the theory that the German army had been ‘stabbed in the back’ and betrayed by Weimar politicians

a written agreement between two or more countries, formally approved and signed by their leaders

an order that must be obeyed, or the act of giving such an order

payments made by a defeated nation after a war to pay for damages or expenses it caused to another nation

Early unrest and the Treaty of Versailles

History

In this unit, pupils study a modern society and the issues that affected it in great depth over a shorter period. They learn about the key events, developments, people and stories that shaped this modern society over a period of around twenty to thirty years.

Modern depth studies

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

The signing of the __________ on November 1918, was met with resentment by many Germans, as it shattered the illusion of victory and was seen as a betrayal by the Weimar politicians.

It banned Germany from producing literature.

What was one reason many Germans believed the Treaty of Versailles was harsh?

What does the term 'Dolchstoss' mean in the context of post-war Germany?

The Treaty of Versailles declared the Rhineland a {{}} zone.

Germany helped negotiate the terms of the treaty.

Germany proposed the War Guilt Clause to take responsibility for the war.

Germany was excluded from negotiations and forced to sign the treaty.

Which statement best describes Germany's role in the Treaty of Versailles?

The Treaty of Versailles required Germany to reduce its army to {{}} troops.

It excluded extreme political parties from gaining power.

It ensured all political views could be represented.

It guaranteed a single-party majority in government.

Why was the inclusion of proportional representation significant in the new Weimar constitution?

It caused fragmented coalitions and unstable governments.

It made voting mandatory for all citizens.

What was one major challenge of the proportional representation system?

a partnership of different parties to form a government

a set of fundamental principles or laws that govern a nation

someone who avoids extremes and seeks compromise

Match the terms to their correct definitions.

The Weimar constitution ensured there was a division of power between the president, chancellor, and the __________.

It enabled the Reichstag to bypass elections.

What was a potential risk of Article 48 in the Weimar Constitution?

To gain the support of conservatives and ensure stability.

To promote radical change in Germany’s government.

To show that the republic was against democratic ideas.

Why did Ebert retain many old establishment figures in their positions?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Early unrest and the Treaty of Versailles

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.