The Birth of the Weimar Republic

1. Why was it called the Weimar Republic and not the Berlin Republic? 
When the republic was created, Berlin was known as violent and unstable. This wasn't appealing and so the republic met in the small town of Weimar.

2. What new rights did Friedrich Ebert promise the German people?

Friedrich told the people that they would have freedom of speech, freedom to worship and better working conditions. 

3. Hey, a democracy. Sounds great! Why was this a shock to the Germany peoples' systems?

The German people had always been used to a republic with the Kaiser. They were shocked by a democracy because they weren't sure what it would bring, and it was change -- which is scary. They thought that if they stuck to tradition of the Kaiser it would be better.

4. What positions did the opposition on the right hold that restricted Friedrich Ebert's new government?

The Kaiser's former advisors remained in military positions, judiciary positions, civil service positions , and industrial positions, therefore restricting Ebert's new government. The majority of the people who held these positions were right leaning and didn't want Ebert's republic. 

5. What was the name of "powerful myth" that developed and what "evidence" was there to support the myth?

This myth was that Ebert had "stabbed Germany in the back" and caused the loss of the war. This was a point where Ebert's opponents could rally support. They believed that Germany could have kept fighting and that an armistice was not needed. The Treaty of Versailles was so unfair and unpopular to Germans, many felt that the politicians who had signed the treaty on Germany's behalf betrayed their state, in turn, they were stabbed in the back. 


Class explanation: 
The Right Wing Believed:
-German Army did not lose WWI on the battlefield 
-It was lost by the politicians, not the army 
Instead:
-Betrayed by civilians and politicians on the home front 
-Especially those that supported the creation of the Weimar Republic
-Those that signed the Armistice were known as the "November Criminals"
-Betrayal led to TOV humiliation 
-Nazis will later use the myth as a part of their "history" 

6. Study Source 3: What position was Ebert elected to in Jan. 1919? Who elected him?

In January of 1919 Ebert was elected President of the Weimar Republic. He was elected by the people of the state in an election form for the first time in Germany's history. 




7. Study Source 3: How would a Chancellor gain power in the Weimar Republic? (Why you need to know this: By 1933 Hitler will have this job.)
In the Weimar Republic chancellors are appointed by the president. By building a good, solid relationship, you could gain positions in the government. ("Sucking up to the president.")