The Weimar Republic's Formation and Early Challenges

The Weimar Republic emerged from the ashes of Imperial Germany, established through a liberal constitution drafted in the town of Weimar. The new government introduced democratic reforms including proportional representation, though this would later prove problematic.

Vocabulary: Coalition Government - A government formed by multiple political parties working together.

Quote: "The Ebert-Groener 'Telephone Pact' meant that the German Army was able to run itself in return for supporting the new Republic."

The Republic faced immediate challenges to its authority:

• Conservative opposition to liberal reforms
• Military independence through the Ebert-Groener pact
• Widespread disapproval of the Treaty of Versailles
• Political instability due to coalition governments

Highlight: The Republic's acceptance of the Treaty of Versailles severely damaged its popularity among Germans.

Political Opposition and Social Unrest

The Weimar Republic faced significant opposition from both left-wing and right-wing extremists, contributing to political instability.

Vocabulary: The Spartacists were a left-wing revolutionary movement seeking to establish communist rule.

Example: The Kapp Putsch of 1920 represented a significant right-wing attempt to overthrow the government.

Highlight: The assassination of key political figures demonstrated the volatile nature of German politics during this period.

The End of World War I and Its Impact on Germany

The conclusion of World War I brought unprecedented changes to Germany's political and social structure. The German naval mutiny at Kiel triggered a chain of events leading to the Kaiser's abdication and the birth of the German Republic. Friedrich Ebert, the new German Chancellor, made a strategic alliance with General Groener of the German Army, fundamentally altering the military-political relationship.

Highlight: The Kaiser's abdication on November 9th marked the end of monarchical rule in Germany.

Definition: The Armistice - A formal agreement to stop fighting, signed by Germany on November 11th, 1918.

The Treaty of Versailles imposed severe restrictions on Germany, including:

• Acceptance of war guilt
• Massive reparations payments
• Significant military limitations
• Territorial losses

Example: Germany lost Alsace-Lorraine to France and Silesia to Poland, significantly reducing its territory and population.