Die Entstehung der Weimarer Verfassung - Die Weimarer Republik

Summary

This video covers the creation of the Weimar Constitution, beginning with the 1919 elections for the National Assembly, which were the result of the November Revolution. The assembly formed the Weimar Coalition, including the MSPD, DDP, and Zentrum parties, with Friedrich Ebert as provisional president. The video explains the drafting of the constitution, led by Hugo Preuß, and highlights key moments like the rejection of a divided Prussia and the eventual signing of the Weimar Constitution on August 14, 1919. The constitution took effect in 1920, marking the beginning of the Weimar Republic.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Weimar Constitution (WRV) was the first democratic constitution of Germany, marking the birth of the Weimar Republic.
• 😀 The Weimar Constitution was created after the November Revolution and the establishment of the National Assembly.
• 😀 The National Assembly elections on January 19, 1919, were the first to allow universal suffrage, including women’s right to vote.
• 😀 The **MSPD** (Social Democrats) emerged as the largest political faction, with the **Weimar Coalition** formed with the **DDP** and **Zentrum** parties.
• 😀 The National Assembly met in **Weimar** due to political instability in Berlin, which made the city unsafe for the lawmakers.
• 😀 The **Weimar Coalition** helped shape the Constitution, but political tension existed between monarchist and republican factions.
• 😀 A **provisional government** was formed, with **Friedrich Ebert** as the **provisional Reich President** and **Philipp Scheidemann** as the Chancellor.
• 😀 Hugo Preuß, known as the ‘Father of the Weimar Constitution,’ played a major role in drafting the Constitution.
• 😀 The **Weimar Constitution** was finalized on July 31, 1919, and was signed by President Ebert on August 11, 1919, coming into effect on August 14, 1919.
• 😀 The first **Reichstag elections** under the new Constitution were held on June 6, 1920, setting the stage for the new democratic governance in Germany.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the National Assembly elections held on January 19, 1919?

The elections were held to form a National Assembly responsible for drafting the new democratic constitution, following the November Revolution.

What significance did the election of January 1919 have for women's rights?

The election marked the first time women were allowed to vote in Germany, making it a significant moment for gender equality in the political process.

What was the Weimar Coalition, and which parties were involved?

The Weimar Coalition was a political alliance formed by the Social Democratic Party (MSPD), the Centre Party, and the German Democratic Party (DDP) after the elections. It was crucial in the formation of the new government.

Why did the National Assembly meet in Weimar instead of Berlin?

The National Assembly convened in Weimar due to the instability and danger in Berlin caused by ongoing unrest, which threatened the safety of the delegates.

What role did Friedrich Ebert play in the early stages of the Weimar Republic?

Friedrich Ebert, from the MSPD, was elected as the provisional Reich President following the elections and played a key role in overseeing the early government functions.

Who was Hugo Preuß, and what was his contribution to the Weimar Constitution?

Hugo Preuß was a key figure in drafting the Weimar Constitution. He is known as the 'father of the Weimar Constitution' due to his significant role in its creation, although his original draft underwent revisions.

What was a key proposal in Preuß's draft of the Weimar Constitution that was rejected, and why?

Preuß proposed dividing the large state of Prussia into smaller regions to reduce its power, but this idea was rejected because the MSPD favored maintaining Prussia's influence for electoral reasons.

When was the Weimar Constitution finalized, and when did it officially take effect?

The Weimar Constitution was finalized on July 31, 1919, and it was officially signed by President Ebert on August 11, 1919, and enacted on August 14, 1919.

What were the first elections under the Weimar Constitution, and when did they occur?

The first Reichstag elections under the Weimar Constitution took place in June 1920, following the formal adoption of the constitution.

What were the challenges faced by the National Assembly in drafting the Weimar Constitution?

The National Assembly faced political disagreements between monarchist and republican factions, as well as debates over the structure of the new government, such as the role of Prussia and the balance of power between the states and the federal government.