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German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II Resigns
Leading up to the end of WWI, a revolutionary period within German society was ignited, as the economic and psychological struggles of the citizens created social tensions and resentment against the government. As a result, Kaiser Wilhelm II fled the country, and abdicated the throne. This photo was chosen as it displays the state of civilian warfare due to the unrest created by WWI. This is significant as it shows Germany's desire for a more representative government. -
Formation of Weimar Republic/ Constitution
Created days before the armistice, the Weimar Republic was Germany's first constitutional federal republic. In its constitution, citizens were given extensive voting rights, proportional representation, and a democratic-style election process. This picture depicts the foundation of Germany's new government under Weimar. This is significant as it highlights the shift from monarchical rule to a more representative government. -
Ebert-Groener Pact
An agreement between the head of state, Freidrich Ebert, and the head of the military, Wilhelm Groener, which ensured military protection from extremist political groups, while also providing autonomy to the military state within Germany. This image displays Ebert and Groener having a conversation. This communication between military and government highlights the role and popularity of the army following the humiliating defeat in WWI, and Germany's militaristic tendencies. -
Armistice Ending WWI
The event marked the end of military combat between the Allies and the Central Powers. This armistice ensured German disarmament, the release of POWs, occupation of the Rhineland, and a promise of preparation payments from Germany. This photo was chosen to represent the civilian happiness, on the Allied Power's side, for the end of the war. This image does not represent the view of German citizens, who became upset at the Weima Government for their perceived surrender. -
Bavarian Soviet Republic
A socialist state within Germany at the time of the German Revolution of 1919. Many other extremist groups were discontent with the state of the Weimar Republic, and decided to form their own. This image is significant as it illustrates the growing unrest in Germany following the power vacuum caused by Kaiser Wilhelm II's abdication of the throne. -
Spartacist Revolt
An uprising from the political left, primarily the KPD, led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg. The revolt was quickly defeated due to the Ebert-Groener pact, and leaders Liebknect and Luxemburg were killed. This image displays the destruction of property that was endured during this time of unrest in Germany. This is significant as it highlights the growing political struggles between the extremists and moderates. -
Treaty of Versailles
An agreement between Germany and the Allied Powers as the repercussions the Cental Powers would face following their defeat in WWI. Many Germans were angry about the lack of representation in the drafting of the treaty, Article 231, and the high reparations payments they would be forced into. This image highlights the German's fears about the reparations payments of the Treaty of Versailles. They saw these payments as unjust, and believed they would lead the economy to inflation -
Kapp Putsch
An uprising from the political right, including the Freikorps and other nationalists, as they attempted to overthrow the SPD's Weimar Republic. They were defeated by poor organization, public opposition, and military mismanagement. This image displays the large right-wing support base of the Kapp Putsch. It provided the manpower and experience in combat, as many members were veterans of WWI. -
(Red) Ruhr Uprising
A revolt from factory workers in Germany's Ruhr Valley in response to the Kapp Putsch. The protest was eventually put down by Freikorps soldiers, and nearly 1,000 soldiers were killed. This photo is of a memorial of the Ruhr uprising. It is significant in showing the devastation caused by the political unrest in the Weimar Republic. The fighting between the left and right extremists created a sense of uncertainty in the government leading up to WWII. -
Rapallo Treaty
A treaty negotiated by Germany's Walter Ratheneau and the Soviet Union's Georgy Chicherin, which strengthened economic and military relations between the two countries. It acted as a way for Germany to work around the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles. This photo showcases the camaraderie between the leaders of Germany and Russia, and how these negotiations led to an increased sense of discontent with the West. -
Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium
A response to the German economic crisis, which led the country to fall behind on its reparations payments to the Allies. The Weimar Republic endorsed worker's strikes to combat this invasion, which they subsidized by paying the worker's wages, furthering the hyperinflation dilemma. This photo illustrates the German's view of the Allied Powers, and their distaste for the occupation, an effective method of destroying Germany's industry, and depressing the country's suffering economy. -
Hyperinflation Crisis
The effect of the Weimar Republic's economic strategy of printing marks to pay for the war. This led to a devaluation of the currency, and instability domestically and internationally. This photo shows the extreme inflation of the German mark, and the issues that it caused for average citizens. Many people lost their life savings, and this event signifies the uncertainty that Germany had with its government, and its tendency towards political extremism. -
Weimar Golden Age
The Weimar Golden Age lasted from 1923 to 1929 and was a time when the economy boomed and German cultural life flourished. Gustav Stresemann and Charles Dawes were at the forefront of the social, political, and economical developments that brought the Weimar out of the verge of collapse and into a period of stability. This image is a depiction of Weimar life during the golden age which is significant as it highlights the improved standard of living and greater governmental approval. -
Beer Hall Putsch
The Beer Hall Putsch was a failed two day coup against the Weimar government. Adolf Hitler led the coup with support from the righ-winged Nazi party as they protested the diktat of the Versailles Treaty. The coup led to a split between Hitler and Ludnedoff, the five year sentencing of Hitler, and the increase in societal awareness of the Nazi party. This image illustrates the support of the Hitler as men mobilized and drove to Munich to surge the Bavaria government. -
Introducation of the Rentenmark
The rentenmark was established by Hjalmar Schacht in an attempt to replace the old Reichsmark and stop the hyperinflation crisis. This mark was backed by the industrial and agricultural resources of Weimar and was tied to the value of gold, thus it held its value. The Rentenmark helped restore confidence in the German economy internally and externally which prompted economic recovery. This image depicts the rentenmark, a limited form of money. -
Dawes Plan
The Dawes Plan reduced German reparations, created a payment plan for reparations, and provided an end to the Franco-Belgian occupation over the Ruhr. It ultimately ended the post WWI European diplomacy crisis and brought greater stability to the Weimar government. This image illustrates the trade triangle created as the money circulated from country to country which is significant as while the circulation initially was successful, it quickly led to future economical issues. -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
The Treaty of Berlin was a five year agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union, in which each country pledged neutrality in the event of an attack by a third party. This treaty was unanimously supported by Weimar political parties as it confirmed and extended the friendly relations established in the 1922 Treaty of Rapallo. This image illustrates the agreement between the leaders of each country which is significant as it represents a European desire to work together to abstain from war. -
The Election of President Von Hindenburg
President Hindenburg was a former military chief who obtained support from right-wing parties. While he initially refused to run, he changed his mind 17 days before the election and secured 900,000 more votes than the Center Party candidate. He first became president in 1925 and won a second 7 year presidency term in 1932; however, he did not serve the entity of his second term. Pictured is Von Hindenburg, initially a non-partisan politician. -
Locarno Treaty
The Locarno treaty was a series of agreements between Germany, France, Belgium, Britain, and Italy which guaranteed western European borders and allowed Germany to join the League of Nations. The treaty brought political stability to the Weimar as it reduced the support for radical groups. This image illustrates the agreement between the countries while Stresemann’s boxing glove highlights the notion of Germany’s betrayal to this treatyand desire to obtain land and power. -
German Entrance into League of Nations
While Germany was initially rejected from membership in the League of Nations, the signing of the Locarno Treaty provided Germany with a seat on the council within the League of Nations and equal representation within the League given that they followed the international rules. The political cartoon illustrates the desire for Germany to become part of the League of Nations as without joining, as fear of another war persuaded many countries to grant German membership. -
Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany
The Grand Coalition occurred within Weimar politics in 1928 when 4/6 parties ran a conjoined coalition. It marked the return of the SPD after four years of absence within the coalition. This coalition was the last democratic political system of the Weimar before the disassembly of the Reichstag government and the rise of a dictatorial government. This image represents the proportions for the 1928 election and the breakdown of the representation of each party within each coalition. -
Beginning of Great Depression
The Great Depression was primarily caused by the crash of the US Stock Market which resulted in world wide industrial economic failure. Within Europe, WWI reparations were near impossible to locate as many of the reparations came from US banks and circulated worldwide.This image illustrates the closure of the banks within Weimar Germany which is significant as the German economy was reliant on the banks to pay reparations and support their economic growth. -
Young Plan
The Young Plan was created by American Industrialist, Owen D. Young, in an attempt to settle Germany’s WWI reparations, reduce foreign control on thieir economy, and create an international bank. The plan was an extention of the Dawes plan and ultimately failed due to the Great Depression; however, it represented the US’s shift towards European politics.This image illustrates the similarities between Dawes and Young as the same money circulation occured. -
Von Papen’s Deal with Hitler
Determined to return to power, Von Papen persuaded Hindenburg into appointing Hitler as chancellor as he believed Hitler could be controlled. Von Papen agreed to this plan so long as he was granted some political agency; however, Hitler eventually betrayed Von Papen as he attempted to assassinate the entire SA. This image depicts both Von Papen and Hitler who were both essential aspects of the rise of the Nazi party. -
Hitler Becomes Chancellor
Hitler obtained his role as chancellor through utilizing his wit and political connections, specifically with the help of Von Papen. As leader of the Nazi party, Hitler gained support because of his nationalism and determination to put Germany first. This image illustrates Hitler’s support and approval as obtained his role as chancellor.
