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The Weimar Republic. Lesson starter: How do you think Germans reacted to the Treaty of Versailles? Which term do you think would have caused the most resentment?. Today we will…. Identify the problems facing the new German government Explain how these problems made them very unpopular.
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The Weimar Republic Lesson starter: How do you think Germans reacted to the Treaty of Versailles? Which term do you think would have caused the most resentment?
Today we will… • Identify the problems facing the new German government • Explain how these problems made them very unpopular
I can… • Complete a table outlining KU (K) and Analysis (A) of the problems facing the Weimar government
Terms of the Treaty of Versailles • Germany lost land and colonies • Germany had to pay reparations • Rhineland demilitarised • Anschluss banned • Disarmament (Army & Navy reduced, Air Force and conscription banned) • War Guilt Clause
Introduction… • Germany lost the war for several reasons • The biggest party in the Reichstag (parliament) thought the allies would be kinder to a more democratic Germany • It was decided the Kaiser should abdicate…
Now the Kaiser had gone, Germany needed people to run the country • The German people voted for a new National Assembly • It was very democratic – meaning that the people had a say in what happened
Ebert was the leader of the Social Democrats • They were the biggest political party in Germany • He and some others signed the Treaty of Versailles as the Kaiser had left • They became hated for this and their surrender in WWI and were known as the November Criminals
The New parliament met in the town of Weimar as Berlin was full of violence • They agreed on the new rules that would make Germany a better country
Lesson starter -copy Vocabulary • Democracy – when the people have a say in the running of the country • Abdicate – step down as King/ Queen • November Criminals – the German government members who signed the Treaty of Versailles • Weimar Republic – the government of Germany 1919 - 1933
Treaty of Versailles • Their first job was to sign the Treaty of Versailles which made them very unpopular with the people
Germans didn’t like politicians • Many Germans trusted army men and Generals such as the Kaiser more than they trusted politicians
Reparations • The Weimar Government had to start paying their reparations, leaving them little money to spend on other things
Presidential role • The President had a lot of power and could potentially become a Dictator
Democracy • Most Germans were confused by the new democratic system • They didn’t understand the difference between parties or the voting system which was a proportional representation system