What political, social and economic problems did Ebert and the New Weimar Republic face following WW1? By the end of the lesson you will: Be able to list some of the issues facing Weimar Germany Be able to explain some of the issues and why they existed Be able to weigh up and evaluate the issues facing Weimar Germany, leading to an explanation of why some issues were more significant than others

Starter : What political, social and economic problems did Ebert and the New Weimar Republic face following WW1? Look back at your notes on the impact of war on Germany in 1918 and read the following points Friedrich Ebert – leader of the new republic Germany was in a state of chaos in 1918 Terms had been offered but they were very harsh There were revolts about whether or not the new Germany should be democratic The Kaiser abdicated in November 1918 The new republic promised freedom of speech, freedom of worship and better working conditions The German people were used to a more traditional, autocratic style of government Not all people and politicians supported the new republic The Kaiser’s influence was still felt in the army, judiciary, civil service and key industries The new government’s powers were limited by the old autocratic power-holders People believed the Weimar politicians had stabbed Germany in the back by signing the armistice Some left wing elements believed that a Communist revolution was needed

The Weimar Constitution : Fact File Before the War Germany had no real democracy; Wilhelm was an autocrat The Weimar Constitution aimed to be one of the most democratic systems in the world; no one individual should be able to gain too much power All Germans over 20 years of age could vote Proportional representation existed – 20% of votes = 20 % of seats in the Reichstag The Chancellor ran the country day by day but needed Reichstag support for major decisions The Head of State was the President: he stayed out of day to day issues but could assume control in a crisis via Article 48 – this gave him emergency powers with no Reichstag consultation

The Weimar Constitution

Why was there such opposition to the Weimar Republic? Date People Places Reasons why? This caused instability because …? Abdication of the Kaiser Nov 1918 Kaiser Wilhelm Berlin Kiel Other main cities Many workers demonstrations were taking place because the Kaiser was refusing to abdicate, which meant that peace couldn’t start properly Potential revolution and violent overthrow of the monarchy, could leave Germany leaderless Left wing revolutionaries 1918 Rosa Luxemburg Wanted a social revolution and to give the lower levels of society power The people after the war and the treaty are angry and unpredictaable inexperienced politically Social Democrats Friedrich Ebert Weimar Wanted to form a new government away from Berlin and all the trouble Wanted some small political changes to make the country more democratic Lacked the necessary support from the rich and powerful and therefore politically weak Spartacists July 1919 Karl Liebknecht Wanted a communist revolution like in Russia Many groups strongly opposed to Communists e.g. the Freinkorps Kapp Putsch 1920 Wolfgang Kapp and the Freikorps Disliked the Treaty of Versailles and the limitations to the armed forces Also angry about the pressure from the allies to then reduce the Freikorps (TA) Almost a military coup that was never punished despite its failure!

Homework / research task Create a fact file for each of the following characters: Kaiser Wilhelm Rosa Luxembourg Friedrich Ebert Karl Liebknecht Wolfgang Kapp and the Friekorp For each character include a picture, details of their role in the birth / against the birth of the Weimar Republic, and any dates, places etc Pages 252 – 255 of “OCR Modern World History – Ben Walsh” will be helpful

What are the 3 most serious issues facing Ebert and the Weimar Government? Discuss your views as a group (can you identify 1 political, 1 economic and 1 social issue, or are they all from 1 particular category?) Write your own answer backing up the points you make with evidence and facts to support your decision

What political, social and economic problems did Ebert and the New Weimar Republic face following WW1? Your answer lists some of the issues facing Weimar Germany Your answer explains some of the issues and why they existed Your answer weighs up and evaluates the issues facing Weimar Germany. You have given an explanation of why some issues were more significant than others