Germany transitioned from an autocratic monarchy to a democratic republic called the Weimar Republic after Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated in November 1918 following Germany's defeat in World War I. The Weimar Republic lasted from 1918 to 1933, when it was destroyed by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party's rise to power and establishment of a dictatorship known as the Third Reich. The Third Reich collapsed in 1945 after Germany's defeat in World War II and Hitler's suicide.

1. DEPTH STUDY
NAZI GERMANY
GERMANY EMERGING
FROM THE DEFEAT

2. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – DEPTH STUDY: GERMANY
INTRODUCTION
• Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated on 9 November 1918, 2 days
before signing of the Armistice.
• His autocratic system was replaced with a democracy, later
known as the Weimar Republic.
• This Republic will last for 14 years, being destroyed by
Hitler’s dictatorship.
• The Third Reich intended to last for 1000 years, collapsed in
1945, following the suicide of its creator, Adolf Hitler and
the military defeat of Germany.
• The Third Reich was the term used to describe the Nazi
Germany from 1933-1945.

3. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – DEPTH STUDY: GERMANY
THE “GERMAN REVOLUTION”
• The events of October to November 1918 are called “the
German Revolution”.
• Following the naval mutiny at Kiel and soldiers’ and
workers’ rebellions spreading to other German ports and
cities, the German Kaiser was persuaded to abdicate.
• He fled to exile in Holland.
• Political power was assumed by Friedrich Ebert, the leader
of the Social Democratic Party, the largest party in the
Reichstag (Parliament).
• The social unrest, violence on the streets and political chaos
were normal.