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The Threats Posed by the Extreme Left During the Weimar Republic

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Annabelle Wardle

09/12/2025

History

threats from the extreme left

78

9 Dec 2025

2 pages

The Threats Posed by the Extreme Left During the Weimar Republic

user profile picture

Annabelle Wardle

@annabellewardle_

The Weimar Republic faced constant threats from extreme left-wing groups... Show more

Threats from the Extreme Left
Spartacists Revolt, 1919 - Berlin
. KPD formed end of 1918
• 5th January 1919- demonstration took place in Ber

Early Communist Uprisings (1919-1920)

Ever wondered how close Germany came to becoming a communist state? The Spartacist Revolt in January 1919 was the first major attempt to overthrow the new Weimar government. The newly formed KPD (Communist Party) organised massive demonstrations in Berlin, quickly occupying key buildings like train stations and newspaper offices.

What started as a protest involving thousands escalated into a general strike with half a million participants. However, the revolutionaries couldn't agree on their next steps, giving the government time to respond. Friedrich Ebert made the controversial decision to use the Freikorps - violent right-wing paramilitary groups - to crush the uprising.

The aftermath was brutal. The Freikorps defeated the revolutionaries and executed the revolt's leaders, Liebknecht and Luxemburg. This set a dangerous precedent of the democratic government relying on anti-democratic forces to survive.

Key Point: The Spartacist Revolt showed how the Weimar Republic had to choose between communist revolution and right-wing violence - a choice that would haunt German democracy.

Threats from the Extreme Left
Spartacists Revolt, 1919 - Berlin
. KPD formed end of 1918
• 5th January 1919- demonstration took place in Ber

Regional Communist Challenges (1919-1923)

Communist threats weren't limited to Berlin - they erupted across Germany. In Bavaria, revolutionaries declared the Bavarian Soviet Republic in April 1919 after their leader was assassinated. For a month, they implemented radical communist reforms, seizing luxury properties and giving workers control of factories.

The Ruhr Uprising in 1920 coincided with the right-wing Kapp Putsch, creating chaos on multiple fronts. Around 50,000 workers formed the "Red Army" and established Workers' Councils across the industrial Ruhr region. Like previous uprisings, it was eventually crushed by the Reichswehr and Freikorps.

The final major threat came during the German October in 1923, when 300 KPD members attempted to spark revolution in Hamburg. They stormed over 30 police stations but were defeated within hours - most uprisings barely lasted a day.

By 1923, these repeated failures had severely damaged communist support. The March Action of 1921 in Central Germany had already led to a massive drop in KPD membership, proving that violent revolution wasn't winning over German workers.

Key Point: Each failed uprising weakened the communist movement, but also forced the Weimar Republic to rely increasingly on violent right-wing groups for protection.



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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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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.

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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

78

9 Dec 2025

2 pages

The Threats Posed by the Extreme Left During the Weimar Republic

user profile picture

Annabelle Wardle

@annabellewardle_

The Weimar Republic faced constant threats from extreme left-wing groups who wanted to overthrow the democratic government and establish a communist state. Between 1919 and 1923, several major uprisings nearly brought down the fragile German democracy, forcing the government to... Show more

Threats from the Extreme Left
Spartacists Revolt, 1919 - Berlin
. KPD formed end of 1918
• 5th January 1919- demonstration took place in Ber

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Early Communist Uprisings (1919-1920)

Ever wondered how close Germany came to becoming a communist state? The Spartacist Revolt in January 1919 was the first major attempt to overthrow the new Weimar government. The newly formed KPD (Communist Party) organised massive demonstrations in Berlin, quickly occupying key buildings like train stations and newspaper offices.

What started as a protest involving thousands escalated into a general strike with half a million participants. However, the revolutionaries couldn't agree on their next steps, giving the government time to respond. Friedrich Ebert made the controversial decision to use the Freikorps - violent right-wing paramilitary groups - to crush the uprising.

The aftermath was brutal. The Freikorps defeated the revolutionaries and executed the revolt's leaders, Liebknecht and Luxemburg. This set a dangerous precedent of the democratic government relying on anti-democratic forces to survive.

Key Point: The Spartacist Revolt showed how the Weimar Republic had to choose between communist revolution and right-wing violence - a choice that would haunt German democracy.

Threats from the Extreme Left
Spartacists Revolt, 1919 - Berlin
. KPD formed end of 1918
• 5th January 1919- demonstration took place in Ber

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

Regional Communist Challenges (1919-1923)

Communist threats weren't limited to Berlin - they erupted across Germany. In Bavaria, revolutionaries declared the Bavarian Soviet Republic in April 1919 after their leader was assassinated. For a month, they implemented radical communist reforms, seizing luxury properties and giving workers control of factories.

The Ruhr Uprising in 1920 coincided with the right-wing Kapp Putsch, creating chaos on multiple fronts. Around 50,000 workers formed the "Red Army" and established Workers' Councils across the industrial Ruhr region. Like previous uprisings, it was eventually crushed by the Reichswehr and Freikorps.

The final major threat came during the German October in 1923, when 300 KPD members attempted to spark revolution in Hamburg. They stormed over 30 police stations but were defeated within hours - most uprisings barely lasted a day.

By 1923, these repeated failures had severely damaged communist support. The March Action of 1921 in Central Germany had already led to a massive drop in KPD membership, proving that violent revolution wasn't winning over German workers.

Key Point: Each failed uprising weakened the communist movement, but also forced the Weimar Republic to rely increasingly on violent right-wing groups for protection.

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: Weimar Republic

Most popular content in History

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

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