1919-1923 The Weimar Republic

Nota:

• Many Germans were unhappy with the terms, they were shocked at the severity of the the terms.  They believed the war was fought out of self-defence. 

1. Article 231 of the treaty stated Germany was to blame for the war

Nota:

• Germany was in no position to make any reparations due to losing 10% of its industry and 15% of agricultural land!

1. Due to the war being Germany's responsibility, they were forced to pay £6,600 million in annual instalments.

Nota:

• Germany was robbed of its key industrial areas.  Germany lost 13% of its land which would have a severe impact on its economy

1. - Alsace Lorraine returned to France - Eupen Malmedy lost to Belgium

1. Prohibited to 15,000 saliors
2. Army reduced to 100,000
   1. No submarines
      1. Military aircraft was not allowed

Nota:

• Their attempt to seize power in 1919 was unsuccessful as the republic called upon the Freikorps (ex-army)

1. Lead by Rosa Luxemberg and Karl Liebneckt
2. German communist party
3. Unsuccessful due to Freikorps, shot two of the leaders

1. Lead by Dr Kapp
   1. He strongly opposed the treaty of versailles
2. Attempt by the Freikorps to overthrow Republic
3. Putch defeated by general worker's strike

1. Hitler believed in stab-in-the-back
2. Wanted to overthrow government
   1. 1920- nazi party attracted a vast number of supporters
   2. Own private army know as Brownshirts and Stormtroopers

1. New republic agreed to armistice

1. Weakened government

Nota:

• The amount of votes a party recieved dictates the amont of seats they recieve meaning it was easy for extreme parties such as the nazi to gain access to the reichstag