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German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II Resigns
The German Revolution of 1918 occured after WWI to replace the constitutional monarchy with a democratic republic. Kaiser Wilhem II resigns during this time due to the fall of the constitutional monarchy which shows a change in government and structure of the nation. Although the Germans rose up against the monarchy, there was still political divisions with the differing parties. The picture depicts German citizens during the Revolution, showing unity against the constitutional monarchy. -
Bavarian Soviet Republic
The Bavarian Soviet Republic was a short-lived state of Bavaria that lasted during the German Revolution of 1918 to 1919. Its aim was to make a socialist soviet republic in Bavaria. Ultimately, this “state” was overthrown about a month later by the Freikorps and some of the German Army, essentially helping Hitler and the Nazi party reach power. The cartoon image below depicts people supporting the formation of the Bavarian Soviet Republic marching for this “state”. -
Ebert-Groener Pact
The Ebert-Groener Pact was signed on November 10, 1918. This agreement was between the chancellor of Germany Friedrich Ebert and General Wilhelm Groener. This deal ensured the safety of Weimar Germany initially because Ebert wanted support from the army while Groener desired protection over the position of the elite and they were both ultimately afraid of the socialist uprisings. The image shows the two involved, providing an image of the influential figures in this policy and decision-making. -
Armistice ending WW1
On November 11, 1918, the armistice between the Allies and Germany ending WWI was established. Both sides agreed to stop fighting rather than surrender and the armistice was made to ensure that Germany would not be strong enough to start another World War—at least for a while. The image below depicts a newspaper outlining the armistice that ended WWI. This demonstrates and indicates that Germany was one of the “losers” and shows “peace” internationally now. -
Spartacist Revolt
The Spartacist Revolt occurred in January of 1919 due to communists revolting to replace the republic with a communist state. This left-wing uprising would have been expected to have lots of support from the workers due to the extreme discontent of the situation in Germany, but there was little support to the Spartacists. Additionally, the revolt was stopped with Ebert’s forces. The picture shows soldiers in Berlin, the location of the uprising which conveys the hotspot of violence and revolt. -
The Treaty of Versailles and the results for Germany
The Treaty of Versailles was constituted in June 1919 but didn’t take effect until later. The effect it had on Germany was harsh from the German perspective because of reparations, a significant military reduction, and territorial loss. This allowed the Allies to relax because Germany was not in a position to recover quickly for WWII. The image shows a newspaper conveying that the Treaty of Versailles was signed with Germany and notes the terms were harsh but nothing that Germany cannot handle. -
Formation of Weimar Republic/Constitution
On August 11 of 1919, the Weimar Constitution was signed, officially forming the Weimar republic. This established a new government consisting of a president, a chancellor, and a parliament called the Reichstag. These positions would primarily be inconsistent and insatiable throughout the years after due to the constant change in leaders. The picture shows the formation of the Weimar Republic and the appointment of the nation as a democratic republic, showing a change in the politics of Germany. -
(Red) Ruhr Uprising
In March of 1920, the left-wing workers started a revolt in the Ruhr in one of the largest armed workers uprising in the nation's history. The revolt happened after the Kapp Putsch and was crushed by the government with extreme violence. This shows a continuity of violence and discontent on the worker’s perspective with the government. The picture shows the armed forces during the Ruhr uprising, which conveys the strength of the uprising on the workers' side. -
Kapp Putsch
Kapp Putsch was an attempted coup on the German national government on March 13,1920. This attempt was by the Freikorps because of its disbandment, the German army was sent to repel them but nothing occurred because they did not want to fight fellow comrades. Germany was in a standstill with all essential services being stopped which then led to the rebellion to collapse after four days. The image shows the Kapp Putsch and the intensity of the coup with the abundance of people in the picture. -
Rapallo Treaty
The Treaty of Rapallo was signed between the German Republic and the Soviet Union on April 16, 1922. The treaty renounced the financial claims the nations had against each other as an outcome of WWI (and the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk) Additionally, the treaty outlined how the nations were to strengthen their military and economic ties with each other. The image included shows German chancellor meeting with the delegation of Russia to negotiate the treaty. -
Hyperinflation Crisis
The Weimar Republic faced a hyperinflation crisis in 1923 that resulted in political/economic instability, money being worthless, and rebellions. This was caused by the nation’s inability to repay war debts, excessive printing of money, and the already present internal political issues. The people of Germany suffered greatly as they were unable to afford even the basic necessities to live (of the scarce supplies remaining). The image shows the large amount of money that was being printed. -
Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium
From January 11, 1923 to August 25, 1925 France and Belgium troops invaded the Ruhr area of Germany. With the German Republic not complying with the agreements made following WWI, France and Belgium invaded the area to take control of Germany’s resources. This movement increased support for movements of the radical right wing but put the nation in an economic crisis (inflation + unemployment). The included image displays the French occupation of the Ruhr area, showing the invasion impact. -
Beer Hall Pitsch
The Beer Hall Putsch was an attempted and failed coup by the Nazi Party that occured on November 8, 1923. Lead by Adolf Hitler, violence broke out in the town center as the Nazi party clashed with the Munich police. As a result of this event, it allowed Hitler and his party to gain recognition yet, showed how weak the Nazi party was. The image included displays the attempted coup and shows the many supporters of this right extremist group. -
Introduction of the Rentenmark
On November 20, 1923, a currency called the Rentenmark was introduced to the Weimar republic in an attempt to combat the effects of the hyperinflation crisis. Its initial introduction was available in limited quantities and was supported by the industrial business of the nation. The image included displays a note of the new currency, providing a visual of the Rentenmark. -
Weimar Golden Age
The Weimar Golden Age occurred from 1924-1929 and is regarded to be the years where the Weimar Republic faced prosperity, economic welfare/stability, and improved living conditions compared to the nation’s earlier years. Gustav Stresemann and Charles Dawes are to be accredited for improving Germany’s economic state. The image included displays an artistic depiction of the Weimar Golden Age by Jeanne Mammen. -
Dawes Plan
Dawes Plan was created in 1924 by Charles Dawes that bettered the nation’s economic state by outlining a plan to pay the reparations of war. The plan outlined a reduction of Germany’s payments, which allowed for more reasonable reparation payment numbers. The plan allowed for the Weimar Golden Age of prosperity in addition to fixing diplomatic relations that were tarnished following WWI/ the Treaty of Versailles. The image displays Charles Dawes, to give a visual of this plan’s developer. -
Election of President von Hindenburg
The election of President von Hindenburg occurred on March 29, 1925. Hindenburg came from an independent party and prior to becoming president, he oversaw the militarization of Germany for war (as he was a military commander). Hindenburg carried out his presidential duties to the best of his ability. In 1933, Hindenburg appointed Hitler as chancellor of the Weimar Republic. The image included displays Paul von Hindenburg, to give a visual of the Weimar Republic’s second president. -
Locarno Treaty
Formally signed on December 1, 1925, the Locarno Treaty was signed by Germany, France, Belgium, Great Britain, and Italy to ensure peace within Europe. The treaty aimed to establish the border between Germany and France, secure European borders after the war, and demiliterize the Rhineland. The treaty also paved the way for Germany into the League of Nations. The image displays some representatives involved: Gustav Stresemann (Germany), Austen Chamberlain (Britain), and Aristide Briand (France). -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
The Treaty of Berlin was signed between Germany and the Soviet Union on April 24, 1926. The treaty was meant to ensure that each nation would remain neutral if either was attacked by a third party within a five year period. The treaty also reaffirmed the Treaty of Rapallo, which was signed in 1922 by both nations. The picture included shows the signing of the Treaty of Berlin on April 24. -
German entrance into League of Nations
Germany joined the League of Nations on September 8, 1926. Germany was likely able to do so because of the Locarno Treaty of 1925 that made improvements to Germany’s international relations. Joining the League was a significant milestone for the republic as it marked Germany becoming a respectable power again. The picture included is an image of a New York Times headline from September 9 announcing Germany’s entry into the League. -
Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany
The Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany was formed between the SPD, Center Party, DVP, and DDP after the May 1928 elections. The coalition was led by Hermann Muller and held a majority of the seats in the Reichstag. Despite being the majority, the coalition was inefficient as it had difficulties agreeing on important issues due to the differing political parties involved. The picture included shows members of the coalition in 1928. -
Young Plan
The Young Plan was signed on June 7,1929, to handle the issue of reparations from WW1. The committee that developed and pitched the plan was led by the American Owen Young, who was also involved in the Dawes Plan in 1924. The Young Plan lowered the amount of reparation payments Germany needed to make, allowed Germany to receive $300 million worth of foreign loans, and called for the establishment of a “Bank of International Settlements” to help pay reparations. A picture of Young is included. -
Beginning of the Great Depression
The Great Depression began on October 24 of 1929 after the American stock market crashed, which scared investors. This hurt Germany as they were dependent on loans from the US to help support their economy. Without the support from US loans, the German economy collapsed and they were unable to pay reparations. The image included shows Germans waiting outside a bakery to buy some of the few items left. -
Von Papen's Deal with Hitler
Franz Von Papen was appointed Chancellor on June 1 of 1932 and held the position for 6 months before being replaced by his close friend Kurt Von Schleicher. Von Papen felt betrayed and wanted to gain more power, so he made a deal with Hitler in June of 1932: Von Papen would convince President Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as Chancellor and Hitler would make Von Papen Vice-Chancellor. The picture included shows Von Papen and Hitler having a seemingly friendly conversation. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor
President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor on January 30 of 1933. Despite refusing to work with Hitler years prior, Von Papen persuaded Hindenburg by saying that Hitler would be easier to control as Chancellor. Hindenburg believed what Von Papen said and appointed Hitler as the “chancellor in chains”. The image included shows Hitler shaking hands with Hindenburg as he was appointed.
