The Kaiser abdicated

Germany became a Republic as a result of a 'revolution'

Germany became a dictatorship

German people were struggling to feed themselves due to a British Naval blockade

German society was deeply divided

Ex-soldiers and civilians welcomed democracy with open arms

It was democratic and had a series of checks and balances.

The Chancellor could appoint and dismiss the President.

All Germans over 20 could vote and their liberties were protected by a Bill of Rights.

The Chancellor could request the Presidential Decree (Article 48) in times of emergency.

The system of voting was 'first past the post'

They disliked democratic government - they viewed it as weak

They felt the Republican politicians had 'stabbed the German army in the back' by signing the Treaty of Versailles.

They wanted to establish a socialist dictatorship.

There were frequent political assassinations.

In 1922 the foreign minister, Walter Rathenau was murdered.

Hitler attempted a putsch in 1923.

Ebert's Government handed out stringent punishments to those convicted of political violence.

The bill, announced in April 1921, was the equivalent of £6.6 billion to be paid in annual installments.

The Reparations bill represented 2% of the German economic output and this was considered an intolerable strain on an already weakened economy.

Germany made the first payment in 1921 - of £50 million.

The payment resulted in an increase in inflation.

The Germans defaulted in late 1922.