The Birth of the Weimar Republic

1. Why was it called the Weimar Republic and not the Berlin Republic?

It was called the Weimar Republic because the new government met in the little town of Weimar because Berlin was seen at the time as too violent and unstable.

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

Friedrich Ebert promised the people of Germany things that are usually seen in a democracy like the right to free worship, freedom of speech and better working conditions.

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

This was a major shock to the German peoples' systems because they had been used to having a Kaiser and a monarchy (basically a dictator). The people of Germany had never really lived in a democracy before this.

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

The right held positions directly from the Kaiser's ruling in the army, judiciary, civil service, and industrial areas of the government.

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

The name of the 'powerful myth' that developed was "The Stab in the Back". Most of the "evidence" was found that the right side had been purposely plotting to make Germany lose the war. People believed that the German army had been betrayed by Social and Liberal politicians that agreed to the Armistice. The people that believed the legend of the "Stab in the Back" believed that the Germans hadn't lost on the battlefield but that they were betrayed by their own people on the home front.

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

Friedrich Ebert was elected to president of the Weimar Republic in January 1919. The Kaiser added him into the picture when he abdicated the throne even though it says that he was elected by the people in source 3. He put him in charge making him the president.

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.)

A chancellor would gain power in the Weimar Republic by being appointed by the President of the Republic. The chancellor needed the support of half of the Reichstag.