give 3 reasons why Germany lost WW1
-Russia’s exit (1917)
-disillusionment in Germany
-USA’s entry (1918)
what plans failed that contributed to disillusionment in Germany and define them
the Schleiffen plan - plan to avoid a two-front war
Verdun offensive - German attack on French fortress town, Verdun
what was the Burgfriede and when was this
-political truce between political parties and laws for loans for war were passed unanimously
-1914
what was the impact of the Burgfriede
Germany failed to win by christmas 1914 like they hoped and the loss of Verdun led to doubt
what did the SPD do that contrasted their beliefs
supported a defensive war and voted for war credits
why did the social democrats support the war
thought that this would increase the possibility of Germany becoming a truly democratic nation
what did the war do to German society and what did this causes
-united all classes combined with censorship in Germany
-led to unification but country kept in the dark for 2 years
what did Hindenburg’s success at the battle of Tannenberg lead to
him and Ludendorff running the country and becoming leader of the Supreme Command in 1916
what was the silent dictatorship
Hidenburg and Ludendorff bullying their way to power and the Kaiser and the chancellor having less control
what was the impact of the silent dictatorship
-opportunties for negotiated peace were turned down
-the Auxiliary Service Law was introduced
-Bethmann was sacked in 1917
what was the Auxiliary Service Law
mandatory national service for all men aged 17 to 60 under the Hindenburg Program
what was the Kreuznach programme
-set out what Hindenburg and Ludendorff wanted
-e.g economic dominance over Belgium and their territory
what was Bethmann’s reaction to the Kreuznach programme
he said it was unrealistic but forced to agree due to silent dictatorship
what did the Zimmerman Telegram cause and how
-USA to join the war
-due to unrestricted submarine warfare (attacking ships) and Britain uncovering telegram which was Germany asking Mexico for military alliance if USA joined
what happened in Russia in February 1917
democratic revolution which called for political reform in Germany
why was Bethmann forced to resign
-wanted the Kaiser to go further with his reforms of the voting system after the war
who was appointed as the new chancellor and why
Michaelis as he was weak and easily manipulated
what were the 2 versions of peace Germany should seek to end the war
1) Germany was fighting a defensive war and peace should be based on compromise not gain
2) wanted a victory peace (seigfriede) where Germany should use her strength to achieve world power
who supported the Seigfriede
many political parties except SPD and middle and upper classes
what was the Seigfriede about
if Germany didn’t achieve victory with gain it will undergo great political
who feared the Seigfriede and why
-elites
-peace could encourage internal reform and change
what was the situation like in Germany after 1917
-July 1917 political crisis due to Russian revolution and USA entry
-WC angry - starvation and war progress
-strikes with 1.5m
what were Erzberger’s concerns about Germany’s war in 1917
-found out unrestricted submarine warfare failed
-enemy’s growing strength and continuation of war
-Austro-Hungarian Emperor said they would leave the war by end of 1917
how did Erzberger use the Reichstag to call for the end of war
-made 2 speeches to Main Comission of Reichstag - set out criticisms and doubts
-called for ‘peace revolution’
-set up Inter-Party committee
