The origins of the Republic, 1918–19
The end of World War One
By autumn 1918 it was clear that Germany would lose World War One. From November onwards a series of events occurred which became known as the German Revolution.
The Kiel Mutiny
On 3 November at the main German naval base in Kiel frustrated German sailors Rebel or refuse to obey the orders of a person in authority. instead of following orders to attack the British Royal Navy. The sailor’s mutiny sparked rebellions all over Germany and in a matter of days led to the collapse of the German government which forced the ruling monarch, Kaiser Wilhelm II, to When a Monarch resigns and gives up the throne. on 9 November. Following his abdication Friedrich Ebert, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) became In the Weimar Republic, the Chancellor was the head of the government, appointed by the President. (the equivalent of Prime Minister in Britain) and took power over Germany.
End of World War One - Germany surrenders
On 11 November 1918 World War One ended when an An end to the fighting in a war. was agreed with the Allies (Britain, France and the USA) and Germany surrendered.
The Weimar Republic
In January 1919, elections had given the SPD party the most power. Shortly after, Friedrich Ebert, leader of the SPD became the first democratically chosen President. He and his party (which had won a majority of seats in election) started to draw up a new A set of laws by which a country is governed. for Germany. They met in the town of Weimar as Berlin was deemed too unsafe after the An attempt by Communists to seize power in Germany in January 1919. earlier in the month.
Although a considerable number of deputies (German MPs) voted against it, the new constitution was eventually approved and signed in August 1919. This government eventually became known as the ‘Weimar Republic’.