Topic overview
What you need to know
Germany changed from an authoritarian empire to a democratic republic after defeat in 1918. Weimar democracy survived major political and economic crises but remained vulnerable.
Exam tip
Build causal chains: identify the factor, show how it created pressure, then explain why that pressure mattered politically.
Core knowledge
Key facts for Kaiser Germany & the Weimar Republic
Kaiser
The German emperor; Wilhelm II ruled an authoritarian Germany until his abdication in 1918.
Reichstag
The elected German parliament, whose power was limited under the Kaiser but expanded under Weimar.
Weimar Constitution
The democratic system introduced in 1919 with proportional representation and extensive civil rights.
Article 48
A constitutional power allowing the president to rule by emergency decree in a crisis.
Hyperinflation
A rapid collapse in the value of money, severe in Germany in 1923 after the government printed money to meet costs.
Stresemann
The politician associated with currency reform, improved foreign relations and greater stability from 1923.
Finished learning?
Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.