1. How wise was the journey towards peace 1918-19?
Section 1
Why did Germany decide to seek peace in 1918?

2. Why do you think the symbol of the eagle was a popular symbol of various German governments?
Reichsadler (official design 1888–1918) of the (Second) German Empire
Reichsadler (1919–1927)
of the Weimar Republic
Parteiadler of the Nazi party (1933–1945)

3. Why did Germany ask for an armistice in early November 1918?
“Obtain what mercy you can, Matthias, but for God’s sake, make peace.” Extract from note sent from German Chancellor Prince Max of Baden sent to Matthias Erzberger, in charge of armistice negotiations All: What can you infer from this source about the reasons Germany decided to ask the allies for peace? Challenge: The Russian Revolution of 1917 ended with the deaths of all members of the Russian royal family, and the upheaval of an entire country. How might this have played a role in Baden’s request to Erzberger? Explain your answer.
All: Below are three reasons why the Germans decided to ask for an armistice in November Write them out in order of importance and explain your reasons for choosing this order.
Germany was at crisis point – on the verge of revolution. Money needed to be diverted from the war effort to bring urgent supplies to the people of Germany
There was a fear that revolutionaries and soldiers would join together to overthrow the government
Germany was hopeful of a voice in armistice and subsequent peace negotiations – politician Matthias Erzberger felt that a negotiated peace would be the best he could hope for if he asked now
Challenge: Which of these reasons do you think would best support the feelings Baden conveyed in his instructions to Erzberger? Explain your answer.
Super Challenge:
Which reason would be the most important to you if you were a:
A soldier?
A housewife?
A politician?
Historical Context Literacy Bank:
Mercy = understanding/moderation
Armistice = peace agreement
Revolution = rebellion

4. What problems were faced by the Peacemakers in 1918?
Promises of land had been made to countries including Italy and Japan.
The German, Austrian-Hungarian and Ottoman (Turkish) empires were collapsing causing famine and violence
There was fear of communism spreading after Russia was taken over by a group called the Bolsheviks in 1917.
8 Million fighting men killed
8 million civilians killed
Large areas of land were devastated by war
Large numbers of countries were struggling due to the cost of the war.
The Peacemakers needed to listen to their own people.
All: Why was it difficult for the countries that won World War I to make Peace?
Most: Rank the problems faced by the peace makers from 1-8, 1 being the biggest problem faced, 8 being the least important problem faced.
Challenge: explain how these problems would have affected the peacemakers.
Super challenge: Explain which problem you think was the most important to be solved.