The First World War and the German Revolution
I can describe the situation in Germany at the end of the First World War.
The First World War and the German Revolution
I can describe the situation in Germany at the end of the First World War.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 1914 Germany was a constitutional monarchy led by Kaiser Wilhelm II and dominated by military generals.
- A British naval blockade had led to food shortages and the German economy faced crippling debt.
- By autumn 1918, it was clear that Germany would lose the war and was under enormous strain.
- In November sailors mutinied at Kiel, leading to rebellions across Germany and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
- A new republic was declared and an armistice was signed with the Allies, officially ending WW1.
Keywords
Constitutional monarchy - a system of government in which the monarch's power is shared with politicians in their parliament
Kaiser - the German emperor
Abdicate - when a monarch gives up their throne
Republic - a country without a monarch, usually governed by elected representatives and a president
Common misconception
Germany formally lost the First World War in the traditional sense, with a decisive military defeat.
Germany was not defeated in battle, it sought peace and agreed to an armistice. The German military leadership recognised that the war was unwinnable due to resource shortages, economic collapse, and the deteriorating morale of troops and citizens.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The First World War and the German Revolution, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The First World War and the German Revolution, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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