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Weimar Republic

German state from 1919 to 1933

The Weimar Republic was established in 1918 after World War I, facing challenges like hyperinflation and political extremism. Despite a period of stability and prosperity in the mid-1920s, the Great Depression and rise of Adolf Hitler led to the republic's collapse in 1933.

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Bauhaus World War I Adolf Hitler Otto von Bismarck Reformation Great Depression Friedrich Nietzsche Karl Marx World War II Frederick William III of Prussia

Timeline

Proclamation of the Weimar Republic

On 9 November 1918, following the end of World War I and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Weimar Republic was proclaimed in Germany, marking the establishment of a constitutional federal republic for the first time in the country's history.

Weimar Constitution

The Weimar Constitution was established in 1919 in Germany, replacing the previous imperial constitution. It laid the foundation for the Weimar Republic, introducing key democratic principles and structures.

Spartacist uprising

Between January 5-12, 1919, the Spartacist uprising between far-left groups and forces of the Council of the People's Deputies, with support from Freikorps units, broke out in Berlin and was defeated.

Spartacist Uprising

In January 1919, the Spartacus League attempted to establish a communist government in Berlin, leading to the Spartacist uprising and the subsequent killing of Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht.

Elections for the National Assembly in Germany

The elections for the National Assembly in Germany were held, marking the first time women could vote in a national German election. The top 3 parties were the Social Democrats (SPD), the Independent Social Democrats, and the German National People's Party.

Weimar Republic Established

The Weimar Republic was officially established in Germany following the end of World War I.

Formation of the Weimar Republic

The Weimar Republic was established on February 6, 1919, in the town of Weimar, Germany, by the National Assembly after Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, following the end of World War I.

Assassination of Bavarian Minister President Kurt Eisner

Bavarian minister president Kurt Eisner was murdered in Munich by right-wing student Anton Arco-Valley.

Versailles Treaty and Weimar Republic

The Versailles Treaty imposed harsh conditions on Germany, including reducing its military strength and placing full blame for World War I on the country. This contributed to the association of the Weimar Republic with the humiliation and hardships of the war.

Weimar Constitution adopted

The Weimar Constitution was adopted by the Weimar National Assembly in Weimar from 6 February to 11 August 1919. This constitution laid the foundation for the Weimar Republic, although the name 'Weimar Republic' only gained widespread usage after 1933.

Treaty of Rapallo between Germany and Russia

Germany and Russia sign a treaty that renounces territorial and financial claims and normalizes relations between the two countries.

Assassination of Walther Rathenau

Walther Rathenau, Germany's Jewish foreign minister, is assassinated in Berlin by members of the extreme right-wing Organisation Consul.

Occupation of the Ruhr begins

The Occupation of the Ruhr by French and Belgian troops begins after Germany is declared to be in default on its reparations payments. The German government reacts with a call for passive resistance.

Stresemann becomes Chancellor and Foreign Minister

On August 13, 1923, Gustav Stresemann assumed the positions of Chancellor and Foreign Minister in Germany.

Küstrin Putsch

The Küstrin Putsch, a failed coup attempt by the Black Reichswehr against the Weimar Republic, occurs in Küstrin.

Beer Hall Putsch

On November 8, 1923, Adolf Hitler and Erich Ludendorff attempted a coup known as the Beer Hall Putsch in Munich, declaring the deposition of the Weimar government. The coup was unsuccessful, leading to Hitler's arrest and imprisonment.

End of Hyperinflation in Germany

Germany's period of hyperinflation comes to an end with the introduction of the Rentenmark.

Dawes Plan Implemented

The Dawes Plan, aimed at reducing and restructuring Germany's reparations payments, goes into effect.

Paul von Hindenburg elected President of Germany

Paul von Hindenburg is elected as the President of Germany on April 26, 1925.

Ratification of the Treaty of Locarno

The Treaty of Locarno, which guaranteed Germany's western border but allowed for negotiations on the eastern border, is formally ratified on December 1, 1925.

Germany admitted to the League of Nations

Germany is admitted to the League of Nations on September 10, 1926, with a permanent seat on its council.

Gustav Stresemann and Aristide Briand receive Nobel Peace Prize

Foreign Minister Gustav Stresemann and his French counterpart Aristide Briand receive the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1926, for their work on the Locarno Treaties.

Death of Gustav Stresemann

Gustav Stresemann, the former Chancellor and Foreign Minister known for his efforts in helping the Weimar Republic recover, passes away due to a stroke.

Stock Market Crash Sparks Great Depression

A sudden stock market crash in the United States triggers the Great Depression, severely impacting Germany's economy. One third of the German workforce becomes unemployed, leading to political unrest and providing opportunities for right-wing parties like the Nazis.

Reichstag election results

In the Reichstag election on September 14, 1930, a radical shift among voters puts the Nazi Party and the Communist Party of Germany second and third behind the Social Democratic Party.

Hindenburg re-elected as German president

Paul von Hindenburg wins a second term as president of Germany in the election, with Adolf Hitler finishing second.

Resignation of Brüning government

The Brüning government steps down, and Franz von Papen becomes the new chancellor, forming a presidential cabinet.

Prussian Coup d'État

President Hindenburg appoints Chancellor Papen Reich commissar of Prussia, leading to the ousting of the democratically elected Prussian government led by the Social Democrats.

Nazis become the largest party in the Reichstag

In a significant political development, the Nazis emerge as the largest party in the Reichstag on July 31, 1932.

Formation of Harzburg Front in Germany

The German National People's Party, Nazi Party, and Stahlhelm veterans group unite to create the Harzburg Front with the aim of toppling the Brüning government.

Hitler appointed Chancellor

On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed as the Chancellor of Germany by President Hindenburg.

A devastating fire broke out in the Reichstag building on February 27, 1933. Dutch Communist Van der Lubbe was arrested and later executed for allegedly starting the fire.

Reichstag Fire Decree

Following the Reichstag Fire, the Reichstag Fire Decree was issued on February 28, 1933.

Reichstag Election

The Nazis win 44% of the vote in the Reichstag election, falling short of an absolute majority. Social Democrats and Communists also see a decrease in their votes.

Cabinet meeting for Enabling Act

On March 15, 1933, the first cabinet meeting aimed to achieve the complete counter-revolution through the Enabling Act, granting Hitler dictatorial powers.

Enabling Act of 1933

The Enabling Act of 1933 is passed, granting the chancellor and cabinet the authority to create and enforce laws without Reichstag or presidential involvement, effectively signaling the end of the Weimar Republic.

Passage of the Enabling Act of 1933

The Enabling Act of 1933 allowed Hitler's cabinet to pass laws without the approval of the Reichstag or the President, leading to the consolidation of power and the beginning of the Nazi era.

Abolition of the Reichsrat

The Reichsrat, the other chamber of the German parliament, was officially abolished in clear violation of the Enabling Act, further consolidating Nazi power.

Death of Hindenburg and Transfer of Powers to Hitler

Hindenburg's death removed the last obstacle to Nazi dominance, allowing Hitler to consolidate power as the new 'Führer and Reich Chancellor' with complete control over the Reich.

Reichswehr renamed Wehrmacht

In 1935, two years after Adolf Hitler's rise to power, the Reichswehr was renamed Wehrmacht, becoming the unified armed forces of the Nazi regime.

Introduction of 5% threshold limit in the German Bundestag

In 1949, the modern German Bundestag introduced a 5% threshold limit for a party to gain parliamentary representation, aiming to counter the issue of many small parties, including extremist ones, causing instability in forming coalition governments.

End of the Timeline
Weimar Republic

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