The German Revolution

1. Using the documents in Chapter 1 as evidence, list the ways in which conditions in Germany worsened during the war.

There were several ways in which the conditions in Germany worsened during the war. First, there was a significant shortage of food for both civilians and soldiers. Additionally, there was no coal, electric lights were turned off, and the gas power was turned down. Food prices were also high.

2. Give two reasons why the war caused such bad conditions for German civilians.

The war caused terrible conditions for German civilians. British ships blockaded Germany’s ports, preventing food ships from entering the country. Also, in the winter of 1916 – 1917, hard frosts destroyed the potato crops. Civilians were forced to live on turnips instead.

3. After reading Chapter 2, give two reasons why Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated on November 10, 1918.

Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated his throne because German Socialists and Communists began to talk of overthrowing him in a revolution. Furthermore army generals refused to support him, and he could not stop the naval mutiny.

4. Using the information you have read in this chapter, give evidence to support the statement that there was "revolution all over Germany."

Evidence supports the statement that there was “revolution all over Germany.” The spark of revolution begins on October 28th with a naval mutiny. This mutiny in the ports quickly spreads inland. It took only six days for cities all over Germany to join in.

5. Study the information about the German Socialists in Chapter 2, page 5. What did the three Socialist groups have in common?

Even though the three Socialist groups had their own leaders and unique methods, all three groups had the same aims. They wanted to improve workers’ conditions and to give democratic rights to all Germans such as the right to vote.

6. In what ways were the Socialist groups different?

The three Socialist groups had their own leaders and employed varying methods to achieve their goals. The Social Democratic Party, led by Friedrich Ebert, planned to support the government and try to make reforms by acts of Parliament. Hugo Hasse led the Independent Socialists, who planned to oppose the government and force it to make reforms by organizing strikes. The Spartacists were led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg and intended to overthrow the government in a revolution. Councils of workers would then make reforms.

7. After reading Chapter 3 make a time chart of the events of the German Revolution from Nov. 10, 1918 to Jan. 15, 1919. You should be able to find six events

• November 10, 1918: Kaiser Wilhelm abdicates the throne.
• December 23, 1918: 1000 hungry and underpaid soldiers break into government headquarters and hold Ebert prisoner under gunpoint, demanding more pay.
• December 31, 1918: The Spartacists rename themselves the German Communist Party and decide to work for the communist revolution.
• January 6, 1919: The Spartacists begin their revolution.
• January 10, 1919: 2000 corps, hard men who hated communism and loved brutality, attack the Spartacists in Berlin. Bitter street fighting continues for three days.
• January 15, 1919: Rosa Luxembourg and her fellow leader Karl Liebknecht are arrested. They are both murdered after being beaten severely by the Free Corps.

8. At what time would you say the Communists had their best chance of seizing power? Explain your answer.

Communists had the best chance of seizing power after Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated the throne. Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated the throne in part because he was afraid that the Communists would overthrow him in a revolution. With a weak government, the Communists would definitely have had their best chance to grab control.