LON model Paloma Pedace, Agustina Tocalli and Juana Prenna POLITICAL SYSTEM Until 1923, Germany's political system went through two phases: 1, German Empire (1871-1918): Established after the Franco-Prussian War, the German Empire was a federal state with a constitutional monarchy. The Kaiser was the head of state, while the Bundesrat and Reichstag served as legislative bodies. The Kaiser held significant powers, and the Reichstag had limited influence. 2. Weimar Republic (1919-1923): Following World War |, the Weimar Republic emerged as a democratic parliamentary system. The President was the head of state, and the Chancellor led the government. The Reichstag became the main legislative body, elected through proportional representation, However, the republic faced economic hardships, political violence, and challenges related the Treaty of Versailles, By 1923, the Weimar Republic struggled with economic instability and political unrest, which would continue to shape Germany's future political landscape. POST WAR Treaty of Versailles (1919): At the end of World War |, Germany was defeated, and the Treaty of Versailles was imposed on the country by the Allied powers. The treaty demanded significant territorial losses, demilitarization, and reparations from Germany. The treaty was harsh and fueled nationalist sentiments, leading to a sense of humiliation and resentment among the German population 2. Weimar Republic (1919-1923) Following the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Weimar Republic was established in 1919. Named after the city where its constitution was drafted, Weimar, this new democratic system aimed to create a more inclusive and participatory political environment. The Weimar Constitution provided for a parliamentary republic with a President as the head of state and a Chancellor as the head of government. 3. Economic Crisis and Hyperinflation (1921-1923) Germany faced severe economic challenges during the early years of the Weimar Republic. The country struggled with hyperinflation, which led to the dramatic devaluation of the German currency (the Mark) and a collapse of the economy. Prices soared, savings became worthless, and people's living standards deteriorated rapidly.4. Political Unrest and Uprisings The Weimar Republic also faced political instability and violent uprisings during this period. In 1919, the Spartacist uprising, led by radical leftists, attempted to establish a socialist government. In 1920, right-wing paramilitary groups attempted a coup known as the Kapp Putsch. These events highlighted the polarization and fragility of the young republic. 5. French Occupation of the Ruhr (1923) In 1923, due to Germany's failure to make reparations payments, French and Belgian troops occupied the industrial Ruhr region. This action exacerbated the economic crisis and caused widespread resentment among the German, population, leading to passive resistance by German workers and authorities. ECONOMY Germany's economy experienced significant upheaval and challenges due to the aftermath of World War | and the Treaty of Versailles, Here's an overview: 1. Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, placed a heavy burden on Germany's economy. The treaty imposed massive reparations payments on the country as compensation for the damage caused during the war. These payments, combined with territorial losses and restrictions on industrial capacity, put a tremendous strain on the German economy. 2. Hyperinflation One of the most severe economic crises during this period was hyperinflation. To meet the war reparations and other financial obligations, the German government resorted to printing large quantities of money, leading to a rapid devaluation of the currency (Mark). Prices of goods and services skyrocketed, and the value of savings eroded rapidly, causing severe hardship for ordinary citizens. 3. Economic instability: The hyperinflation crisis caused profound instability in the German economy. People lost confidence in the currency and the government's ability to manage the economy effectively. Trade and investment suffered, and businesses struggled to operate amidst the volatile economic conditions. 4, Unemployment and Social Unrest: The economic hardships resulted in widespread unemployment and social unrest. Many people lost their jobs as businesses closed or scaled back operations This situation fueled discontent and dissatisfaction among the population, contributing to political polarization and extremist movements. 5. French Occupation of the Ruhr:In response to Germany's failure to meet reparation payments, French and Belgian troops occupied the industrial Ruhr region in 1923. This occupation led to further economic disruption as German workers engaged in passive resistance, disrupting production and leading to more financial strain. ALLIANCES Until 1923, Germany was involved in several alliances and military agreements. Here are the key alliances and their significance during this period Dual Alliance (1879} ‘The Dual Alliance was formed between Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1879. It was a defensive alliance intended to provide mutual support if either country was attacked by Russia. This alliance was motivated by shared concerns over Russia's growing power in Europe. 2. Triple Alliance (1882) The Triple Alliance expanded the Dual Alliance to include Italy in 1882. This alliance further solidified the defensive pact between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. It was primarily aimed at countering the potential threat posed by France and Russia, as both Germany and Austria-Hungary had tense relations with these nations. 3. Reinsurance Treaty with Russia (1887): In 1887, Germany signed the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia. The treaty was designed to prevent a two-front war for Germany by ensuring Russia's neutrality in the event of a conflict between Germany and another great power. However, the treaty was not renewed by Germany's Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, in 1890, leading to tensions between Germany and Russia, 4. Entente Cordiale (1904} The Entente Cordiale was a series of agreements between France and the United Kingdom. Although not a direct alliance with Germany, it had significant, implications for Germany's position in Europe. It settled colonial disputes between France and Britain, reducing the possibility of conflict between these two powers and indirectly isolating Germany. 5, Anglo-Russian Entente (1907): The Anglo-Russian Entente was an agreement between the United Kingdom and Russia, It addressed their colonial disputes and helped create a more stable relationship between the two countries. Like the Entente Cordiale, this agreement indirectly affected Germany's strategic position and increased tensions in Europe. 6, Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918) During World War I, Germany and the Central Powers signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Soviet Russia. This treaty marked Russia's exit from the war andresulted in substantial territorial gains for Germany in Eastern Europe. It allowed Germany to focus its military efforts on the Western Front. FOREIGN POLICY Until 1923, Germany's foreign policy was heavily influenced by its desire to overturn the post-World War | settlement and alleviate the burdens imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. Here are the key aspects of Germany's foreign policy during this period: Opposition to the Treaty of Versailles: Germany strongly opposed the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which included massive war reparations, territorial losses, and restrictions on its military capabilities. The German government sought to challenge and revise these terms to alleviate the economic and political hardships caused by the treaty. 2. Diplomatic Maneuvering: Germany engaged in diplomatic efforts to improve its international standing and regain its pre-war position. It sought to establish relationships with other countries, both to undermine the post-war order and to explore potential avenues for the revision of the treaty’s terms 3. Economic Cooperation and Treaty of Rapallo: To circumvent the constraints of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany engaged in economic cooperation with the Soviet Union. In 1922, the Treaty of Rapallo was signed between Germany and Soviet Russia, normalizing relations and fostering trade and economic cooperation. This treaty also served to counterbalance the influence of the Western powers. 4, Diplomatic Isolation and the League of Nations: In the early years of the Weimar Republic, Germany faced diplomatic isolation due to its war guilt and the perceived aggression during World War I. Germany was initially excluded from the League of Nations, which further deepened its sense of isolation and resentment towards the post-war order. 5. Efforts to Secure Revisions Germany attempted to secure revisions to the Treaty of Versailles through diplomatic negotiations. Some countries, such as the United States and Britain, were sympathetic to Germany's economic plight and open to certain modifications. However, France wes more adamant in upholding the treaty's terms, leading to tense relations with Germany. 6. Eastern and Danzig Corridor Issues: Germany was particularly concerned about the situation in Eastern Europe. The loss of territory to Poland, including the Polish Corridor and the city of Danzigntious issues, and Germany sought to challenge (now Gdarisk), remained cor these borders, 7. Ambivalence Towards Western Democracies: Germany was ambivalent towards the democratic Western powers, particularly France and Britain. While seeking diplomatic openings with them, there was also a sense of mistrust, given their role in the post-war settlement. MILITARY. Germany's military experienced significant changes and limitations due to the aftermath of World War | and the Treaty of Versailles. Here are the key aspects of Germany's military during this perioa: 1, Demilitarization and Reductions: As part of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was subjected to demilitarization and substantial reductions in its armed forces. The treaty limited the German Army to (00,000 troops, prohibited the existence of an air force, and restricted the size and capabilities of the German Navy. 2. Disbandment of Paramilitary Groups: The treaty also mandated the disbandment of paramilitary groups, including the Freikorps, which were formed during the chaotic post-war period and played a significant role in domestic politics and security. 3. Limits on Armaments and Military Installations: Germany was restricted in its ability to produce and import armaments and military equipment. The production and acquisition of heavy artillery, tanks, and warships were forbidden 4. Allied Occupation and Control Following World War |, German territories were occupied by the Allied powers, including France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The presence of these occupying forces ensured Germany's compliance with the terms of the treaty. 5, Role of the Reichswehr: Despite the severe limitations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, Germany maintained a small professional army known as the Reichswehr. It consisted of the army, navy, and a limited air force, all of which operated within the prescribed numerical and equipment limits 6, Development of Secret Military Programs: Despite the restrictions, some clandestine military research and development continued in Germany during this period. This included experimental work onweapons and military technologies that would later be put to use in violation of the treaty. 7. Impact on Domestic Politics: The restrictions imposed on the military and the humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles had a significant impact on Germany's domestic politics. There was a sense of resentment and anger towards the Allied powers, and the restrictions on the military became a focal point of nationalist sentiments and right-wing movernents. PREVIOUS / FUTURE INCIDENTS Previous: Until 1923, Germany was involved in several significant incidents and events that shaped its history and political landscape. Here are some of the key incidents 1. Colonial Expansion (1884-1919} Germany embarked on a period of colonial expansion in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, It established colonies in regions such as German East Africa (present-day Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi) and German Southwest Africa (present-day Namibia). However, Germany lost its colonies after World War | 2. First World War (1914-1918): Germany's participation in World War | was a significant turning point in its history. As part of the Central Powers, Germany fought against the Allies. The war resulted in a devastating loss for Germany and led to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh terms on the country. 3. The November Revolution (1918): Amid the hardships and the mounting pressure of World War I, Germany experienced a series of revolutions in November 1918, These uprisings resulted in the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II, leading to the establishment of the Weimar Republic, the country's first attempt at democratic governance. 4, Treaty of Versailles (1919): As mentioned earlier, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, marking the formal end of World War | for Germany. The treaty imposed harsh reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions, significantly impacting the country's economy and political stability. 5. Spartacist Uprising (1919) In early 1919, a left-wing revolutionary group known as the Spartacus League, led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, attempted to overthrow the Weimar government and establish a socialist state. The uprising was suppressed by the government, and Luxemburg and Liebknecht were assassinated.