Post-War German Political Challenges

The video discusses the challenges faced by social democrats Friedrich Ebert and Philip Scheidemann after World War I, including reintegrating soldiers and transforming the economy. An interim government is formed by the SPD and USPD, and a decision is made to establish a parliamentary democracy. Despite a generally peaceful transition, fears of a leftist revolution persist, leading to the Spartacist uprising in early 1919. The government responds by deploying the Freikorps to combat the uprising.

What was one of the primary challenges faced by Friedrich Ebert and Philip Scheidermann after the war?

• Expanding the military

• Reintegrating soldiers into civilian life

• Establishing a monarchy

• Building new schools

What was the main goal of transforming the economy after the war?

• To increase military production

• To meet peacetime needs

• To support foreign trade

• To develop new technologies

Which two groups formed an interim government after the war?

• The USPD and the Spartacus League

• The SPD and the Freikorps

• The Freikorps and the Spartacus League

• The SPD and the USPD

What form of government did Philip Scheidermann announce as the new system?

• Republic of councils

• Parliamentary democracy

• Monarchy

• Dictatorship

What was the main issue discussed at the plenary session of workers and soldiers councils?

• The future of the monarchy

• The form of the new republic

• The economic policy

• The military strategy

What was a significant concern during the election preparations?

• Natural disasters

• Foreign invasion

• Economic collapse

• Revolution from the left

Which group was determined to establish a republic of councils?

• The Spartacus League

• The USPD

• The SPD

• The Freikorps

What action did the Spartacus League take in early January 1919?

• They occupied Berlin's newspaper district

• They held peaceful protests

• They formed a new government

• They signed a peace treaty

Who were the Freikorps?

• A civilian organization

• A group of foreign diplomats

• A political party

• A group of former officers and frontline soldiers

What was the primary role of the Freikorps during the Spartacus League uprising?

• To negotiate peace

• To combat the Spartacus League

• To support the Spartacus League

• To organize elections