Why Did The Revolution Break Out In Germany In 1918

Revolution broke out in Germany in 1918 largely as a consequence of the severe hardships, economic/military crisis and disintegrating civilian and military morale brought about by Germany’s involvement in the First World War and imminent military defeat. There were also long term problems like the semi-democratic and authoritarian 2nd Reich which created demands for a more democratic system, largely by the Social Democratic Party. Initially revolution was instigated by the conservative ruling classes, although this ‘Revolution from above’ was soon to be followed by the ‘Revolution from below’ which established German democracy, once the Communist threat was destroyed. This signalled the end of the revolution. Although the Weimar Republic represented

Under this authoritarian Reich, there was universal male suffrage and so all men had the right the vote to elect a Reichstag which would represent the people. Also the members of the upper house or Reichsrat were elected ambassadors from the 26 state governments. Other democratic aspects include the tolerance of more than one political party in the Reichstag, to represent the possible diversity in support. The elected Reichstag could also agree or reject laws passed by the Kaiser or the Government. All these aspects make the 2nd Reich a lot more democratic than the earlier German confederation (1815-1871). However its democratic aspects were in the minority. Many aspects are anti-democratic. For example the universal male suffrage did not include women who continued to be excluded from the right to vote. If you were an adult between 18-25 you weren’t considered eligible for the vote either. The government (the body which proposed all new laws) was appointed by the Kaiser who was a hereditary king. If the head of the political structure was not elected by the people, then it could not be democratic. Also the Kaiser had the power to dissolve the elected