The Kapp Putsch: A Threat to the Weimar Republic
The Kapp Putsch of March 1920 was a significant event that exposed the vulnerabilities of the fledgling Weimar Republic. This right-wing uprising in Berlin, led by Dr. Wolfgang Kapp and organized by the Freikorps, demonstrated the precarious position of the new German government and the challenges it faced from extremist groups.
The Putsch began when the Freikorps, a paramilitary organization composed of anti-communist ex-soldiers, reacted violently to the government's decision to disband them. Approximately 5,000 Freikorps members marched into Berlin, meeting little resistance as members of the regular army refused to fire on their former comrades.
Highlight: The army's refusal to defend the government against the Freikorps highlighted the Weimar Republic's lack of support from key institutions.
Initially, the rebels appeared successful in taking control of Berlin. However, the government, which had fled to Dresden, found an unexpected ally in the industrial workers of the capital. By calling for a general strike, the government effectively brought Berlin to a standstill.
Example: The strike stopped essential services such as gas, electricity, and transport, making it impossible for the rebels to govern effectively.
Faced with this unexpected resistance, Dr. Kapp realized the futility of his position and fled the country. He was later captured in April 1922 upon returning to Germany from Sweden but died before standing trial.
The Kapp Putsch had several important consequences:
- It exposed the Weimar Republic's vulnerability to right-wing threats.
- It demonstrated the unreliability of the army in defending the democratic government.
- It showed the potential power of organized labor in defending the republic.
Vocabulary: Putsch - A violent attempt to overthrow a government; a coup.
The motivations behind the Kapp Putsch were rooted in deep resentment of the Treaty of Versailles and a desire to restore Germany's former glory. The leaders of the Putsch aimed to:
- Take over the country
- Strengthen the army
- Recover lands lost in the Treaty of Versailles
- Potentially restore the Kaiser to power
Quote: "It was important because it showed how unpopular the Weimar Republic was with right-wing parties, and that the army wouldn't support it if the extreme right launched an attack."
In conclusion, while the Kapp Putsch failed, it revealed significant problems faced by the Weimar Republic in the years 1919–23. The event underscored the fragility of the new democratic system and the ongoing threats it faced from both the left and right extremes of the political spectrum.
