used the 'Reichswehr' (the regular army) and the "freikorps' to remove the rebellion. The rising was over within days. -
Treaty of Versailles
When the terms of the settlement where published, large numbers of German people were horrified. The French sought revenge against Germany and wanted to make sure they were never strong enough again to threaten France. However article 231 was considered the most severe term, that Germany had to accept all responsibility for starting the war in 1914. -
Repercussions of the Treaty
Germany lost 13% of its land, 48% of its iron production and more than 6 million citizens were absorbed into other countries. They were denied entry into the League of Nations. Germany's army was limited to 10,000 men and only 6 navy ships and armed vehicles, submarines and aircraft were banned. Lastly, Germany was sentenced to pay enormous reparations, which were later set at 6600 million in 1921 -
'Stab in the Back' Theory
Gemini people were outraged at the terms of the treaty and wanted someone to blame. Ebert and the Weimar Government filled this place and became known as the 'November Criminals'. Criticism of the government began to grow and the idea that the politicians had stabbed the army in the back took hold and gained popularity. -
The Kapp Putsch
When the Weimar government announced plans to reduce the size of the army and to disband the Freikorps, there was an uproar in Berlin. Wolfgang Kapp planned to seize Berlin and form a new right-wing government. Following his successful capture of Berlin, Kapp moved onto Dresden and then Stuttgart. Ebert asked the army to take down the rebellion however the army would not fire on their own people. He then asked for passive resistance from all that were loyal to him. -
Period: to
Further Uprising
One week after the Kapp Putsch began, a communist rising occurred in the Ruhr. The army became involved and it became violent and brutal. Hundreds of people were killed. Over the next two years violence continued in Germany with both left and right wing groups involved. It has been estimated that there were 376 murders in the period of 1919-22. -
Failed to pay reparations
Germany failed to pay reparations to France and Belgium in late 1922. This was the beginning of the negative consequences of the demise of their economic systems. -
French occupation of the Ruhr
After failing to pay reparations, French and Belgium troops invaded Germanys central business district, the Ruhr. The French were met with passive resistance from German people. However it progressed into violent resistance, with workers setting fire to factories and sabotaging work places. -
Hyperinflation
As a result to German workers striking, the government printed more money to pay the wages. However the strike mean even fewer goods were being produced. The extra strike money plus the collapse in production turned inflation into hyperinflation. Germany was starving and couldn't afford to eat.