1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. The Weimar Constitution

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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