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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Weimar Republic

German state from 1919 to 1933
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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1918-11-09
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.

1918-11-23
Provisional Act for Agricultural Labour

The Executive Council of the Workers' and Soldiers' Councils introduced the Provisional Act for Agricultural Labour, which set regulations for working conditions in the agricultural sector, including notice periods, breaks for female and child workers, and the establishment of workers' committees.

1918-11-30
Council of People's Deputies announces elections

On November 30, 1918, the Council of People's Deputies announced elections for a constituent national assembly to write a constitution for the new republic.

1918-12-16
National Congress of Councils

The National Congress of Councils took place from 16 to 21 December 1918, where elections for a provisional National Assembly were scheduled.

1918-12-23
Mutiny by Volksmarinedivision

A mutiny by the Volksmarinedivision on 23/24 December 1918 led to street fighting and a rift between the MSPD and USPD within the Council of the People's Deputies.

1918-12-24
Christmas crisis clash

The fighting between the socialist revolutionary Volksmarinedivision and the German army during the Christmas crisis on December 24, 1918, resulted in 67 deaths.

1918-12-29
Ebert's Chairmanship of the Council of the People's Deputies

During Ebert's time as chairman of the 'Council of the People's Deputies', he served alongside the Independent Social Democrat Hugo Haase until December 29, 1918.

1918-12-31
Founding of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD)

The Communist Party of Germany (KPD) was founded in Berlin on December 31, 1918.

1919
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.

1919-01-05
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.

1919-01-15
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.

1919-01-19
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.

1919-02-03
Decree on Workers' Rights

A decree issued on February 3, 1919, established workers' rights such as collective bargaining, removal of employer exemptions for certain workers, and regulations on working hours and rest periods.

1919-02-06
Weimar Republic Established

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

1919-02-06
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.

1919-02-11
Election of Friedrich Ebert as President of Germany

The Weimar National Assembly elected Friedrich Ebert of the SPD as the president of Germany.

1919-02-13
Appointment of Philipp Scheidemann as Minister President

President Friedrich Ebert appointed Philipp Scheidemann of the SPD as the minister president, similar to a chancellor.

1919-02-21
Assassination of Bavarian Minister President Kurt Eisner

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

1919-04-07
Proclamation of the Bavarian Soviet Republic

The Bavarian Soviet Republic was proclaimed in Munich on April 7, 1919, lasting until May 1, 1919.

1919-06-06
First Election to the New Reichstag

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) emerges with the highest percentage of votes in the inaugural election to the new Reichstag, signaling early political dynamics in post-World War I Germany.

1919-06-20
Philipp Scheidemann Steps Down as Minister President

Minister President Philipp Scheidemann resigns after refusing to accept the Treaty of Versailles, leading to Gustav Bauer taking his place.

1919-06-23
Weimar National Assembly Approves Treaty of Versailles

The Weimar National Assembly approves the Treaty of Versailles without any conditions after facing an Allied ultimatum.

1919-06-28
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.

1919-07-31
Creation of Weimar Republic

The democratic Weimar Republic is officially established, replacing the socialist interim German government.

1919-07-31
Weimar National Assembly Approves Weimar Constitution

The Weimar National Assembly votes to approve the Weimar Constitution by a significant margin, shaping the governance of the newly established republic.

1919-08-11
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.

1919-08-12
Announcement of the Weimar Constitution

On August 12, 1919, the Weimar Constitution was officially announced in Germany.

1919-08-14
Effective Implementation of Weimar Constitution

The Weimar Constitution, signed by President Friedrich Ebert, becomes effective, establishing the legal framework for the Weimar Republic.

1920-03-13
Kapp Putsch

The Kapp Putsch took place from March 13 to 17, 1920, when right-wing forces attempted to overthrow the Weimar Republic. The coup ultimately failed.

1920-05-10
Policy of Fulfillment announced

On May 10, 1920, Dr. Joseph Wirth and Walter Rathenau announced the 'Policy of Fulfillment,' which was met with resistance from nationalist groups.

1920-06-25
Chancellorship of Constantin Fehrenbach

Constantin Fehrenbach, a member of the Centre Party, assumes the role of Chancellor following the collapse of the Hermann Müller government.

1920-07-11
East Prussian Plebiscite

In the East Prussian plebiscite, voters in parts of West Prussia and East Prussia overwhelmingly choose to remain with Germany instead of becoming part of Poland.

1920-08-19
Second Silesian Uprising

The Second Silesian Uprising erupts among the dissatisfied Polish population in Upper Silesia, a region with a mix of German and Polish inhabitants.

1920-10-01
Germany Withdraws from Demilitarized Zone

Germany completes its withdrawal from the demilitarized zone 50 kilometers east of the Rhine as mandated by the Treaty of Versailles.

1921-01-01
Official formation of the Reichswehr

The official formation of the Reichswehr, limited to 100,000 men as per the Treaty of Versailles, took place on 1 January 1921, with soldiers taking an oath to the Weimar Constitution.

1921-03-20
Upper Silesia Plebiscite

The Upper Silesia plebiscite is conducted to determine the region's affiliation, with 60 percent of the vote opting for Germany over Poland.

1921-03-22
March Action

The Communist Party of Germany attempts to initiate a general rebellion in central Germany, but the uprising is violently suppressed by the Reichswehr.

1921-05-03
Third Silesian Uprising

Polish irregulars rebel against the outcome of the Upper Silesia plebiscite, seeking union with Poland. The League of Nations intervenes and divides the region between Germany and Poland.

1921-05-04
Resignation of Constantin Fehrenbach's Cabinet

Constantin Fehrenbach's cabinet resigns due to the London ultimatum on reparations, leading to Joseph Wirth of the Centre Party taking over as the new leader.

1921-05-05
London Schedule of Payments

The London Schedule of Payments reduces Germany's total reparations to 132 billion gold marks, a decision ratified by the Reichstag on 11 May.

1921-07-29
Adolf Hitler becomes Chairman of the Nazi Party

Adolf Hitler assumes the position of chairman within the Nazi Party (NSDAP), marking a significant step in his political career.

1921-08-26
Assassination of Matthias Erzberger

Matthias Erzberger, a former German finance minister and one of the signatories of the Armistice of November 11, is assassinated by members of the extreme right-wing group Organisation Consul.

1922-04-16
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.

1922-06-24
Assassination of Walther Rathenau

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

1922-07-18
Approval of the Law for the Protection of the Republic

The Reichstag approves the Law for the Protection of the Republic in response to the assassination of Walther Rathenau. The law allows the banning of anti-republican printed material, gatherings, and associations.

1922-11-18
Ban of the Nazi Party in Prussia

The Nazi Party is banned in Prussia, followed by similar bans in Thuringia, Saxony, and Hamburg.

1922-11-22
Wilhelm Cuno forms a new government

Wilhelm Cuno forms a new government, replacing Joseph Wirth's cabinet.

1923-01-02
Growing inflation in Germany

In a sign of growing inflation, it costs 7,525 marks to buy one U.S. dollar.

1923-01-11
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.

1923-07-01
Hyperinflation in Germany

It costs 160,400 marks to buy one U.S. dollar, indicating severe hyperinflation in Germany.

1923-08-12
Resignation of Cuno Government

The Cuno government resigns due to the Ruhr occupation crisis, leading to a change in leadership in Germany.

1923-08-13
Stresemann becomes Chancellor and Foreign Minister

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

1923-09-26
End of Passive Resistance in Germany

The German government decides to end passive resistance, marking a shift in their approach.

1923-09-27
Appointment of Gustav Ritter von Kahr as General State Commissioner for Bavaria

Gustav Ritter von Kahr is given executive power as General State Commissioner for Bavaria, leading to a state of emergency declaration in Berlin.

1923-10-01
Küstrin Putsch

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

1923-10-21
Proclamation of the Rhenish Republic

The proclamation of the Rhenish Republic on October 21, 1923, sparked a short-lived secessionist movement in Germany. This event contributed to political unrest and radicalization in certain regions.

1923-10-29
Forcible Replacement of State Governments in Saxony and Thuringia

The Berlin government orders the replacement of the state governments of Saxony and Thuringia after the Communist Party of Germany joins their ruling coalitions.

1923-11-08
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.

1923-11-15
Introduction of Rentenmark in Germany

In an effort to stabilize the economy amidst hyperinflation, the German government introduces a new currency called the Rentenmark, equivalent to one billion old imperial marks. This measure helps bring relative prosperity to Germans in the following years.

1923-11-20
Introduction of the Rentenmark

After the hyperinflation crisis, Gustav Stresemann introduced a new currency, the Rentenmark, which was backed by Germany's agricultural and industrial resources.

1923-11-23
Fall of Stresemann Government

The Stresemann government falls after a vote of no confidence, leading to Wilhelm Marx becoming the new chancellor.

1924-02-28
End of State of Emergency in Bavaria

President Friedrich Ebert lifts the state of emergency declared in September 1923, but it remains in effect only in Bavaria.

1924-05-04
1924 Reichstag Elections

In the first of two 1924 Reichstag elections, the Social Democratic Party, the German National People's Party, and the Catholic Centre Party emerge as the top three vote getters.

1924-08-16
Acceptance of Dawes Plan

The Dawes Plan, a report on German reparations for World War I drafted by a committee of experts led by American financier Charles G. Dawes, was accepted by the Allies and Germany on August 16, 1924, during the Weimar Republic.

1924-09-01
Dawes Plan Implemented

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

1924-10-11
Introduction of Reichsmark

The Reichsmark is introduced to replace the temporary Rentenmark, which was implemented in November 1923.

1924-12-07
Second 1924 Reichstag Election

The second Reichstag election of 1924 concludes with the same top three parties as the May vote.

1924-12-20
Release of Adolf Hitler from prison

Adolf Hitler was released from prison on December 20, 1924, after serving less than eight months of his five-year sentence for high treason.

1925-01-15
Hans Luther Becomes Chancellor

Hans Luther, an independent figure, assumes the position of German chancellor following the fall of Wilhelm Marx's government.

1925-02-28
Death of President Friedrich Ebert

President Friedrich Ebert passes away on February 28, 1925.

1925-04-26
Paul von Hindenburg elected President of Germany

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

1925-12-01
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.

1926-04-24
Germany and Soviet Union sign Treaty of Berlin

Germany and the Soviet Union sign the Treaty of Berlin on April 24, 1926, guaranteeing Germany's neutrality in any war between the Soviet Union and a third country.

1926-05-12
Fall of the Luther government

The Luther government falls on May 12, 1926, due to its support for a modified imperial flag for use at the Republic's foreign missions. Wilhelm Marx of the Centre Party becomes chancellor again.

1926-06-20
Referendum on expropriation of former German princes' property

A popular referendum to expropriate the property of the former German princes without compensation fails on June 20, 1926, due to low voter turnout.

1926-09-10
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.

1926-12-10
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.

1927
Introduction of Unemployment Insurance

In 1927, the Weimar Republic introduced unemployment insurance as part of its social welfare system, marking a significant step in social protection for workers.

1928-08-27
The Kellogg-Briand Pact and the Young Plan

The Kellogg-Briand Pact proposed the outlaw of warfare, and the Young Plan aimed to reduce Germany's reparation payments, payable over 58 years.

1929-02-24
First recorded mention of Republik von Weimar by Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler mentioned the term 'Republik von Weimar' during a speech at a Nazi Party rally in Munich on 24 February 1929, marking the first recorded use of the term.

1929-10-03
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.

1929-10-29
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.

1929-12-22
Referendum against the Young Plan

A popular referendum against the Young Plan, supported by German National People's Party and the Nazi Party, fails on December 22, 1929, due to low voter turnout.

1930-03-12
Ratification of the Young Plan

The Young Plan is ratified by the Reichstag on March 12, 1930.

1930-03-27
Müller government falls

On March 27, 1930, the Müller government falls and is replaced by the first presidential cabinet led by Heinrich Brüning of the Centre Party.

1930-07-16
Reichstag rejects Chancellor Brüning's budget bill

After the Reichstag rejects Chancellor Brüning's budget bill, he enacts it by emergency decree on July 16-18, 1930, then dissolves the Reichstag when they vote to rescind his decree.

1930-09-14
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.

1932-04-10
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.

1932-04-13
Ban on Nazi SA and SS

The Nazi Sturmabteilung (SA) and Schutzstaffel (SS) are prohibited by the German government.

1932-05-30
Resignation of Brüning government

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

1932-06-14
Lifting of ban on Nazi SA

The ban on the Nazi Sturmabteilung (SA) is lifted in Germany.

1932-07-20
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.

1932-07-31
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.

1932-10-11
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.

1932-11-06
Schleicher cabinet

After the elections on November 6, 1932, Kurt von Schleicher succeeded Franz von Papen as chancellor. Schleicher attempted to build a majority in the Reichstag by uniting trade unionist left wings of various parties, including the Nazis, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

1932-11-17
Resignation of Papen Cabinet

The Papen cabinet resigns, leading to the appointment of Kurt von Schleicher as the new chancellor on 3 December.

1933-01-28
Resignation of Kurt von Schleicher

Chancellor Kurt von Schleicher resigns from his position.

1933-01-30
Hitler appointed Chancellor

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

1933-02-01
Dissolution of Reichstag

At Hitler's request, President Hindenburg dissolves the Reichstag.

1933-02-27
Reichstag Fire

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.

1933-02-28
Reichstag Fire Decree

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

1933-03-05
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.

1933-03-15
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.

1933-03-23
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.

1933-03-24
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.

1934-02-14
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.

1934-08-02
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.

1935
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.

1945
Dissolution of remaining German states after World War II

At the end of World War II, the Allies dissolved most of the remaining German states that had existed during the Weimar Republic era. These states were reorganized into the modern states of Germany.

1949
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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