Treaty of Versailles
What was the War Guilt Clause?
Article 231; Germany accepted responsibility for causing WWI.
Who was Kaiser Wilhelm II?
German Emperor during WWI who abdicated in 1918.
What was the Reichstag?
The elected parliament of Germany.
What was the Spartacist Uprising?
Communist revolt in January 1919.
Define nationalism.
Belief that loyalty to one’s nation is supreme.
Name one territorial loss Germany suffered.
Alsace-Lorraine / Polish Corridor / colonies lost / Saar under League control.
Which leader wanted to punish Germany harshly?
Which leader wanted to punish Germany harshly?
What was Article 48?
Allowed the President to rule by decree in emergencies.
Who were the Freikorps?
Right-wing paramilitary groups used to crush uprisings.
What is militarism?
Glorification and prioritisation of military power.
How did reparations impact Germany economically?
Massive financial burden → debt → hyperinflation → economic instability.
What did Woodrow Wilson propose to prevent future wars?
The League of Nations and his Fourteen Points.
Why was proportional representation a weakness?
Led to many small parties and unstable coalition governments.
What caused hyperinflation in 1923?
Ruhr occupation + money printing to pay reparations.
What is liberal democracy?
Government based on elections, rights, and representation.
Why did many Germans view the Treaty as a “Diktat”?
Germany was not allowed to negotiate; forced to accept terms.
Why was David Lloyd George in a difficult position at Versailles?
British public wanted punishment, but he feared weakening Germany too much. Balance between Clemmy and Wilson.
What role did the President have in the Weimar system?
Appointed Chancellor, could dissolve Reichstag, use Article 48.
What was the Kapp Putsch?
Right-wing attempt to overthrow Weimar government in 1920.
What is fascism?
Authoritarian nationalist ideology with strong central control.
Explain how the Treaty contributed to political extremism in Germany.
Humiliation and hardship fuelled resentment → support for radical parties like Nazis and Communists.
Explain how Wilhelm II’s leadership contributed to WWI tensions.
Militarism, naval expansion, aggressive foreign policy, support for Austria-Hungary, expansion of colonies in Africa etc.
Explain one structural weakness of the Weimar Constitution
Emergency powers + fragmented parliament weakened democracy.
Explain how hyperinflation affected ordinary Germans
Savings became worthless; economic chaos; loss of trust in government.
Explain how nationalism contributed to WWI.
Rivalries between nations increased tensions and supported aggressive policies.