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German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II resigns
October 29, 1918-August 11, 1919: The German people began to strike and unrest over the economic and social issues stemming from WWI began to occur. Ludendorff’s myth that Germany had been stabbed in the back worked, and a naval rebellion led to further unrest. The kaiser exiled himself. [Picture] The uprising in Berlin in November 1918. -
Ebert-Groener Pact
SPD Ebert, chancellor of Germany made a pact with Groener, general of the German army, pledging loyalty to each other. Gave SPD and Reichstag general military legitimacy and power to enforce its rulings. In return, the military (Reichswehr) would operate outside of civilian control with its own power. The more radical left saw this as Ebert betraying them, because it made revolution less likely. [Picture] Wilhelm Groener, general of German army, 1917. Shows he was a war hero. -
Armistice ending WWI
The Armistice of Compiègne between the Allies and their last opponent, Germany, granting the Allies victory. Included terms such as occupation of the Rhineland, surrender of military equipment, and end of fighting. Was created by Ferdinand Foch, the Allied supreme commander. Hindenburg and Ludendorff both agreed that the armistice should be signed. [Picture] Outside of Foch’s carriage after signing the armistice, with Foch, his chief of staff, and others involved in the negotiation. -
Spartacist Revolt
January 5-12, 1919: The left-wing KPD (communists) attempted to take over Germany to establish a communist state. This occurred during a workers’ protest to take advantage of the chaos. Over 100,000 workers participated in a general strike, and the Spartacists took over major infrastructure. The official military could not control the rebellion, so the Freikorps were sent in to take control, which was successful. [Picture] Spartacist militia in Berlin January 1919 -
Bavarian Soviet Republic
April 7th, 1919,
This was a 4-week attempt to establish a socialist soviet republic This took place during the german revolution of 1918-19. It was overthrown less than a month later by the German army. [Picture] The Bavarian Soviet Republic marching -
Treaty of Versailles and the results for Germany.
June 28, 1919
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that was made after WW1, The treaty put Germany to blame for the destruction of the war. Germany had to give up its territories to surrounding nations, give up Alsace Lorraine to France, had no overseas colonies, and the military was very restricted, and lastly, Germany had to pay large reparations. [Picture] Political cartoon about the large reparations that Germany was forced to pay. -
Formation of Weimar Republic/Constitution
August 11, 1919: Universal suffrage was established, and a system of proportional representation. A constitutional monarchy had already been in place, but after the kaiser abdicated a constitutional republic was formed. Ebert (SPD), the president of the Reichstag, signed this into law. The constitution made Germany a parliamentary democracy under the Reichstag, with a president and chancellor. [Picture] The title page of the Weimar constitution -
Kapp Putsch
March 13, 1920
An attempted coup to overthrow the Weimar republic and install an autocratic government in its place. Although the German government was forced to flee the city, the coup failed after a couple of days as the citizens went on strike. [Picture] The Kapp Putsch led by Wolfgang Kapp and Freir Korps. -
(Red) Ruhr Uprising
March 13- April 12, 1920
After the Kapp Putsch was over, communist workers led a massive strike. An army of between 50,000 and 80,000 left-wing workers performed an uprising. [Picture] Arming members of the red Ruhr army to fight the Kapp Putsch. -
Rapallo Treaty
April 16, 1922
The Treaty of Rapallo was an agreement between Germany and Russia where they renounced any territory and financial claims against each other after the treaty of Brest Litovsk. [Picture] Chancellor Joseph Wirth, Krassin, Georgi Chicherin, and Joffe. -
Hyperinflation Crisis, 1923
Germany was unable to meet the reparation schedule, so to comply with the mandates of the Treaty of Versailles, the government printed more money, causing rapid inflation. By the end of 1923, the German Mark was worth less than the paper on which it was printed, causing a further collapse in industry. [Picture] The Mark was of so little value, it was used as wallpaper. -
Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium
January 11, 1923
After GE failed to meet the reparation schedule, France and Belgium moved into the Ruhr and refused to leave until the reparations were resumed. Germany engaged in a campaign of passive resistance, causing strikes and further economic distress. [Picture] French troops march into the German city of Buer. -
Beer Hall Putsch
November 8-9, 1923
Fed up with the Weimar Republic, the Nazi (NSDAP) party, led by Adolf Hitler and Eric Ludendorff, staged a coup in Munich, Germany, attempting to install a socialist government. Police managed to extinguish the revolt, and Hitler was arrested and sent to prison. 9 months later he would be released. [Picture] Leaders of Putsch, Ludendorff and Hitler in the center, before standing trial for treason. -
Introduction of Rentenmark
November 15, 1923
Currency created by Gustav Stresemann to stop the inflation of the Mark. This currency was backed by land used for agriculture rather than gold, and its value remained stable. The inflation of the Mark immediately stopped. [Picture] Paper note for 9 Rentenmark, $2.14 USD. -
Weimar Golden Age, 1924-1929
Gustav Stresemann appointed chancellor and introduces new currency, Rentenmark, stopping inflation crisis. More amicable foreign policy is announced and leads to Dawes Plan, which renegotiated terms of reparations to be more feasible. Lead to boom in industry/production, and economy began to recover. Dramatic improvements in social programs, quality of life, and stability. [Picture] Tea Dance in Berlin, shows prosperity and artistry otherwise nonexistent in GE. -
Dawes Plan
April 1924
The Reparations Committee announced its plan to help Germany pay reparations by loaning them $200 million dollars, having France and Belgium leave the Ruhr, and reducing the reparations settlement. [Picture] Charles Dawes, planner of the Dawes Act. -
Election of President von Hindenburg
April 1925
Hindenburg, a conservative leader whom many believed wanted to restore the monarchy, was elected. His election marked the beginning of the Golden Age. [Picture] Political cartoon for Hindenburg around election time. -
Locarno Treaty
December 1, 1925
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. [Picture] Stresemann, Chamberlain, and Briand at the Locarno negotiations. -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
April 1926
The USSR and Berlin agreed to maintain neutrality in the event of an attack on either country. This strengthened relations between Germany and Russia. [Picture] Signing of the Treaty of Berlin. -
German entrance into League of Nations
September 1926
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. [Picture] Newspaper clipping announcing Germany’s entry into the League. -
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". [Picture] The Grand Coalition cabinet of Chancellor Hermann Muller (1928-1930). -
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 reduce the amount from Germany to 121,000,000,000 Reichsmarks. Also, the Plan set up the Bank for International Settlements to handle the transfer of funds, and ended foreign controls on German economic life. [Picture] Owen D, American industrialist, was head of the committee (1929–30) -
Beginning of Great Depression
In late 1929, the effects of the Great Depression which had started in America 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. [Picture] Unemployed men queue in Berlin during the Great Depression. -
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 accepting 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. [Picture] Franz Von Papen and Adolf Hitler. -
Hitler become 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. [Picture] Hitler appointed as chancellor of Germany.