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German Revolution of 1918 and Kaiser Wilhelm II Resigns
This image illustrates the handwritten declaration of abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in November 1918. The document perfectly represents the German Revolution of 1918 and the resignation of Wilhelm II because it illustrates the result of months of increasing societal tensions in Germany. The devastating economic impacts of WW1, spurred by the Kiel Mutiny, led many (especially socialist Germans) to demand political change. This resulted in the Kaiser's abdication, illustrated by this document. -
Formation of Weimar Republic/Constitution
This image depicts the factions in control of given territories at the birth of the Weimar government. It's being used to demonstrate the chaos ensuing and how much ground the Weimar Government needed to make up in order to become the legitimate government. -
Ebert-Groener Pact
I chose this photo by AKG London because it depicts Ebert meeting with Groener and 2 other military allies. The picture displays how close they all were, and the formality of this pact, which is very important. -
Armistice Ending WW1
I chose this photo because it is a primary source of a newspaper article that is expressing that the armistice was signed. It shows what people would have seen in the time that the armistice was signed in the media. -
Spartacist Revolt
This image illustrates soldiers fighting on top of the Brandenburg Gate during the Spartacist Revolt. The uprising was a result of communists' discontentment with the SPD socialist government established by Ebert, and it was an attempt to spur communist revolution like in Russia. This image perfectly represents this event because it illustrates soldiers fighting to quell the KPD uprising. It's irony is that it shows socialist forces fighting to put down communist revolt atop a monarchist symbol. -
Bavarian Soviet Republic
I chose this photo because it shows the part of Germany that became the Bavarian Soviet Republic. It displays the normal part of Germany compared to the Bavarian Soviet Republic in different colors. -
Treaty of Versailles and the results for Germany
This image depicts a demonstration in front of the Reichstag, the German governance building, in protest of the treaty. Despite the fact that the German government had no say in the treaty, the population still got angered at Weimar, illuminating the struggles that the infantile Weimar had to face to gain legitimacy as the population had widespread mistrust. -
(Red) Ruhr Uprising
This image illustrates the Red Army preparing to fight the Reichswehr/Freikorps in the Ruhr Uprising. The uprising was a response to SPD government's calls for a general striking opposing the right-wing Kapp Putsch, and it was another communist attempt to establish communism in Germany. This image effectively illustrates this uprising because it shows how it was organized militarily; it was not just another unorganized revolt. Still, it failed and was suppressed by the Freikorps. -
Kapp Putsch
This photo was chosen because it conveys just how dangerous and serious the Kapp Putsch was. The Freikorps in this photo are holding a banner that says "Anyone who goes further will be shot" showing how forceful they intended to be in order to get the autocratic government they wanted. -
Hyperinflation crisis
The photo depicts stacks of notgeld banknotes awaiting distribution, which I thought was important in showing just how horrible the hyperinflation crisis really was for Germany. - just how much money was printed and waiting to be distributed. -
Rapallo Treaty
I chose this photo because it shows the important figures signing the Rapallo Treaty. It signifies the unity and friendship between nations that can occur when they work together. -
Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany
I chose this photo because it displays the Grand Coalition of Weimar Germany together and it expresses their unity together. -
Start of the Weimar Golden Age
The image of Stresemann in the likeness of Superman is a convenient way of interpreting Stresemann's contributions to the German people and economy. His policies were able to "save" Germany from a Left-wing or Right-wing takeover. -
Occupation of the Ruhr by France and Belgium
The political cartoon depicts a French Soldier (indicated by red trousers) attempting to sit on the German's Industry. Thios demonstrates how, while stifling the German's economy, the German civil disobedience and strikes lead to a major humiliation for France. -
Beer Hall Putsch
This image illustrates Nazi forces overtaking the center square, the Marienplatz, of Munich. This image accurately illustrates the Beer Hall Putsch because it conveys the massive scale at which the NSDAP's revolt occurred. This image is valuable in portraying Hitler's putsch because it illustrates how the revolt was a public, popular uprising instigated by the NSDAP. -
Introduction of Rentenmark
I chose this photo because it displays what the rentenmark looked like at the time. It portrays what Stresemann implemented in order to stop the hyperinflation. -
Dawes Plan
I chose this illustration because it shows how the Dawes plan was like a beacon of hope for Germany. It was a big step in the right direction that helped most German people. Which, is conveyed by the money (given by America) shining down on the people. -
Election of President Von Hindenburg
I chose this photo because it displays President Von Hindenburg in his office which expresses his demeanor and what was occurring because of his election. -
Locarno Treaty
This image illustrates the key players of the Locarno Treaty which established Germany's western boarders, re-including Germany in European relations. Briand (left) represents France, Stanley Baldwin (center) represents Britain, and Stresemann (right) represents Germany. The value of this political cartoon is that it shows the results of post-WW1 peacekeeping efforts. The irony of this image is that it also portrays the ill will that France hid, as represented by Briand's hidden boxing glove. -
German Entrance into League of Nations
I chose this photo because it depicts a newspaper from 1926, published by the New York Times. It does a good job in revealing how American people felt about Germany joining the LoNs, and giving that foreign perspective. -
Treaty of Berlin with Soviet Union
This image, taken at the signing of the Treaty of Berlin (1926), is used because of Stresemann's central placement. That demonstrates the control that Stresemann had over the agreement and that it was his doing that led to the defensive pact. -
Young Plan
This political cartoon accurately represents the Young Plan because it portrays the young plan weighing down on German citizens. This weight represents how many Germans viewed any war reparation payments - even generous, revised ones like what the Young Plan proposed - as fundamentally unfair. The quote "should we pay for the Young Plan?" reveals the value of this image - it illustrates the widespread German discontentment with reparation payments. -
Beginning of Great Depression
The image is used here because it further demonstrates the necessity of Stresemann's policies. Without his economically oriented mind and beneficial strategies, the other economists were lost trying to decipher the economic patters of the depression. -
Von Papen’s deal with Hitler
The photo here is of Hitler and Von Papen conversing in the Reich Chancellery. I think this photo is important because it shows how close (?) Hitler and Von Papen were based on how relaxed they seemed. It's important as it conveys their relationship. -
Hitler Becomes Chancellor
This image is valuable in portraying Hitler's appointment as chancellor because it illustrates Hitler shaking hands with President von Hindenburg. This handshake represents the broader uncertainty behind Hindenburg appointing Hitler. Hindenburg's distrust of Hitler precluded his appointment as chancellor; however, after previously unstable governments and advice from von Papen, Hindenburg reluctantly appointed Hitler. His reluctance is illustrated by this handshake.
