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9 Dec 2025

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Germany: Spartacist Uprising, Kapp Putsch, Munich Putsch, and the Rise of the Nazi Party

R

Rafi

@raf1

The early Weimar Republic faced serious threats from both left-wing... Show more

Jan 1919- Sparticist
Uprising
100,000 workers went on strike and demonstrated in the centre
of Berlin. it was taken over by the Sparticist l

Early Threats to the Weimar Republic (1919-1920)

Ever wondered how a democracy can be attacked from both sides? The new Weimar government faced exactly this problem right from the start.

In January 1919, the Spartacist Uprising saw 100,000 workers strike and take over central Berlin. Led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, these communist revolutionaries seized newspaper offices and communication buildings. However, poor planning meant many frustrated supporters simply went home.

The government, hiding in Weimar to avoid the violence, hired 2,000 ex-soldiers called the Freikorps to crush the uprising. This "bloody week" resulted in 100 workers being killed, including both Spartacist leaders who were murdered by the Freikorps.

Just over a year later in March 1920, the threat came from the opposite political extreme. Wolfgang Kapp, a right-wing journalist, led 5,000 Freikorps troops in the Kapp Putsch and seized Berlin. He wanted to overthrow the Treaty of Versailles and restore Germany's lost territories. Without worker support, Kapp had no electricity, gas, water or trains - forcing him to flee abroad when his coup collapsed.

Key Point: The Weimar Republic's early weakness made it vulnerable to attacks from both communist and nationalist extremists.

Jan 1919- Sparticist
Uprising
100,000 workers went on strike and demonstrated in the centre
of Berlin. it was taken over by the Sparticist l

The Rise of the Nazi Party and Hitler's Failed Putsch (1920-1923)

Think the government's troubles were over? Think again - an even more dangerous threat was brewing in the south.

The Nazi Party emerged from this chaos with their 25-point programme in 1920. Hitler's charismatic personality and powerful speeches convinced people he could restore Germany's greatness. His key beliefs included creating a strong Germany by abolishing the Treaty of Versailles, establishing a Führer (single leader) instead of democracy, and promoting Social Darwinism - the racist idea that Aryans were superior to Jews.

The Nazis also promoted autarky economicselfsufficiencyeconomic self-sufficiency and Lebensraum (living space for Germans). They claimed Germany faced danger from communists and Jews who needed to be destroyed.

Hitler's confidence led to disaster in November 1923 during the Munich Putsch. He attempted to seize control of Bavaria's government, promising to overturn Versailles and march on Berlin. When Bavarian politicians refused to support him at a beer hall meeting, Hitler pressed ahead anyway. His 2,000 supporters met armed police in Munich, resulting in a gunfight that killed 16 Nazis and 3 policemen. Hitler and WWI General Ludendorff were arrested.

Key Point: The Munich Putsch failed completely, but it gave Hitler a platform to spread his message during his trial.



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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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Sudenaz Ocak

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

History

226

9 Dec 2025

2 pages

Germany: Spartacist Uprising, Kapp Putsch, Munich Putsch, and the Rise of the Nazi Party

R

Rafi

@raf1

The early Weimar Republic faced serious threats from both left-wing and right-wing extremists who wanted to overthrow the government. These chaotic times created the perfect conditions for Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to emerge and gain support amongst frustrated... Show more

Jan 1919- Sparticist
Uprising
100,000 workers went on strike and demonstrated in the centre
of Berlin. it was taken over by the Sparticist l

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Improve your grades

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Early Threats to the Weimar Republic (1919-1920)

Ever wondered how a democracy can be attacked from both sides? The new Weimar government faced exactly this problem right from the start.

In January 1919, the Spartacist Uprising saw 100,000 workers strike and take over central Berlin. Led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, these communist revolutionaries seized newspaper offices and communication buildings. However, poor planning meant many frustrated supporters simply went home.

The government, hiding in Weimar to avoid the violence, hired 2,000 ex-soldiers called the Freikorps to crush the uprising. This "bloody week" resulted in 100 workers being killed, including both Spartacist leaders who were murdered by the Freikorps.

Just over a year later in March 1920, the threat came from the opposite political extreme. Wolfgang Kapp, a right-wing journalist, led 5,000 Freikorps troops in the Kapp Putsch and seized Berlin. He wanted to overthrow the Treaty of Versailles and restore Germany's lost territories. Without worker support, Kapp had no electricity, gas, water or trains - forcing him to flee abroad when his coup collapsed.

Key Point: The Weimar Republic's early weakness made it vulnerable to attacks from both communist and nationalist extremists.

Jan 1919- Sparticist
Uprising
100,000 workers went on strike and demonstrated in the centre
of Berlin. it was taken over by the Sparticist l

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Rise of the Nazi Party and Hitler's Failed Putsch (1920-1923)

Think the government's troubles were over? Think again - an even more dangerous threat was brewing in the south.

The Nazi Party emerged from this chaos with their 25-point programme in 1920. Hitler's charismatic personality and powerful speeches convinced people he could restore Germany's greatness. His key beliefs included creating a strong Germany by abolishing the Treaty of Versailles, establishing a Führer (single leader) instead of democracy, and promoting Social Darwinism - the racist idea that Aryans were superior to Jews.

The Nazis also promoted autarky economicselfsufficiencyeconomic self-sufficiency and Lebensraum (living space for Germans). They claimed Germany faced danger from communists and Jews who needed to be destroyed.

Hitler's confidence led to disaster in November 1923 during the Munich Putsch. He attempted to seize control of Bavaria's government, promising to overturn Versailles and march on Berlin. When Bavarian politicians refused to support him at a beer hall meeting, Hitler pressed ahead anyway. His 2,000 supporters met armed police in Munich, resulting in a gunfight that killed 16 Nazis and 3 policemen. Hitler and WWI General Ludendorff were arrested.

Key Point: The Munich Putsch failed completely, but it gave Hitler a platform to spread his message during his trial.

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Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user