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German Revolution of 1918 + Kaiser Wilhelm II resigns
This is an image of Kaiser Wilhelm II as he is forced to abdicate due to the demands of the public. This is extremely significant as it underscores the transfer of power to a government led by left-wing Social Democratic, Friedrich Ebert. -
Ebert-Groener Pact
The man in the photo is Friedrich Ebert, one of the key figures in the Ebert-Groener Pact. This is significant because it underscores the promise between Groener to end all leftist uprisings in exchange for military loyalty. -
Armistice ending WW I
The image depicts the front page of a newspaper highlighting the end of World War I. This is significant because it shows change over continuity; the end of fighting will mean recovering the economy and accounting for losses. -
Spartacist Revolt
The image above shows soldiers on the Brandenburg Gate during the Spartacist uprising. The photo highlights how the Spartacist uprising was crucial in emphasizing the power struggle between Social Democrats and Communist Party in Germany. -
Bavarian Soviet Republic
The map highlights the areas within Germany were the short-lived state of Bavaria was located. This is significant in highlighting how communists were able to gain small amounts of power in Germany. -
Treaty of Versailles + the results for Germany
This image was chosen since it highlights the negative feelings of the German society after signing the Treaty of Versailles. This is significant because it highlights the impact of the treaty on the German public. -
Formation of Weimar Republic/Constitution
The image chosen is an example of the proportional representation parliament proposed by the Weimar Constitution. This is very significant since it highlights the inclusion of multiple perspectives and first official parliamentary. -
(Red) Ruhr Uprising
This photo was chosen as it demonstrates the chaotic uprising of the workers in the Ruhr. It is clear how angry the workers were, by the large crowd displayed in the image. The photo demonstrates the united nature of the citizens that was a result of the right-wing's attempt to overthrow the government. The mass number of weapons in the photo allow for the viewer to understand how large and thorough the uprise was. -
Kapp Putsch
This image was selected since it depicts the members of the Freikorps and right-wing nationalists. This is important since these were the perpetrators of the attempted coup highlighting instability within the German government. -
Hyperinflation Crisis
This photo was chosen as it demonstrates the mass amount of money Germany printed. The detail that the entire wall is covered by stacks of money proves how extreme the hyperinflation was. Rather than making helpful adjustments, the government made the situation worse by printing an abundance of money. This photo clearly shows the seriousness of the hyperinflation crisis. -
Rapallo Treaty
This photo displays the informal meeting between the leaders of Germany and Russia that allowed them to renounce territorial claims against each other and benefit both parties. The smile on all of the men's faces demonstrates how this treaty was friendly and meant to cause more coherent ruling between the countries. This photo was chosen because it shows the true essence of the personal meeting. It is clear there was no resentment towards either party. This photo shows the treaty's good nature. -
Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium
This political cartoon was chosen as it shows the occupation from a citizen's perspective. From the cartoon, we can infer that the occupation was strict in not allowing German citizens to work in the factories and limited Germany greatly. The shocked look on all of the faces in the crowd shows how impactful the occupation was, as German Citizens were unable to carry out their normal way of life. -
Beer Hall Putsch
This cartoon was chosen as it demonstrates a shift in power within the government. Despite Hitler's attempt to overthrow the government, the cartoon suggests the police stopped him and acted very sternly. Based on the expression on Hitler's face, he was nervous as he failed. However, the photo also shows how the NSDAP continued supporting Hitler, as the members linked arms with Hitler. -
Introduction of Rentenmark
This photo was chosen as it demonstrates the positive impacts of the rentenmark. Once the rentenmark was introduced, it equated to more US cents. With this, it can be inferred that the rentenmark became for valuable which allowed for the economy to become balanced. This photo allows for an easy interpretation of the rentenmark impacts, as the data is organized in a visual fashion. -
Weimar Golden Age
This photo was chosen because it shows how the German economy greatly improved after the rentenmark was introduced. The women are dressed up in nice clothing, showing how culture and identity flourished. This photo shows a true example of how German citizens were able to dress and act as a result of a better economy. It can be inferred that the overall quality of life improved in these years. -
Dawes Plan
This cartoon was chosen as it shows how Germany benefitted from the Dawes Plan. Although she still had to make payments, they were reduced and monitored. With that, the character in the photo has a relaxed attitude given the nature of their expression. Despite being stuck under a large burden of reparation payments, the person has a smile on their face, in part of being assisted by the US. This cartoon demonstrates how Germany was helped by the Dawes Plan, and tensions were released. -
Election of President von Hindenburg:
This is a photo of the election statistics of President von Hindenburg. I chose this photo because it highlights his popularity within Germany, and gives reasoning toward why he was elected. Evaluating his popularity can put into perspective why he did the things he did, for example, making Hitler chancellor. -
Locarno Treaty
This is a cartoon of the agreement between Germany, Belgium, France, Great Britain, and Italy towards the Locarno treaty. I chose this photo because it simplifies the agreement to a simple political cartoon. It also highlights the public's view of the treaty at that time, some representatives are drawn as controlling while others seem blind. This illustrates the possible unfairness of the treaty. -
German entrance into League of Nations
This image is a newspaper article on Germany's entrance into the League, which was published in the New York Times. I included this photo because it highlights the global significance of this event, as it was being reported to the citizens of other countries. -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
This image is representative of this event as it shows Germany and the Soviet Union signing the treaty. I chose this photo because it illustrates the new connection between these two countries. Furthermore, it marks the beginning of a destructive relationship. -
Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany
This picture illustrates a meeting between the figureheads of each political party in the Grand Coalition. I chose this photo as it highlights the leaders in Germany at this time, and their willingness to work as a group. I also chose this photo as it underlines the last "democratic" version of the Weimar Republic before the disassembly of the Reichstag. -
Young Plan
This is a photo of a newspaper article from New York Times which reported on the Young Plan. This photo was chosen because it highlights the shift in US priorities as they reinserted themselves into European politics after trying to create distance. -
Beginning of Great Depression
This is a photo of unemployed Americans lining up to receive free food. I chose this photo because it represents the economic hardship and lack of job security worldwide. Furthermore, it gives a visual insight to the United States' economy which gives reasoning to why they pulled their loans from Germany. -
Von Papen’s deal with Hitler
This picture is of Von Papen conspiring with Hitler. I chose this photo as it shows a small part of their relationship, which would eventually lead to Hitler rising in power as an authoritarian. This picture is significant as historians argue if Von Papen can be to blame for Hitler becoming a dictator. Without this relationship, and therefore this photo, history would have been changed immensely. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor
This is a photo of Adolf Hitler sitting at a table facing a group of young uniformed National Socialists in the ‘Braune Haus.’ I chose this photo because it highlights Hitler's popularity and ability to charm people into following his lead. Showing how becoming Chancellor gave him the platform to become a dictator.
