What happened when the victorious allies forced democracy on Germany after World War 1?

Answer 1

The Kaiser was forced to abdicate and a strict democracy was installed into Germany. It was referred to as the Weimar Government because it was set up in a small town called Weimar at first. Initially, it was led by Friedrich Ebert. 1919-1933 was known as the Weimar Government period, after which Adolf Hitler came into power.Many Germans hated the new Germany and felt resentment towards the Treaty of Versailles and Ebert, the man who signed it. They believed the treaty was not necessary, and they could have continued fighting. However, Ebert was forced to sign it to prevent invasion and a defeat on German soil. They also complained that the massive reparations would cripple them, but most felt that Germany had gotten what it deserved. Most historians consider the treaty to have been far too harsh, but public opinion of the Germans at the time meant that it would have been difficult for the heads of state to make it any lighter without being voted out of office by an enraged public.Years of problems followed the treaty. In 1923, there was hyperinflation, meaning that the German currency, the mark, became virtually worthless. Starvation, mass poverty, and unemployment followed. 1924-1929, the Weimar Government borrowed extensively from America, and this was known as the boom time. But with 1929 and the Stock Market Crash, they were plunged into debt and poverty again, being unable to pay back the money. This lasted until 1933 and the election of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party.