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German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II resigns
Wilhelm II resigns after hearing about it on the radio, new government at weimar is established while revolution occurs. The image is the abdication proclamation. Wilhelm was the last german monarch. -
Formation of Weimar Republic
SPD and other liberal groups forced the kaiser to abdicate and established a new government at weimar. This image shows a change in the imagery of the german state. The flag changed from monarchic eagles to a simple tricolor. -
Ebert-Groener Pact
Agreement between the weimar government and the army, that the army would be loyal to the new government. This image depicts Groener. He is an important symbol of the importance of the army in germany and militarism. -
Armistice ending WW I
Armistice goes into effect and fighting in the west ceases. Not a peace treaty or end of the war, just cessation of hostilities. The image shows the american reaction to the armistice. This is important as the US played a major role in ending the war. -
Bavarian Soviet Republic
Short-lived socialist republic in the southern state of Bavaria. Crushed by the freikorps not long after creation. The use of red flags was common by leftwing parties throughout europe. -
Spartacist Revolt
Attempt by communists to overthrow the weimar government. Unsuccessful as the government managed to play off the freikorps against the communists, resulting in their defeat. This image of a barricade shows how common street violence was during the early years of weimar. -
Treaty of Versailles and the results for Germany
Treaty negotiated among the allies with no german consent. Broke up eastern germany and made new countries, germany had to pay war reparations, germany had a limited army size. Most germans were outraged by the treaty but there was little that could be done. This image shows territorial loses by Germany as a result of the treaty. -
(Red) Ruhr Uprising
Socialist response to the Kapp Putsch. Saw workers refusing to work until the old government was restored The fact that many workers were armed shows that the rebels were prepared to fight, much like other political paramilitary organizations in interwar Germany. -
Kapp Putsch
Attempt by the freikorps to overthrow the government and establish a new one. Initially successful but bad leadership and strikes forced an end to it. This image represents the large conservative opposition to the Weimar government, as the imperial war flag is shown in the crowd. -
Rapallo Treaty
Treaty between the USSR and Germany. Stabilized territorial claims and increased economic and military cooperation. First major treaty signed by USSR. This image shows soviet diplomats at their first major conference. Previously the soviets were internationally isolated. -
Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium
Occupation of german industrial region by Belgian and French troops due to German failure to pay war reparations. Later a strike was called by german workers in order to make the region less useful. Picture is relevant as it illustrates the military nature of the occupation, thus showing France's negative view of Germany even postwar, in contrast to the UK and US who had a more positive postwar view of weimar. -
Hyperinflation Crisis
This crisis occurred as a result of the Weimar government's plan to print more money to pay striking workers in the Ruhr. With more bills in circulation, the money eventually became extremely inflated. This image shows the degree to which the Mark was inflated, as stacks are being played with by children. -
Introduction of Rentenmark
New currency introduced to replace the inflated currency. It was backed by goods instead of gold, and was an interim currency that was planned to be used until a gold currency was reestablished. The bill's superiority to the old money is clear, it is not made in denominations of millions like the old hyperinflated currency. -
Beer Hall Putsch
Attempted coup by the Nazi party in Munich. It failed and Hitler was sentenced to prison. This picture shows the impact of paramilitaries, such as the SA, on German politics. -
Dawes Plan
Plan created by American banker Charles Dawes to alleviate the cost of reparations on the German economy. Saw the end of Ruhr occupation and deferment of war payments by Germany. This image of Dawes represents the great influence that the US had in loaning money to european countries like Germany. New York replaced London as the world financial center after WWI. -
Start of Weimar Golden Age
Considered the height of stability and cultural achievement in interwar Germany. Advances were made in the arts, cinema, science, music, and Berlin replaced Paris as the european cultural capital. The distinctive Bauhaus architecture style is an example of the new forms of art that dominated the golden age. -
Locarno Treaty
Negotiated western german borders with the allies. Significantly, eastern borders were not negotiated which led some germans to think that they were possibly open for revision. This image shows Gustav Stresemann seated with others. He was a major stabilizing force for weimar while serving as foreign minister. -
Election of President von Hindenburg
Elections were held on March 29th, 1925, with a second voting on April 26th. Paul von Hindenburg was elected as president of Germany with the second voting, and represented a coalition of the political right.
The picture was chosen due to President von Hindenburg’s relations with Hitler after his election, which is seen with the two standing side by side. -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
This treaty essentially meant that if either nation were to be attacked by a third party, the other would remain neutral and not take a side. This treaty was a reaffirmation of the previous Treaty of Rapallo.
The picture was chosen as it depicts the signing of the Treaty of Berlin, with the various people in the room seeming generally pleased with the treaty. -
German entrance into League of Nations
This was meant to be an extended hand, in a way, to Germany, while also allowing for the Locarno treaty to be put to more effective use. The picture was chosen as it shows a newspaper outlining Germany joining the League of Nations. This image was chosen as it shows the reactions of others to this event, with the “as assembly cheers” line. -
Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany
The term Grand Coalition in Weimar Germany was used to describe the coalition formed between the Centre Party, DDP, and DVP.
The image was chosen as it shows some notable individuals within these organizations that form this Grand Coalition. -
Young Plan
Meant to give the Weimar government financial support. It also reduced Germany’s war reparations by 20%, and also allowed Germany 59 years to pay for these reparations, meaning Germany would have until 1988 to pay its war reparations. The image was chosen as it clearly shows the effects of the Young Plan in correspondence to the Dawes Plan. -
Beginning of Great Depression
Began in 1929 with the Wall Street Crash which led to worldwide depressions. This affected Germany especially hard, however, as Germany could no longer cash out on the various loans granted by the U.S., meaning a lot less money available for Germany. This would eventually lead to an even greater depression for Germany throughout the 1930s.
The image was chosen as it shows the economic state of Germany during the time of this Great Depression in relation to the U.S. -
Von Papen’s deal with Hitler
This deal was made by von Papen in order to convince the President of Germany to appoint Hitler as Chancellor. This deal consisted of von Papen being appointed vice-Chancellor, and Hitler’s cabinet being filled out with non-Nazi officials.
The picture was chosen as it shows von Papen and Hitler together as newly appointed Chancellor and vice-Chancellor. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor
This was following a series of political victories by the Nazi party. Hitler would remain in power until his death. The point in which secured Hitler becoming Chancellor was the deal made by von Papen.
The image was chosen as it shows Hitler accepting his role as Chancellor from President Hindenburg.