Germany's world completely changed in just over a year between... Show more
SociologySign 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
1
0
E
Ella Mcgibbon
13/12/2025
History
The German Revolution 1918-1919
42
•
13 Dec 2025
•
The German Revolution 1918–1919: From Weimar to Nazi Germany
E
Ella Mcgibbon
@ellamcgibbon_rcvg
1 / 4
Germany Before the Revolution and What Went Wrong
Germany in 1918 was still quite a new country, only unified in 1871 under Kaiser Wilhelm II's autocratic rule. Whilst the Kaiser had ultimate power, he did work with the Reichstag (parliament) - though he always had the final say on major decisions like going to war in 1914.
By autumn 1918, everything was falling apart. The German army was retreating on the Western Front, and the British naval blockade meant severe shortages of food and fuel back home. People were literally starving.
The Kiel Mutiny became the spark that lit the fuse - German sailors refused a hopeless mission against the Royal Navy, and soldiers backed them up. Workers at factories like Daimler went on strike, and when troops were sent to force them back to work, the soldiers joined the workers instead!
Key Point: By November 1918, Germany was in complete chaos with riots everywhere and even Bavaria declaring independence from Germany.
The Kaiser Steps Down and Political Groups Emerge
Faced with total chaos and having lost support from both his people and army, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated on 9th November 1918. He initially refused but quickly realised he had no choice - nobody was backing him anymore.
The same day, Socialist politician Philip Scheidemann declared Germany a republic from Berlin. But this created a massive power struggle between different political groups, each wanting to shape Germany's future.
The main players were fascinating opposites: Communists (KPD) wanted a Russian-style workers' revolution, which terrified many Germans. Social Democrats were the most powerful - they wanted workers' rights but not full communism. The Centre Party (Zentrum) mixed left and right ideas and appealed to Catholics, whilst moderate nationalists represented wealthy conservatives.
Key Point: The Social Democrats became the dominant force, successfully keeping the communists out of power whilst maintaining moderate control.
Creating the Weimar Republic
Friedrich Ebert, leader of the Socialist Party, became the new Chancellor and immediately formed a temporary government to create a new constitution. His first major success was ending the war with an armistice on 11th November 1918.
But Germany was still in complete chaos - armed soldiers were picking political sides, people were cold and hungry, and the whole situation could explode at any moment. Ebert had to act fast and make some clever compromises.
He kept existing officials like judges in their jobs , promised the army they could keep their ranks if they maintained order, and reassured big businesses there wouldn't be any state takeovers. At the same time, he promised workers important reforms like an 8-hour working day.
Key Point: These compromises between left and right-wing groups were essential for preventing Germany from descending into civil war or communist revolution.
The Birth of the Weimar Republic
Ebert's government was forced to operate from the small town of Weimar because Berlin was simply too violent and dangerous. This location gave the new democratic Germany its name - the Weimar Republic.
Through a series of careful political compromises, Ebert managed to maintain fragile control into 1919. He successfully balanced the demands of moderates from both left and right-wing politics whilst keeping extremists at bay.
The transformation was remarkable: Germany went from being an autocratic empire under the Kaiser to a democratic republic in just a few months. However, this new democracy was born out of military defeat, economic crisis, and political chaos - challenges that would continue to haunt it.
Key Point: The Weimar Republic's foundation was built on compromise and pragmatism rather than popular enthusiasm, which would create ongoing stability issues.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Treaty of Versailles
Most popular content in History
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
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
The German Revolution 1918–1919: From Weimar to Nazi Germany
E
Ella Mcgibbon
@ellamcgibbon_rcvg
Germany's world completely changed in just over a year between 1918 and 1919. The mighty Kaiser (emperor) was forced to give up his throne, and Germany transformed from an autocratic empire into a democratic republic during one of the most... Show more
Germany Before the Revolution and What Went Wrong
Germany in 1918 was still quite a new country, only unified in 1871 under Kaiser Wilhelm II's autocratic rule. Whilst the Kaiser had ultimate power, he did work with the Reichstag (parliament) - though he always had the final say on major decisions like going to war in 1914.
By autumn 1918, everything was falling apart. The German army was retreating on the Western Front, and the British naval blockade meant severe shortages of food and fuel back home. People were literally starving.
The Kiel Mutiny became the spark that lit the fuse - German sailors refused a hopeless mission against the Royal Navy, and soldiers backed them up. Workers at factories like Daimler went on strike, and when troops were sent to force them back to work, the soldiers joined the workers instead!
Key Point: By November 1918, Germany was in complete chaos with riots everywhere and even Bavaria declaring independence from Germany.
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 Kaiser Steps Down and Political Groups Emerge
Faced with total chaos and having lost support from both his people and army, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated on 9th November 1918. He initially refused but quickly realised he had no choice - nobody was backing him anymore.
The same day, Socialist politician Philip Scheidemann declared Germany a republic from Berlin. But this created a massive power struggle between different political groups, each wanting to shape Germany's future.
The main players were fascinating opposites: Communists (KPD) wanted a Russian-style workers' revolution, which terrified many Germans. Social Democrats were the most powerful - they wanted workers' rights but not full communism. The Centre Party (Zentrum) mixed left and right ideas and appealed to Catholics, whilst moderate nationalists represented wealthy conservatives.
Key Point: The Social Democrats became the dominant force, successfully keeping the communists out of power whilst maintaining moderate control.
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
Creating the Weimar Republic
Friedrich Ebert, leader of the Socialist Party, became the new Chancellor and immediately formed a temporary government to create a new constitution. His first major success was ending the war with an armistice on 11th November 1918.
But Germany was still in complete chaos - armed soldiers were picking political sides, people were cold and hungry, and the whole situation could explode at any moment. Ebert had to act fast and make some clever compromises.
He kept existing officials like judges in their jobs , promised the army they could keep their ranks if they maintained order, and reassured big businesses there wouldn't be any state takeovers. At the same time, he promised workers important reforms like an 8-hour working day.
Key Point: These compromises between left and right-wing groups were essential for preventing Germany from descending into civil war or communist revolution.
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 Birth of the Weimar Republic
Ebert's government was forced to operate from the small town of Weimar because Berlin was simply too violent and dangerous. This location gave the new democratic Germany its name - the Weimar Republic.
Through a series of careful political compromises, Ebert managed to maintain fragile control into 1919. He successfully balanced the demands of moderates from both left and right-wing politics whilst keeping extremists at bay.
The transformation was remarkable: Germany went from being an autocratic empire under the Kaiser to a democratic republic in just a few months. However, this new democracy was born out of military defeat, economic crisis, and political chaos - challenges that would continue to haunt it.
Key Point: The Weimar Republic's foundation was built on compromise and pragmatism rather than popular enthusiasm, which would create ongoing stability issues.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
1
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Treaty of Versailles
Most popular content in History
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
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