-
German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II resigns
As news spread of Germany's loss during WWI, the people began to revolt against the government, allowing those with communist ideology to take action During the German revolution, Wilhelm lost military support, showcasing the end of the monarchy. The Kaiser was abdicated late November 1918 and Friedrich Ebert took over. This image is significant as it shows the chaos ensued during the German Revolution its one of many street protests during this time, highlighting the popularity of communism. -
Formation of Weimar Republic/Constitution
The formation of the Weimar Republic began November 9, 1918 in a town named Weimar.
The Weimar Republic lasted from 1918-1933. During this time, the constitution that was drafted focused on a democratic way of life where people had newfound rights such as universal suffrage and a Bill of Rights. This image is significant as it shows who was directly involved in the formation and the execution of the new democracy in Germany, and how these individuals would instil influence in the future. -
Ebert-Groener Pact
This pact was made between Ebert when he became president and the chancellor of Germany, this was due to Ebert feeling that the government needed military backing. Initally the agreement was a secret between Ebert and Groener, but it eventually was leaked. On one hand, the radical left deemed Ebert as a traitor, while moderates commended him for making the best choice. This image of Friedrich Ebert himself is significant as it showcases his initiation and involvement in the pact. -
Armistice ending WW I
The armistice marked the official end war between allies and Germany and WWI entirely. The armisitice was signed in Le Francport to discuss the results of the war, ultimately forcing Germany to accept all terms of the armistice even. Thus the image is significant as it ended all fighting on any terms including land, sea, air in WWI. The image is also significant due to it showing what was currently happening in Germany and the important people involved even in the backdrop such as the Kaiser. -
Bavarian Soviet Republic
This state was unofficial, rising at the beginning of the German Revolution in late 1918, but ended soon after in mid 1919. This Soviet Republic was an attempt at a socialist Government as socialists controlled Bavaria. Although it was it was initially ruled by the USPD and anarchists, the republic was later defeated by the Freikorps and Reischswhr troops in May 1919. This image is significant as it demonstrates the ambitions of the Republic that would've led to greater influence if successful. -
Spartacist Revolt
The revolts were uprisings to showcase the power struggles between the SPD and the KPD. During these revolts, workers in the USPD and KPD went on strike to challenge the SPD. Ending on January 12th, things got physical, leading to the Ebert of the SPD to send out the Freikorps to shut the revolts down. In doing so, many were injured with 100 protestors killed. This image of men is significant as it shows the communist protestors preparing for the strike that will be shut down just 7 days later. -
Treaty of Versailles and the results for Germany
The political cartoon shows how Weimar Germany felt about the treaty of Versailles. Shown through the knife in the man's chest. The man represents Germany. overall, the cartoon is saying that Germany feels betrayed by the allies due to the conditions stated in the treaty of Versailles. -
(Red) Ruhr Uprising
the Ruhr uprising was part of the reactions to the Kapp putsch. the image shows members of the Ruhr red army in Dortmund a city in Germany. showing the prevalence of political violence in Germany through there casual stances while holding guns. -
Kapp Putsch
the purpose of the Kapp putsch implemented by the far right was to destroy the social democratic government. This event shows the start of the uprising of the nazi party. shown in the picture of nazi soldiers during this event packed into a truck. showing their involvement in the event -
Rapallo Treaty
the image shows the prime ministers Giolitti and Vesnic with other delegates. showing the members standing around after the signing of the treaty of Rapallo. the treaty was between Italy and the kingdoms of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. created after WW1 to ensure peace between these kingdoms . -
Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium
In the image it shows French soldiers in their uniforms with guns in their hands. In the image a French solider is interacting with a German solider. In this photo you can see tension between the French and Germans through the expressions of the guys faces caused by Ruhr occupation. -
Hyperinflation Crisis
hyperinflation was shown visually in Weimar Germany like shown in the picture piles of new Notgeld banknotes are waiting at the reichsbank to be distributed. inflation lowered the value of money in 1923 known as papiermark in Germanys currency. -
Beer Hall Putsch
The image includes the leaders of the Beer Hall Putsch: Heinz Pernet, Friedrich Weber, Wilhelm Frick, Hermann Kriebel, Erich Ludendorff, Adolf Hitler, Wilhelm Brückner, and Ernst Röhm. The putsch failed and resulted with Hitler being sent to jail, revealing the unfair judicial system. -
Introduction to Rentenmark
This is an image of the new Rentenmark that was issued by Stresemann in order to resolve the hyperinflation. It also helped restore confidence in the German economy both internally and internationally. -
Weimar Golden Age
The image depict the new and enjoyable environment that Weimar Germany was with economic prosper and cultural life flourishing. This occurred due to Stresemann's polices such as the Dawes Plan. In the image, couples are dancing outdoor while a musician is playing on his instrument and people are watching around them. -
Dawes Plan
The image depicts what the Dawes plan essentially was: a circular loop of money going through the Allies, the US, and Germany. The US loaned Germany billions of money and using that money, Germany repaid the Allies the reparations. This created a more involved international money system that later caused the global Great Depression. -
Locarno Treaty
The Locarno Pact was signed by many countries such as Germany, Britain, France, Belgium, Italy and other countries as seen in the image. This resulted with all of these countries agreeing on promoting peace. Germany could now enter the League of Nations as well. Many countries signed this treaty, evidentially demonstrating how more global peace was achieved. -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
The USSR and Berlin pledged to maintain neutrality in the event of an attack on either country. This extends the relationship between the French and the Rapallo. The picture shows Ribbentrop, far left, and Stalin at the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Nonaggression Pact in a Soviet. -
German entrance into League of Nations
This picture shows Foreign Minister Gustav Stresemann addressing the General Assembly of the League of Nations in Geneva. Germany was given a seat on the Council of the League of Nations, which strengthen its relations between foreign powers. confirming and extending the friendly relations established at Rapallo -
Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany
Picture shows members of the cabinet in June 1928. Müller is seated, second from left. Four of the top six parties the Social Democratic Party, (SPD), the Catholic Centre Party, and the liberal parties Democratic Party, (DDP) and People's Party, (DVP) formed what was called the "Grand Coalition". -
Young Plan
The young plan reduced Germany’s war reparations and made the payment plan more realistic for the economically unstable Germany. Controversial amongst many Germans as it confirmed that they lost WW1. The picture shows an edited photograph of Alfred Hugenberg (left) with Adolf Hitler in 1931, who were both were involved in the attempt to block the Young Plan by referendum. -
Beginning of Great Depression
Picture shows stacks of German Marks (currency), which were practically worthless due to super inflation. Money became relatively useless, Unemployment skyrocketed, extreme hyper-inflation occurred, and there was nation-wide poverty. The effects of the Great Depression Germany caused many Germans to face extremist political parties in an effort to stabilize the nation. -
Election of President von Hindenburg
The image demonstrates how von Hindenburg won against Hitler, taking the rural votes. Hitler struggled to gain votes, mainly winning in several districts. Von Hindenburg won with 53.05% of the votes, becoming the next president of Weimar Germany. -
Von Papen’s deal with Hitler
Picture shows Papen with Hitler on 1 May 1933. Von Papen created an agreement to Hitler to urge President Hindenburg to elect Hitler as chancellor in exchange for Papen to become vice-chancellor. Papen had an advantage as he was the "ear to Hindenburg," eventually proceeding Hitler as Chancellor. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor
After Von Papen’s deal with Hitler, Hitler successfully became chancellor of Germany. Picture shows Adolf Hitler and President Paul von Hindenburg, shortly after Hindenburg asked Hitler to become Chancellor in 1933. This line of events marked a crucial turning point in German leadership and politics.