Weimar Constitution and Threats to the Republic

Which of these were threats to the Weimar from the left wing?

• Kapp Putsch

• Spartacist Uprising

• Freikorps

• DNVP

Which of these were correct terms included in the Treaty of Versailles? Select more than one answer.

• Germany was ordered to pay £6.6bn in reparations.

• Germany was allowed to reoccupy the Rhineland.

• Germany were forbidden from having an army of more than 100,000

• Germany had to take full responsibility for war under the 'war guilt' clause.

• Germany was allowed to keep all of its territory.

Which of the below options were strengths of the Weimar Constitution when it was created in 1918? Select more than one answer.

• It was democratic and allowed everyone over 21 to vote, including women.

• Proportional representation led to squabbling between political parties governing in coalition.

• There were checks and balances to ensure the President or the Reichstag didn't try to overpower the other.

• The President had emergency powers to pass laws without the Reichstag.

Which of these descriptions accurately defines proportional representation in the Weimar constitution? There is more than one answer.

• This meant that each party won seats in direct proportion to their share of the vote:

• The party with the most votes and seats becomes the government.

• Easier for smaller political parties to win seats in parliament and thus have their voices heard.

• Often the only way governments could be formed was through coalitions due to the lack of a majority.

Which section of the constitution provided the President with emergency powers to pass laws without the Reichstag?

• Article 38

• Article 48

• Article 58

• Article 68

Why was the Weimar Republic created in 1918? Select more than one correct answer.

• Emperor of Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm II, was forced to abdicate following unrest in Germany.

• To ensure the Allies could enforce a treaty on Germany.

• Fears of a communist revolution following strikes and violence led to calls for a new government.

• To achieve peace and establish a new democratic system in Germany, including elections, a Parliament and a President.

• To ensure Germany could continue fighting in WW1.

Which individuals were assassinated in the early years of the Weimar Republic?

• Kaiser Wilhelm II - former Emperor of Germany

• Hugo Haase - member of the first Weimar government.

• Philip Scheidemann - Chancellor of Ebert's government

• Matthias Erzeberger - signed Armistice in 1918

How many different coalition governments were there between 1918-23?

• 7

• 8

• 9

• 10

Explain why there was political instability in the Weimar Republic.

• Threats of rebellion from the left and right wing.

• Political assassinations of left and right wing opponents

• Hyperinflation

• Growth of extremist parties in the Reichstag

Explain why the German population resented the Weimar Republic. Choose 3 paragraph themes.

• They believed that the German leadership had betrayed the army (stab in the back) by signing the Armistice to end WW1

• As there was no majority government, coalitions formed, which led to compromise, a lack of strong policies, and unstable governments.

• The Kaiser was in charge of the Republic and people disliked his policies.

• The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations, restrictions and hampered the German economy.