How did the October reform fail to prevent revolution in November 1918?
Summary of German Revolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtvJbm_KFzY&t=146s
Following the October reform and the political shift within the Reichstag, the German
government soon had a crisis on his hands, and it would lead to a revolution in November.
The revolution would begin on October 29th and would spread across Germany.
Why did the Keil Mutiny occur?
The mutiny was prompted by a real fear among the sailors that their officers were planning
a suicide attack on the British fleet in order to restore honour of the German navy.
What was its impact thought Germany?
It caused discontent to spread throughout Germany, numerous workers and soldiers had
been set up.
What was the Bolshevik Revolution?
The term ‘Bolshevik’ means majority which was used by Lenin as the leader of the majority
Russian socialist party from 1903. In October 1917 Lenin and Bolsheviks seized power to
create a communist.
What happened in Bavaria?
The last member of the house of Wittelsbach, King louis III, was deposed and the socialist
Kurt Eisner proclaimed Bavaria an independent democratic socialist republic.
Socialist Republic: A system of government without a monarchy that aims to introduce
social changes for collective benefit.
What was clear by the first week of November?
That the October reform had failed to impress the German people. The popular discontent
was turning into more of a fundamental revolutionary movement whose demands were for
an immediate peace and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
What demands were emerging?
-immediate peace
-abdication of the Kaiser
Why had to process of reform began to spiral out of control?
The realisation of troops and sailors that the war was lost, and nothing was to be
gained by continuing.
, The sense of national shock when the news came of Germanys military defeat -
propaganda and censorship had delayed the reality too long.
The increasing anger and bitterness over socio economic conditions
Why did prince Max declare the Kaiser would renounce the throne and what was his
solution?
He was worried about the revolutionary situation in Berlin so on the 9 th of November he
announced that the Kaiser would renounce the throne and that a left-wing provisional
government would be formed by Friedrich Ebert.
What is meant by provisional government?
That it would be short term until a national election was held to vote for a national assembly
(parliament).
What two announcements were made on the chaotic evening of November 9 th, 1918?
The Kaiser accepted the advice of leading Generals to abdicate. in effect the kaiser didn’t
formally abdicate just went into voluntary exile in the Netherlands.
Left, or right?
Left Wing Right Wing
Want change. Want to preserve the past.
Believe in giving power to the Believe in bringing back the kaiser.
people. Nationalist: Place importance on
Internationalists: co-operations with Germanys greatness not individuals.
other nations. Hate communism: worried about
Hate capitalism: want to give private losing property and traditions.
land to the workers.
Supporters: Military, businessmen, lawyers
Supporters: Workers and communists and judges
The left-wing movement and divisions
Although there was a genuinely revolutionary situation in Germany in November 1918, the
left-wing movement behind it was not united and consisted of three main strands.
SPD USPD Spartacists
Summary of German Revolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtvJbm_KFzY&t=146s
Following the October reform and the political shift within the Reichstag, the German
government soon had a crisis on his hands, and it would lead to a revolution in November.
The revolution would begin on October 29th and would spread across Germany.
Why did the Keil Mutiny occur?
The mutiny was prompted by a real fear among the sailors that their officers were planning
a suicide attack on the British fleet in order to restore honour of the German navy.
What was its impact thought Germany?
It caused discontent to spread throughout Germany, numerous workers and soldiers had
been set up.
What was the Bolshevik Revolution?
The term ‘Bolshevik’ means majority which was used by Lenin as the leader of the majority
Russian socialist party from 1903. In October 1917 Lenin and Bolsheviks seized power to
create a communist.
What happened in Bavaria?
The last member of the house of Wittelsbach, King louis III, was deposed and the socialist
Kurt Eisner proclaimed Bavaria an independent democratic socialist republic.
Socialist Republic: A system of government without a monarchy that aims to introduce
social changes for collective benefit.
What was clear by the first week of November?
That the October reform had failed to impress the German people. The popular discontent
was turning into more of a fundamental revolutionary movement whose demands were for
an immediate peace and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
What demands were emerging?
-immediate peace
-abdication of the Kaiser
Why had to process of reform began to spiral out of control?
The realisation of troops and sailors that the war was lost, and nothing was to be
gained by continuing.
, The sense of national shock when the news came of Germanys military defeat -
propaganda and censorship had delayed the reality too long.
The increasing anger and bitterness over socio economic conditions
Why did prince Max declare the Kaiser would renounce the throne and what was his
solution?
He was worried about the revolutionary situation in Berlin so on the 9 th of November he
announced that the Kaiser would renounce the throne and that a left-wing provisional
government would be formed by Friedrich Ebert.
What is meant by provisional government?
That it would be short term until a national election was held to vote for a national assembly
(parliament).
What two announcements were made on the chaotic evening of November 9 th, 1918?
The Kaiser accepted the advice of leading Generals to abdicate. in effect the kaiser didn’t
formally abdicate just went into voluntary exile in the Netherlands.
Left, or right?
Left Wing Right Wing
Want change. Want to preserve the past.
Believe in giving power to the Believe in bringing back the kaiser.
people. Nationalist: Place importance on
Internationalists: co-operations with Germanys greatness not individuals.
other nations. Hate communism: worried about
Hate capitalism: want to give private losing property and traditions.
land to the workers.
Supporters: Military, businessmen, lawyers
Supporters: Workers and communists and judges
The left-wing movement and divisions
Although there was a genuinely revolutionary situation in Germany in November 1918, the
left-wing movement behind it was not united and consisted of three main strands.
SPD USPD Spartacists
