kids encyclopedia robot

Weimar Republic facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
German Reich

Deutsches Reich
1918–1933
Motto: "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit"
"Unity and Justice and Freedom"
Anthem: 
Das Lied der Deutschen
(English: "Song of the Germans")
Germany in 1930
Germany in 1930
German states in 1920s (Free State of Prussia with its provinces shown in blue)
German states in 1920s (Free State of Prussia with its provinces shown in blue)
Capital Berlin Weimar (de facto)
Common languages Official:
German
Religion
1925 census
64.1% Protestant (Lutheran, Reformed, United)
32.4% Roman Catholic
0.9% Jewish
2.6% Other
Government 1919–30 Federal
semi-presidential
constitutional republic
1930–33 De facto authoritarian
presidential republic
President  
• 1919–25
Friedrich Ebert
• 1925–33
Paul von Hindenburg
Chancellor  
• 1919 (first)
Philipp Scheidemann
• 1933 (last)
Adolf Hitler
Legislature Reichstag
• State Council
Reichsrat
Historical era Interwar period
• Established
9 November 1918
• Government by decree begins
29 March 1930
• Hitler appointed Chancellor
30 January 1933
27 February 1933
23 March 1933
Area
1925 468,787 km2 (181,000 sq mi)
Population
• 1925
62,411,000
Currency
Preceded by
Succeeded by
German Empire
Nazi Germany

The Weimar Republic (German: Weimarer Republik) was the name for the government of Germany from 1919 to 1933. It was a republic, meaning the people had a say in who governed. Even though it was a republic, its official name was still the German Reich (German: Deutsches Reich).

The Start of the Weimar Republic

After Germany lost World War I, the country changed from an empire ruled by an emperor to a republic. This new government was called the Weimar Republic. It got its name because its new constitution was written in the city of Weimar.

How the Republic Began

On November 9, 1918, a new republic was announced in Berlin. Philipp Scheidemann made the announcement at the Reichstag building. Just two hours later, Karl Liebknecht announced a socialist republic nearby.

The German Emperor, Wilhelm II, left the country and went to the Netherlands. The new Republic was declared even before World War I officially ended.

Challenges Faced by the Republic

The Weimar Republic faced many difficulties. The Treaty of Versailles, signed after World War I, put a heavy burden on Germany's economy. This led to extreme inflation, where money lost its value very quickly. For example, a loaf of bread could cost millions of marks!

Politically, the government was unstable. Leaders often stayed in power for only short periods, making it hard to solve big problems. There were also many groups with extreme views. Some wanted the monarchy back, while others were communists who believed all property and wealth should be shared. These groups sometimes had their own armed groups that fought each other.

One group that formed after World War I was called the Stahlhelm, Bund der Frontsoldaten. This means "Steel Helmet, League of Front Soldiers." They were like a security force for a conservative political party. Later, in 1935, they became part of the Nazi Party.

Positive Changes and Culture

Despite its problems, the Weimar period was also known for its exciting culture. Artists explored new ideas and used modern things like film in their work. The famous Bauhaus art and design school also started in the 1920s, bringing new styles to architecture and art.

The End of the Weimar Republic

The Weimar Republic ended on March 23, 1933. On this day, Adolf Hitler, who had become Chancellor, put the Enabling Act into law. This act gave him special powers and marked the beginning of Nazi Germany, also known as the Third Reich.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: República de Weimar para niños

kids search engine
Weimar Republic Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.