Novemberrevolution - Die Weimarer Republik - Abitur 2017 Zusammenfassung

Summary

The video explains the November Revolution of 1918, detailing the collapse of the German Empire and the emergence of the Weimar Republic. It covers key events such as the Kiel Mutiny, the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the formation of the 'Rat der Volksbeauftragten' (Council of People's Representatives) under Friedrich Ebert. The revolution’s aims split between moderate SPD members and more radical socialist factions, leading to conflicts like the Spartacus Uprising. Despite revolutionary efforts, the revolution’s outcome led to a parliamentary democracy, though old elites remained in power, which later contributed to the challenges of the Weimar Republic.

Takeaways

• 😀 The November Revolution was driven by Germany's defeat in World War I, leading to the collapse of the German Empire and the creation of the Weimar Republic.
• 😀 The German military leadership (OHL) admitted defeat in September 1918, initiating steps to secure an armistice with the USA by making political concessions.
• 😀 As part of negotiations with the USA, Germany's government shifted toward a more democratic system, with the Reich's constitution amended to create a parliamentary monarchy.
• 😀 The Kiel Mutiny (October 1918) marked the start of the revolution, as sailors refused to carry out a suicidal order to engage in a final battle with England.
• 😀 The mutiny spread, leading to mass uprisings and the formation of soldiers' and workers' councils, calling for the abdication of the Kaiser and an immediate ceasefire.
• 😀 On November 9, 1918, the Kaiser abdicated, and Friedrich Ebert of the SPD became the new Reich Chancellor, marking a pivotal moment in the revolution.
• 😀 The declaration of the Republic was contested, with Philipp Scheidemann of the SPD proclaiming it, while Karl Liebknecht of the Spartacist League called for a socialist republic.
• 😀 Ebert formed a provisional government, the Council of People's Representatives, which included both SPD and USPD members, but tensions arose over the future of socialism in Germany.
• 😀 The Ebert-Groener Pact (November 10, 1918) secured the support of the military for the new government, ensuring stability but also isolating the left-wing revolutionaries.
• 😀 The Reich Council Congress (December 1918) decided that a parliamentary democracy would be established, leading to a conflict with left-wing factions, culminating in the Spartacus Uprising in January 1919.
• 😀 The Spartacus Uprising failed, and key leaders like Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht were killed. The revolution was effectively suppressed, leading to the establishment of the Weimar Republic by August 1919.

Q & A

What triggered the November Revolution in Germany?

The November Revolution was triggered by Germany's defeat in World War I, the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II, and widespread discontent among soldiers, workers, and the general population. The military leadership admitted that continuing the war was futile, which led to political reforms and uprisings.

How did the Kiel Mutiny contribute to the revolution?

The Kiel Mutiny, which began on October 29, 1918, was sparked by orders to send sailors into a suicidal final battle. The mutiny quickly escalated into a broader revolt, with sailors and workers forming councils and demanding the abdication of the Kaiser and a democratic government.

What were the key demands of the revolutionaries during the Kiel Mutiny?

The key demands included the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the establishment of a democratic government, and the end of the war. The revolutionaries also sought the creation of a new political system, although the exact form of government was not immediately clear.

What was the significance of the two declarations of the republic on November 9, 1918?

On November 9, 1918, two different factions declared the republic. Philipp Scheidemann of the SPD declared a democratic republic, while Karl Liebknecht of the Spartacist League proclaimed a socialist republic. This highlighted the division within the socialist movement over the future direction of Germany.

What was the Ebert-Groener Pact and why was it important?

The Ebert-Groener Pact, signed on November 10, 1918, was an agreement between Friedrich Ebert of the SPD and Wilhelm Groener, the head of the military, ensuring mutual support. It gave Ebert the backing of the military to maintain order, while Groener ensured that the army would prevent a left-wing Bolshevik-style revolution.

What was the role of the 'Rat der Volksbeauftragten' in the revolution?

The 'Rat der Volksbeauftragten' (Council of People's Representatives) was a provisional government formed by the SPD and USPD on November 10, 1918. It was tasked with overseeing the transition to a new political system, though it was divided over the future direction of the country.

Why was the Reichsrätekongress (Council Congress) held in December 1918?

The Reichsrätekongress was convened to decide on Germany's future political system. Delegates from workers' and soldiers' councils across the country met to discuss whether to establish a parliamentary democracy or a system based on workers' councils (a soviet-style system).

What was the outcome of the Reichsrätekongress?

The Reichsrätekongress resulted in the decision to establish a parliamentary democracy, with a National Assembly to be elected. The SPD's position prevailed, despite opposition from more radical leftist factions who wanted a system based on workers' councils.

How did the Spartacus Uprising affect the revolution?

The Spartacus Uprising, which took place from January 5 to 12, 1919, was a failed attempt by radical leftists to seize power. The uprising was brutally suppressed by Freikorps units, and its leaders, Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg, were killed. This marked the end of the revolution and solidified the SPD's control over the government.

What was the ultimate result of the November Revolution?

The ultimate result of the November Revolution was the establishment of the Weimar Republic, a parliamentary democracy. However, the revolution did not completely remove the old elites from power, and many former officials from the Kaiserreich remained in key positions, leading to future instability.