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German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II resigns
This was a civil issue toward the end of WWI in the German Empire and caused the German federal constitutional monarchy to be replaced with a democratic parliamentary republic. Kaiser Wilhem II resigned on November 9, 1918 as a result of the loss of support. This picture depicts the extent to which the revolution was played out, as the military was involved as well. -
Formation of Weimar Republic/Constitution
The Weimar constitution was drafted in the city of Weimar to strengthen Germany's new role as a parliamentary democracy. The Weimar Republic lasted until 1933. This picture signifies how the Weimar Republic was flawed as they had to battle problems such as hyperinflation. -
Ebert-Groener Pact
The pact was between Friedrich Ebert, who was the Chancellor of Germany at that time, and Wilhem Groener, who was the quartermaster general of the German army. Groener promised Ebert loyalty from the armed forces while Ebert assured the military would keep it state within state concept. The picture shows how the pact was supported by many. -
Armistice Ending WWI
The armistice signed between the Allies and Germany ended the war after over 4 years of fighting. It was signed to prevent fighting in the Western Front while waiting for peace. This picture signifies the positive response to the armistice as people were happy the war ended. -
Bavarian Soviet Republic
The republic was created after the end of Kurt Eisner's People's State of Bavaria and aimed to create a socialist soviet republic within Bavaria. The republic didn't last long and ended the following month. The picture shows how the republic was very strict and guarded. -
Spartacist Revolt
The revolt last until the 12th of January and consisted of 100,000 workers striking in Berlin led by the Spartacist. The government responded with violence. The picture shows the violence and chaos created by the uprising. -
Treaty of Versailles and its Results for Germany
The treaty was signed by the Allied Nations and Germany to formally end WWI. The treaty required Germany to give financial reparations, give up territories and colonies, and disarm. The picture shows how Germany was burdened with a lot of compensations, causing them to be unhappy. -
Kapp Putsch
The Kapp Putsch was an attempted coup that aimed to overthrow the Social Democratic Party government and was executed by Freikorps members, army officers, and right-wing nationalists. It failed as there was a lack of support from the citizens of Berlin. The picture shows how it was mainly supported by the military and didn't involve citizens much. -
(Red) Ruhr Uprising
Beginning on March 13th, 1920, communist workers led a revolt demanding the right to defend and arm themselves against coups like the Kapp Putsch which they previously experienced. This revolt lasted until April 12th, 1920 when the workers were suppressed by the Freikorps and army. This photo demonstrates the workers revolting and demanding their rights to be met. -
Rapallo Treaty
The Rapallo Treaty was signed between the German Republic and Soviet Russia on April 16th, 1922 in Rapallo, Italy. The treaty aimed to re-establish the relations between the two countries. Specifically, the nations agreed to waive all debt claims and maintain stronger economic and military ties. This photo conveys the delegations present at the signing of the treaty and is significant as it demonstrates the collaboration between the two countries. -
Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium
The Occupation of the Ruhr occurred as a result of Germany missing a reparations payment. France and Belgium then sent troops to collect and steal German goods from the industrial Ruhr River valley region in January 1923. This occupation lasted up until August 25th, 1925 after negotiation between the governments, and the payments resumed. This map is significant as it presents what region was occupied and under intense tension. -
Hyperinflation Crisis
In response to the Ruhr occupation, the German government attempted to support workers on strike by printing money in January 1923. This money was also used to pay reparations. However, this led to inflation. By late 1923, the current, which previously was valued at four to the U.S. dollar, was worth less than the paper it was printed on. This image displays children playing with a kite made out of worthless money, highlighting the significance of the crisis. -
Beer Hall Putsch
The Beer Hall Putsch occurred on Nov 8th, 1923 when Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted to overthrow the Weimar Republic. They began in the Bavarian city of Munich, aiming to seize control of the state government, march on Berlin, and then overthrow the federal government. However, this failed and Hitler decided that an armed revolution would not be an effective way to gain power in Germany. This photo is significant as it displays men mobilizing and supporting the coup. -
Introduction of Rentenmark
Following the Hyperinflation crisis, which was a time when the German currency had significantly lost its value, the Rentenmark was introduced on November 20th, 1923. The purpose of the Rentenmark was to replace the old currency which had become worthless. This image relates to this as it displays the new currency. -
Weimar Golden Age
The Golden Age in Germany occurred between 1924-1929 when the economy grew after the economic crisis. Living conditions improved and the economy stabilized. Culture spread through the creation of new paintings, music, films, and literature. Some of this was influenced by German culture, and some by American, leading traditionalists to not welcome the new age. This image conveys Weimar culture in the form of a painting and is significant as its style shows the creativity of the time. -
Dawes Plan
The Dawes Plan was created in April 1924, to solve issues surrounding reparation payments from WWI. This made payments lower for Germany so it could pay while its economy grew. This also created a cycle between the US, Britain, France, and Germany as more payments were able to be paid towards countries. This image conveys this cycle which was important and allowed for each countries' economy to grow. -
Election of President von Hindenburg
Hindenburg, a conservative leader whom many believed wanted to restore the monarchy, was elected. His election marked the beginning of the Golden Age. This photo is significant in showing the president elected, Paul von Hindenburg. -
Locarno Treaty
The Treaty guaranteed that the nations involved (Italy, Britain, France, and Belgium) would protect the borders from being violated. It guaranteed Germany’s Western frontier but left the Eastern frontier undecided. Britain and Italy agreed to defend the border. This photo is significant in showing the negotiation of the Locarno Treaty in Locarno, Switzerland. -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
The USSR and Berlin agreed to maintain neutrality in the event of an attack on either country. This strengthened relations between Germany and Russia. This photo is significant in showing the signing of the treaty and the members that were signing. -
German entrance into League of Nations
This was done under Hindenburg’s presidency and strengthened relations between Germany and the international community. However, some extremists disliked this and saw the decision as humiliating. This photo is significant in showing the other members of the League of Nations. -
Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany
In 1928, in Germany, four of the top six parties the Social Democratic Party, (SPD), the Catholic Centre Party, and the liberal parties Democratic Party, (DDP) and People's Party, (DVP) formed what was called the "Grand Coalition".This photo is significant as it is portraying the united coalition for democracy against the extremists' political parties. -
Young Plan
The Young Plan focused on renegotiating the reparation payments of Germany from WW1. Germany was in no position to be to pay the previous amount of reparations and the Young Plan was able to reduce the amount from Germany to 121,000,000,000 Reichsmarks. This photo is significant as it shows different perspectives on the Young Plan such as being against it and the German workers. -
Beginning of Great Depression
In late 1929, the effects of the Great Depression had reached Germany causing widespread unemployment, starvation, and misery. The German people had no money for food, heating a home, clothes, etc.; therefore, they turned to the more extreme political parties in Germany – the Nazi and Communist Parties. This photo is significant as it shows the negative effects of the great depression. People are unemployed and do not have money for food and they are malnourished. -
Von Papen’s deal with Hitler-
Hitler made a deal with Papen to work together with him and urge President Hindenburg to make him the chancellor. After so many failed attempts, Hindenburg accepted Hitler's demand and appointed him to be Germany’s Chancellor. However, Von Papen was to become the Vice-chancellor and any laws or rules must go through President Hindenburg. This photo is significant in understanding Hitler’s success as it shows him and Von Papen on friendly terms. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor-
Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany in 1933 following the Nazi Party's series of electoral victories. He ruled absolutely until his death by suicide in April 1945. His emergence marked a crucial turning point for Germany and, ultimately, for the world. This photo is significant because it shows the leader being elected, who is Hitler.
