Key Topic 1.1

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How did Germany emerge from WW1?
- German people were angry and bitter
  - All the hopes of the pre-war had been demolished. Germans looked for someone to blame for defeat in the war
    - A society that had once been famous for the obedience of its people had now become known for conflict and squabbling
- Some German people faced starvation
  - The allies counter attacked the German army and it had little strength to resist.
    - Hungry people blamed the government and 750,000 people died from hunger and disease
- The German government was weak
  - Opposition leaders were imprisoned. Germany was ruled by a military dictatorship - Kaiser Wilhelm II.
    - This weakened the Reichstag further and the new political leaders would lack experience.
- There was anarchy and violence on the streets
  - Armed, demobilized soldiers were returning home and joining in the violent demonstratios against the Kaiser
    - The soldiers wanted to get paid for fighting and they were disgusted.
This situation was bad because the German people were desperate for someone to blame, there was chaos on the streets and strikes everywhere

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