Weimar Germany

German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II resigns

Oct 29, 1918

This image depicts a vehicle with machine guns mounted at the top. This is significant because it reflects how the German Revolution of 1918 had been majorly led by the navy and the army, and had had a large impact on the military.

Formation of Weimar Republic/Constitution

Nov 9, 1918

This picture is significant as it shows the celebration of the formation of Weimar Republic which was named after the town of Weimar where Germany's new government was formed by a national assembly after Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated.

Ebert-Groener Pact

Nov 10, 1918

This picture symbolizes the Ebert-Groener exchange. After recognizing the weaknesses of his government, Ebert pursued the backing of the army. Groener agreed with reluctance, however insisted that a new civilian government should not be disrupted by Reichswehr.

Armistice Ending WWI

Nov 11, 1918

This picture is significant as it signifies the peace ending WWI. The armistice was between Germany and the Allies which was signed in Francport and terminated fighting on land, sea, and air.

Bavarian Soviet Republic

1919

This picture represents the creation of Bavarian Soviet Republic to attempt to seize Bavaria, however, it was an unrecognized socialist state insignificant in the long-term that was established during the German Worker's Revolution of 1918-19.

Spartacist Revolt

Jan 5, 1919

This picture signifies the Spartacist Revolution which was a left-wing uprising that aimed to establish a communist state in Germany and the destruction of the Weimar Republic.

Treaty of Versailles and the results for Germany

Jun 28, 1919

This image is significant because it essentially records the end of the war following the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. A "War Guilt Clause" was imposed on Germany as part of an international peace treaty between European powers and Germany, which also called for monetary reparations and a reduction in the size of its armed forces.

(Red) Ruhr Uprising

Mar 13, 1920

This photo is significant because it shows how the Freikorps and Reichwehr units had crushed the revolting Red Army and workers. The subduing of all opposition in the Ruhr had been considerably brutal and bloody with an estimated over 1,600 killed.

Kapp Putsch

Mar 13, 1920

This photo shows a marine brigade of the Freikorps marching into Berlin. This is significant because it shows the putsch had mainly right-wing nationalist (and monarchist) support. In fact, it was stopped through civilian strikes.

Rapallo Treaty

Apr 16, 1922

The photo is significant because it shows the signing of the Rapallo treaty by Germany and the Soviet Union. Through this photo, we can also see the diplomatic ties that resulted because of the large amount of both German (Reichwehr) and Soviet (Red Army) officers that worked together cooperatively.

Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium

Jan 9, 1923

This image shows a French soldier guarding a coal shipment in the Ruhr. This is significant because it illustrates the reason why the Ruhr had been chosen specifically--for its industrial/economic importance to Germany.

Hyperinflation Crisis

Sep 1, 1923

This photo is significant because it is one of the most iconic images that came out from this crisis. It depicts the enormity of the problem: the mark was worth so little that so much of it was needed to buy simple things like bread. At its worse the mark was worth 1 trillion marks to 1 USD.

Beer Hall Putsch

Nov 8, 1923

This photo is significant because it depicts how much influence Hitler had, even in 1923. There were already huge numbers supporting him and the Nazi party.

Introduction of Rentenmark

Nov 20, 1923

This image is significant in showing how the Weimar Republic tried to put an end to the hyperinflation crisis. As the old mark was heavily devalued, Stresemann devised a plan to introduce new currency (shown in the image) to replaced the devalued, old mark.

Locarno Treaty

Dec 1, 1923

This cartoon is significant in showing how representatives from Germany, France, Belgium, Great Britain, and Italy settled on a set of agreements (more specifically Gustav Stresemann, Sir Austen Chamberlain, and Aristide Briand in the cartoon) as they are all joining hands, agreeing with each other.

Weimar Golden Age

1924

(1924-1929) This image is significant in showing how the Weimar Golden Age was a lavishing time for Germany. This period helped Germany's economy tremendously and is shown through the widespread appreciation for fine arts.

Dawes Plan

Apr 9, 1924

This image is significant as it provides a diagram of the furthering arrangements of the Dawes Plan. The diagram illustrates the cycle of money between Germany, the Allies, and the U.S., which shows the transferring of money in reparations, taking out loans, and war debt payments.

Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union

Apr 24, 1925

This image is significant in showing how representatives from Berlin and the USSR have agreed upon a treaty that promises neutrality if the other party were to be attacked by another third-party. They are happily conversing with one another, and shows good relations with one another.

Election of President von Hindenburg

Mar 29, 1926

This image is significant in showing the support for Paul von Hindenburg, who won Germany's Election of 1925. People are shown to actively support his regime by waving flags and riding a cart filled with images of him.

German entrance into League of Nations

Sep 8, 1926

This image was chosen because it exemplifies how this event was big news at the time; as one of the headline pieces in the New York Times (and with the publication date on display as September 9th, 1926), it is clear that Germany's addition to the League was a notable change in their international standing.

Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany

Jun 28, 1928

This photo is significant as it shows the cabinet members of the Grand Coalition after one of its meetings. This makes it a primary source with valuable insight into the dynamics between the men, since none of them look particularly happy or cordial in the image, yet all of them are finely dressed, demonstrating the important positions they held in German society.

Young Plan

Jun 7, 1929

This image was chosen due to its historical significance as a political cartoon published by the German right, who were upset with the Young Plan. It depicts German men doing labor under the whip of a slave driver, and thus clearly displays how the political right used propaganda to weaken their political opponents by making them appear foolish to strive for peace/compromise with the Allies.

Beginning of Great Depression

Oct 28, 1929

This photo was chosen because it illustrates the panic and desperation of the beginning of the Great Depression as German people crowd around a bank in Berlin. It symbolizes the widespread affect of the economic downturn that would follow.

Von Papen's deal with Hitler

Jan 3, 1933

This image was chosen because it is a primary source-- a photo of the two men walking down the street on their way to the opening of the Reichstag in March of 1933-- that demonstrates the cooperation between Hitler and Von Papen. It illustrates Hitler's relationship with him, as well as the success of their plan.

Hitler becomes Chancellor

Jan 30, 1933

This image was chosen because it directly demonstrates President Hindenburg's role in appointing Hitler as Chancellor, as it captures the moment Hitler was handed over the rule of Germany for good.