Germany 1890-1945

Germany 1890-1945

1. Kaiser Wilhelm II

   • Emperor, had the largest amount of power.
   • Wilhelm II was unstable and prone to violent rages, he lacked ability to govern effectively
     • However, he wanted a Weltpolitik (world policy) and industrial strength increased rapidly under his rule. in 1914, it was producing 4x at much than in 1880.

2. War weariness, economic problems and defeat in 1918.

   • War deepened divisions in society, huge gaps between rich and poor.
     • restrictions were placed on workers earnings during the war.
   • Germany was virtually bankrupt. Industrial production down 1/3 of 1913's.
     • natural income at 1/3 of in 1913. 1/3 of budget on war pensions.
   • Revolution made a democratic republic "The Weimar republic".Many civilians despised new leaders.
     • Stresses of war led to abdication of the Kaiser.

3. The treaty of Versailles, June 1919.

   • decided upon the British, American and French leaders.
   • Germany lost: Its overseas empire, some territory in Europe, right to join with Austria, and full control of armed forces (was limited).
     • lost approximately 10% of it's empire, 12.5% of its population, and almost half of its iron/steel industry.
   • Germans hated the treaty. They thought it was too harsh because they had to pay a large amount of money, they were ordered to sign it, and they felt the new politicians betrayed the country.

4. Start of Weimar Republic

   • 9/11/1918 - Kaiser left Germany, 11/11 - Ebert signs armistice as new temporary leader, turns into democracy. 6/01/1919 - Spartacist rebellion (communist). 9/01 - Freikorps, right wing regain control. Late Jan - SPD wins so Ebert became president. 11/02 - New parliament meet in town of Weimar.

5. Political Violence 1920/22

   • A RW group led by Wolfgang Kapp tried to take over Germany. In 1920, he gathered the Freikorps and took over Berlin, the government fled. Kapp didnt have the support of workers so the government returned.
   • Left-wing workers stayed on strike. The government sent soldiers to deal with the rebellion and over 1000 workers were killed.
   • In 3 years, there were over 350 political murders in Germany, mostly carried out by right-wing extremists. Many of the murderers got short sentences (average 4 years in prison).

6. Invasion of the Ruhr

   • French + Belgian soldiers began to take what was owed. Germans ordered its workers in the Ruhr to go in strike. This was passive resistance. The soldiers were tough with the strike.
   • The government met to discuss the crisis. They promised to continue paying the workers on strike. The government printed a large amount of money to do this... but it caused problems.

7. Hyperinflation

   • By July 1923, the price of one egg was 5000 marks. Money was marked worthless.
   • The government printed more and more money which meant workers spent it quickly, and prices had to go up.
   • people in fixed incomes sank deeper into poverty.

8. Munich Putsch

   • 8th Nov 1923, Hitler interupted meeting where head of bavarian government was speaking. He fired a bullet into the ceiling and said he was taking over bavaria.
     • He locked head and companions into a small room and Ludendorff said he supported Hitler.
       • Kahr promised to help Hitler and was released, but called the Police. 3 policemen and 16 Nazis died. Hitler and Ludendorff were arrested, and Hitler was trialed for Treason.
         • His trial was a media sensation and he used the opportunity to put across his political views. Hitler was sent to prison for 4 years.
           • In prison, he wrote Mein Kampf (my struggle) which explained his life story and views. He was released from prison after just 9 months, despite the 48 month sentence.