The Birth of the Weimar Republic

1. Why was it called the Weimar Republic and not the Berlin Republic? 
It was called the Weimar Republic because the first governmental meeting was held in the small town of Weimar instead of the German capitol of Berlin because even in 1919 Berlin was thought to be too violent and unstable to hold a governmental meeting without causing an outrage. 

2. What new rights did Friedrich Ebert promise the German people?

Fredrich Ebert promised that the new republic would give the German people the freedom of speech, freedom of worship, and better working conditions, and a new constitution was drawn up. 

3. Hey, a democracy. Sounds great! Why was this a shock to the Germany peoples' systems?

It was a shock to many German people because they were used to the traditional autocratic German system of government to the new democratic system. 

4. What positions did the opposition on the right hold that restricted Friedrich Ebert's new government?

The right wing (Kaiser's advisers) had held their positions in the army, judiciary, civil service and industry, which restricted what the new government could do.

5. What was the name of "powerful myth" that developed and what "evidence" was there to support the myth?

The powerful myth that developed was called "The Stab in the Back" which stated that Ebert had stabbed Germany in the back and caused the defeat in the war.

6. Study Source 3: What position was Ebert elected to in Jan. 1919? Who elected him?

Ebert was elected President in 1919 of the Weimar Republic by the German people.


7. Study Source 3: How would a Chancellor gain power in the Weimar Republic? (Why you need to know this: By 1933 Hitler will have this job.)
If the Chancellor got the approval and support of the Reichstag, who approved the laws coming from the Chancellor and President and people, then the Chancellor could pass any law he wanted to pass.