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Between 1871 and 1918 Germany had a strange form of government - partly an absolute monarchy, partly a democracy. The powers of the absolute monarchy were often not exercised by the monarch in person, but by highly influential little cliques round him. In World War 1 the top military in effect took over and barked out orders at the civilian government. If the latter didn't do as Hindenburg and Ludendorff ordered, they cried "Treason!" In October 1918, with defeat staring them in the face, the military ordered the transformation of Germany into a parliamentary democracy, as they hoped it would impress President Wilson and that they'd get better terms that way. They also knew that the terms were likely to be harsh and made sure that the armistice and the peace treaty were signed by democratically elected civilians. Joncey

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18y ago

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