AQA · A-Level · History
Course version: 7042 · Version from Sept 2017
Germany, 1871–1991 – Empire to democracy, 1914–1929: Political authority:…
Full specification wording
1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991 – Empire to democracy, 1914–1929: Political authority: the political impact of the First World War on Germany; political change and breakdown by 1918; the 1918 revolution; the establishment of democratic government in the Weimar constitution
The First World War profoundly impacted German political authority, shifting power from the Kaiser to the military high command (Hindenburg and Ludendorff) and ultimately causing political…
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- Point 1 of 6
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The First World War profoundly impacted German political authority, shifting power from the Kaiser to the military high command (Hindenburg and Ludendorff) and ultimately causing political breakdown by 1918 as defeat loomed. Facing military collapse, the 'revolution from above' attempted to install a constitutional monarchy under Prince Max of Baden to secure better peace terms. However, a mutiny at Kiel sparked a broader 'revolution from below' in November 1918, forcing Wilhelm II's abdication. This 1918 revolution culminated in the establishment of a democratic government. The resulting Weimar Constitution of 1919 formalised this shift, introducing universal suffrage and proportional representation, but controversially included Article 48, granting the President emergency decree powers.
What earns the marks
- Explain the shift in political authority during the First World War, specifically the 'Silent Dictatorship' of the military high command which undermined the Kaiser and Chancellor.
- Analyse the causes of political breakdown by 1918, including the failure of the Spring Offensive and the socio-economic strain of the Allied blockade.
- Evaluate the events of the 1918 revolution, distinguishing between the initial 'revolution from above' (October reforms) and the 'revolution from below' (Kiel mutiny and workers' councils).
- Assess the democratic features of the Weimar Constitution, such as proportional representation and universal suffrage, alongside potential structural weaknesses like Article 48.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming the Weimar Republic was established solely by the November criminals.
Put it right: Recognise that the transition began with the October Reforms initiated by the military high command to shift blame.
Confusing the 'revolution from above' with the 'revolution from below'.
Put it right: The former was a calculated constitutional change by the elite, while the latter was a popular uprising starting with the Kiel mutiny.
Stating the Weimar Constitution was entirely flawed from the start.
Put it right: Acknowledge its highly progressive democratic elements, such as universal suffrage, before discussing the vulnerabilities created by proportional representation and Article 48.
Exam tips
- When discussing the political impact of the First World War, explicitly mention the 'Silent Dictatorship' of Hindenburg and Ludendorff to demonstrate precise knowledge of shifting authority.
- Link the socio-economic impact of the war, such as the Turnip Winter, directly to the political breakdown and the radicalisation of the German public by 1918.
- Evaluate the Weimar Constitution in its 1919 context rather than solely through the lens of its eventual collapse in 1933.
Try the lesson
The start of the 1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991 – Empire to democracy, 1914–1929: Political authority: the political impact of the First World War on Germany; political change and breakdown by 1918; the 1918 revolution; the establishment of democratic government in the Weimar constitution lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was a key feature of the political change in Germany during the October 1918 'revolution from above'?
Listen
The First World War profoundly impacted German political authority, shifting power from the Kaiser to the military high command (Hindenburg and Ludendorff) and ultimately causing political breakdown by 1918 as defeat loomed. Facing military collapse, the 'revolution from above' attempted to install a constitutional monarchy under Prince Max of Baden to secure better peace terms. However, a mutiny at Kiel sparked a broader 'revolution from below' in November 1918, forcing Wilhelm II's abdication. This 1918 revolution culminated in the establishment of a democratic government. The resulting Weimar Constitution of 1919 formalised this shift, introducing universal suffrage and proportional representation, but controversially included Article 48, granting the President emergency decree powers. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain the shift in political authority during the First World War, specifically the 'Silent Dictatorship' of the military high command which undermined the Kaiser and Chancellor. Analyse the causes of political breakdown by 1918, including the failure of the Spring Offensive and the socio-economic strain of the Allied blockade. Evaluate the events of the 1918 revolution, distinguishing between the initial 'revolution from above' (October reforms) and the 'revolution from below' (Kiel mutiny and workers' councils). Assess the democratic features of the Weimar Constitution, such as proportional representation and universal suffrage, alongside potential structural weaknesses like Article 48. A common slip: Claiming the Weimar Republic was established solely by the November criminals. Instead, recognise that the transition began with the October Reforms initiated by the military high command to shift blame. Exam tip: When discussing the political impact of the First World War, explicitly mention the 'Silent Dictatorship' of Hindenburg and Ludendorff to demonstrate precise knowledge of shifting authority.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Kiel mutiny sparks 'revolution from below'
- 2. Weimar Constitution of 1919
- 3. Wilhelm II abdicates
- 4. First World War impacts political authority
- 5. Power shifts to military high command
- 6. Democratic government established
- 7. Political breakdown by 1918 as defeat loomed
- 8. 'Revolution from above' to install constitutional monarchy
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Political authority and legitimacy
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Revolution and constitutional change
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The impact of total war on domestic politics
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Democracy versus authoritarianism
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See every definition
- Political authority and legitimacy
- The political impact of the First World War shifted power from the Kaiser to the military high command and caused political breakdown by 1918.
- Revolution and constitutional change
- The 1918 revolution forced Wilhelm II's abdication and culminated in the establishment of democratic government in the Weimar constitution.
- The impact of total war on domestic politics
- The socio-economic strain of the Allied blockade contributed to political breakdown by 1918.
- Democracy versus authoritarianism
- The Weimar Constitution introduced universal suffrage and proportional representation, but controversially included Article 48, granting the President emergency decree powers.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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