Weimar Germany Timeline

German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II resigns

Nov 9, 1918

This image depicts Wilhem II’s abdication statement, indicating the end of his reign as German Emperor

Ebert-Groener Pact

Nov 9, 1918

This image illustrates Wilhem Groner (left) and Friedrich Ebert (right), the two who formed the agreement.

Formation of Weimar Republic/Constitution

Nov 9, 1918

This image is to illustrate the coat of arms of Germany during the Weimar Republic after it was altered in account for Germany’s political change

Armistice ending WW I

Nov 11, 1918

This image is significant as it was a photograph taken following the agreement for the armistice after WW1. Here, it shows Ferdinand Foch, Maxime Weygand, Sir Rosslyn Wemyss, Admiral Sir George Hope, alongside other people part of the armistice.

Spartacist Revolt

Jan 5, 1919

This image illustrates soldiers during the Spartacist Revolt on the neoclassical Berlin monument, the Brandenburg Gate.

Bavarian Soviet Republic

Apr 6, 1919

This image illustrates the territory (in red) the Bavarian Soviet Republic claimed in contrast to the Weimar Republic (territory in grey), emphasizing how unrecognized they were.

Treaty of Versailles and the results for Germany

Jun 28, 1919

This image illustrates the main effects the Treaty of Versailles had on the Germans

Kapp Putsch

Mar 13, 1920

This image illustrates a Freikorps unit of the early Weimar Republic going into Berlin during the Putsch

(Red) Ruhr Uprising

Mar 13, 1920

This image is significant to this event in the timeline as it shows members of the Ruhr Red Army, most being either communist or socialists.

Rapallo Treaty

Apr 16, 1922

This image illustrates Joseph Wirth (Chancellor of Germany) with the Russian delegation (Leonid Krasin, Geroge Chicherin, and Adolph Joffe), the people who formed the agreement.

Hyperinflation Crisis

1923

This image illustrates how the collapse of the Weimar Republic’s economy impoverished many, this image referencing how printed money has become useless, exchange rates being 4.2 trillion marks to the dollar

Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium

Jan 11, 1923

This image illustrates both French soldiers and German civilians in the Ruhr in 1923, emphasizing their occupation of the industrial region

Introduction of Rentenmark

Oct 15, 1923

This illustrates the currency that replaced the hyperinflated German currency (Reichsmark) with the stable Rentenmark in 1923, which helped stabilize the German economy during the Weimar Republic.

Beer Hall Putsch

Nov 8, 1923

This image demonstrates the defendants in the Beer Hall Putsch trial from left to right: Pernet, Weber, Frick, Kiebel, Ludendorff, Hitler, Bruckner, Röhm, and Wagner.

Weimar Golden Age

1924

This image illustrates the urban life during Weimar's Golden Age, representing this sense of stabilization and prosperity.

Dawes Plan

Aug 16, 1924

This image represents the need for economic assistance from Germany, as the reparations from the Treaty of Versailles are causing economic instability for Germany and its citizens.

Locarno Treaty

Oct 16, 1924

This image represents the series of agreements signed in 1925 in Locarno, Switzerland, which aimed to improve relations between Germany and its western neighbors, guaranteeing Germany's western borders and promoting peace in Europe.

Election of President von Hindenburg

Apr 26, 1925

This illustrates Paul von Hindenburg as the President of Germany in 1925, a conservative military hero who would play a significant role in the political developments leading up to the Nazi regime.

Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union

Apr 24, 1926

This illustrates the relationship between Germany and the Soviet Union, which reestablished diplomatic and trade relations, resulting in economic cooperation and political détente between the two countries.

German entrance into League of Nations

Sep 8, 1926

This photo illustrates Germany's admission into the League of Nations in 1926, marking its reintegration into the international community after World War I and its commitment to collective security and cooperation.

Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany

Aug 13, 1928

This image illustrates Hermann Müller who became the Chancellor of Germany. This coalition consisted of the DDP, Z, BVP, DVP, and SPD; overall, illustrating the political instability.

Young Plan

Aug 31, 1929

The photo represents Owen Young, who proposed this plan, a1929 agreement that revised the reparations imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles, reducing the burden and extending the repayment schedule, aiming to ease Germany's financial strain.

Beginning of Great Depression

Oct 29, 1929

The photo expresses the severe downturn in the German economy as it represents a big pile of money in a large frying pan, symbolizing the great struggles German citizens face.

Von Papen’s deal with Hitler

Jan 4, 1933

This image illustrates both German Chancellor Franz von Papen and Adolf Hitler, who made an agreement which enabled Hitler's appointment as Chancellor and allowed the Nazis to gain a foothold in the German government.

Hitler becomes Chancellor

Jan 30, 1933

This photo shows Adolf Hitler appointed as the Chancellor of Germany in January 1933, marking a pivotal moment in the rise of the Nazi regime and the subsequent erosion of democratic institutions in Germany.