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German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II resigns
During this time, after having lost the support of the military and with the end of the war near, Kaiser Wilhelm II was forced to abdicate the throne after a revolution began. This resulted in the creation of a democratic German government that later became known as the Weimar Republic.
This image was selected to show the scale of public involvement in this matter. -
Ebert-Groener Pact
This pact was between Friedrich Ebert (chancellor) and Wilhelm Groener (military official) and ensured that Ebert would have the loyalty of the German military.
This picture was chosen to show Wilhelm Groener because of his impact on this pact and the subsequent future of Germany. -
Armistice ending WW I
The armistice was signed on November 11th of 1918 and brought WW1 to a close, ending one of the most brutal conflicts in human history.
This image was chosen to show the public exclamation of peace as the war ended. -
Spartacist Revolt
The Spartacist Revolt was started by communists who wanted Germany to be run by the working class and wealth to be distributed (very much like the Russian Revolution 2 years prior).
This image was chosen to show the type of people leading the revollt-- everyday, working-class men. -
Bavarian Soviet Republic
The Bavarian Soviet Republic was an attempted Socialist state within Bavaria. It was ultimately crushed by the Freikorps and German military just one month after it was formed.
This image was chosen because it represents the flag of the Bavarian Soviet Republic (red is the color of most self-identified socialist states). -
Treaty of Versailles and the results for Germany
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28th in 1919. It was poorly received by Germany as they viewed the reparations and punishments as far too harsh.
This image was chosen to show the signing of the Treaty of Versailles-- the men who signed it ultimately sealed the fate of Germany. -
Formation of Weimar Republic/Constitution
At this time Friedrich Ebert, a member of the SPD and the Reichstag, signed the Weimar Constitution into law creating the first democratic government in Germany.
This image was chosen to show the Reichstag, a law-making section of the German government, because of their importance in enacting the Weimar Consitution. -
Kapp Putsch
The Kapp Putsch was a coup that attempted to overthrow the Weimar Republic. It was caused by the government's attempt to demobilize two Freikorps brigades.
This image was chosen to show the leader of Kapp Putsch, Wolfgang Kapp. -
Rapallo Treaty
The Treaty of Rapallo was an agreement signed between Germany and the Soviet Union that dismissed all claims for financial and diplomatic debts-- it restored the relationship between the two nations.
This image shows the men who signed the treaty, Walther Rathenau (Germany) and Georgy Chicherin (Soviet Union). -
Hyperinflation Crisis
In order to pay reparations, the Weimar government simply printed more money. This resulted in their currency being worth nearly nothing which made their economy extremely broken.
This image helps to show the incredible amount of money that was in circulation during this time-- enough that children could play with stacks upon stacks of it. -
Weimar Golden Age
During the Weimar Golden Age, the German economy was strong, and cultural/intellectual life flourished. This was largely due to the actions of Stresemann and Dawes.
This image was chosen because it shows an example of the art that came from this period. -
(Red) Ruhr Uprising
At this time France and Belgium invaded the Ruhr valley, the heart of German industry. They planned to collect payment and ensure that Germany remained weak. Ultimately workers in this area went on strike and in order to pay their wages, the government printed money causing severe hyperinflation.
This image was chosen to show the violence that ensued as a result of the invasion. -
Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium
France and Belgium occupied the Ruhr Valley from January 11th, 1923 to August 25th, 1925. This contributed to the growth of radical right-wing political movements and Germany's re-armament.
This image shows the military forces that occupied the Ruhr valley. -
Beer Hall Putsch
This was a failed coup by the NSDAP and Hitler to take control of the Weimar Republic in Munich. Hitler was found guilty of high treason, though his notoriety gained him a pardon (he served less than 1 year of his 5-year sentence).
This image shows Hitler and the other leaders of the Putsch. -
Introduction of Rentenmark
The Rentenmark was introduced to help quell the hyperinflation crisis. It was released in limited quantities and had a strong backing.
This image shows what the Rentenmark looked like. -
Dawes Plan
A 1924 plan created by US banker Charles G. Dawes was an agreement between the Allies and Germany to make it easier for Germany to pay reparation.
Image shows the intricacies of the ways the reparations were reduced -
Election of President von Hindenburg
Elected as the second president of the republic after the death of Friedrich Ebert in April of 1925.
Picture of Paul von Hindenburg. -
Locarno Treaty
Series of seven agreements negotiated at Locarno, Switzerland from October 5 - 15 of 1925. Helped secure borders in Europe.
Pictured are the three men behind the main countries present -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
This treaty was signed on April 24 1926 under which Germany and the Soviet Union pledge neutrality in the event of an attack of a third party.
This picture shows Maxim Litvinov, a soviet representative that called the Treaty of Berlin an amplification of the Rapallo Treaty. -
German entrance into League of Nations
On September 8th, 1926, Germany under the Weimar republic was allowed into the League of Nations.
This picture shows an article that said that they can join the league of nations. -
Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany
The Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany was formed in 1923, and was in power between 1928 and 1930. 4 of the major democratic parties in Germany began to work alongside each other in hopes of creating a democratic German government system in order to limit the influence from extremist parties in Germany, as well as attempt to create a solution for the Hyperinflation occurring during the time.
This photo represents the leaders of the Grand Coalition. -
Beginning of Great Depression
The German Great Depression initially began in 1929, after the effects of the many reparations put upon them after they were forced to take full blame for the destruction caused by WWI. This depression represented the end of the Golden Age for Germany, as unemployment, as well as poverty rates skyrocketed during this time period between 1929 and 1933.
This picture shows the frantic nature of the German people after the stock market crash was first announced. -
Young Plan
These were the people who were affected by the young plan which was an event that took place on June 7th, 1929. This was the second renegotiation of Germany’s reparations. The effect of it was that they did lower the amount to 121,000,000,000 Reichsmarks in 59 annuities. -
Von Papen’s deal with Hitler
January 29th, 1933 Papen made a deal with Hitler where they agreed that Papen would be Vice-Chancellor and Commissioner of Prussia
The image shows both Hitler and Von Papen. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor
January 30, 1933, Hitler’s cabinet was formed, there was a deal that allowed Hitler to become chancellor, and Papen was granted the right to join every meeting between Hitler and Hindenburg
The photo shows Hitler’s Cabinet during the January 30 deal.