Weimar Republic Challenges and Treaty Consequences

Weimar Republic Challenges (1919-1923)

• Germany transitioned to a republic under Chancellor Ebert post-Abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
• The Weimar Constitution established a democratic government, allowing all adults to vote for the Reichstag.
• Proportional representation in elections led to frequent coalition governments, resulting in political instability and inaction.
• The President, elected every seven years, held significant power, including the ability to legislate without Reichstag consent during emergencies (Article 48).
• Democracy was met with skepticism; many Germans preferred the authoritarian rule of the Kaiser, viewing the new government as weak.
• The Weimar Government relied on military support, entering a deal with the army to ensure mutual backing.

Treaty of Versailles Consequences

• The treaty imposed severe territorial losses on Germany:
  • Land ceded to France, Belgium, Denmark, and Poland.
  • The Rhineland demilitarized and occupied by Allies.
  • Saar coalfields governed by the League of Nations.
  • Creation of the 'Polish Corridor' divided Germany from East Prussia.
• The military was restricted to 100,000 troops, six battleships, and no air force.
• Germany accepted war guilt and was obligated to pay £6.6 billion in reparations to France and Belgium.
• Germany was excluded from the League of Nations, perceived as a humiliation by the German populace.

Political Instability Events

• Spartacist Uprising (January 1919): A communist revolt led by Luxembourg and Liebknecht, suppressed by Freikorps; both leaders killed.
• Bavarian Uprising (April 1919): Communist-led overthrow in Bavaria, again repressed by Freikorps.
• Kapp Putsch (March 1920): A right-wing coup initiated by Freikorps leader Ehrhardt and politician Dr. Kapp; attempt to establish a new government met with army non-interference, creating a failed provisional government.

Public Sentiment and Blame

• The Treaty of Versailles was perceived as unjust, prompting widespread anger towards the Weimar Government, labeled "November criminals."
• The populace believed in the “stab-in-the-back” theory, erroneously blaming politicians for loss rather than military failure, exacerbating division and conflict within the country.

Weimar Republic Challenges (1919-1923)

• Germany transitioned to a republic under Chancellor Ebert post-Abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
• The Weimar Constitution established a democratic government, allowing all adults to vote for the Reichstag.
• Proportional representation in elections led to frequent coalition governments, resulting in political instability and inaction.
• The President, elected every seven years, held significant power, including the ability to legislate without Reichstag consent during emergencies (Article 48).
• Democracy was met with skepticism; many Germans preferred the authoritarian rule of the Kaiser, viewing the new government as weak.
• The Weimar Government relied on military support, entering a deal with the army to ensure mutual backing.

Treaty of Versailles Consequences

• The treaty imposed severe territorial losses on Germany:
  • Land ceded to France, Belgium, Denmark, and Poland.
  • The Rhineland demilitarized and occupied by Allies.
  • Saar coalfields governed by the League of Nations.
  • Creation of the 'Polish Corridor' divided Germany from East Prussia.
• The military was restricted to 100,000 troops, six battleships, and no air force.
• Germany accepted war guilt and was obligated to pay £6.6 billion in reparations to France and Belgium.
• Germany was excluded from the League of Nations, perceived as a humiliation by the German populace.

Political Instability Events

• Spartacist Uprising (January 1919): A communist revolt led by Luxembourg and Liebknecht, suppressed by Freikorps; both leaders killed.
• Bavarian Uprising (April 1919): Communist-led overthrow in Bavaria, again repressed by Freikorps.
• Kapp Putsch (March 1920): A right-wing coup initiated by Freikorps leader Ehrhardt and politician Dr. Kapp; attempt to establish a new government met with army non-interference, creating a failed provisional government.

Public Sentiment and Blame

• The Treaty of Versailles was perceived as unjust, prompting widespread anger towards the Weimar Government, labeled "November criminals."
• The populace believed in the “stab-in-the-back” theory, erroneously blaming politicians for loss rather than military failure, exacerbating division and conflict within the country.