History
The Impact of the First World War
1) Burgfriede- A political truce was agreed between all the political parties on the eve of the war and the loans necessary to finance it were passed unanimously. Even the Social Democrats, perceived as ‘enemies of the state’ supported the war effort. The Burgfried lasted well over 2 years- during which time the Govt. faced no real opposition.
2) The military became increasingly involved in the economic and political affairs of the nation due to the Kaiser himself- he had no real control over the political and military affairs during the war. He also took little interest in war, advice rarely sought- He had 6 children and none of them went into army.
Also, the Chancellor loses power because he is dependent on support of Kaiser which becomes increasingly unreliable. This left the Chancellor and his government more and more isolated and incapable of resisting the interference of the military,
3) Hindenburg-
Prussian war minister
Retired from military in 1911 but recalled in 1917.
Huge influence to get Kaiser to abdicate
Becomes charismatic leader, figure head to lead Germany to victory. Ludendorff-
Appointed Chief-of-Staff to Hindenburg in 1914
Soldier of considerable ability, energy and enthusiasm.
By the end of the war, Ludendorff was in effect, the wartime dictator of Germany and directed German military and political affairs.
4) No doubt that by the end of the war Ludendorff and Hindenburg became the ‘Silent dictator of Germany’ with power of the Emperor and Chancellor so weakened, the two main props of Bismarck’s constitution had been undermined. In 1917 Bentham-Hollweg was forced to resign and on L and H instructions they replaced and promoted ministers. The constitutional authority of the Kaiser and chancellor were effectively side-lined even the Reichstag seemed unable to exert any further political pressure.
5) Social impact of ‘Total War’:
Impact on German morale
2.4 million
1) Burgfriede- A political truce was agreed between all the political parties on the eve of the war and the loans necessary to finance it were passed unanimously. Even the Social Democrats, perceived as ‘enemies of the state’ supported the war effort. The Burgfried lasted well over 2 years- during which time the Govt. faced no real opposition.
2) The military became increasingly involved in the economic and political affairs of the nation due to the Kaiser himself- he had no real control over the political and military affairs during the war. He also took little interest in war, advice rarely sought- He had 6 children and none of them went into army.
Also, the Chancellor loses power because he is dependent on support of Kaiser which becomes increasingly unreliable. This left the Chancellor and his government more and more isolated and incapable of resisting the interference of the military,
3) Hindenburg-
Prussian war minister
Retired from military in 1911 but recalled in 1917.
Huge influence to get Kaiser to abdicate
Becomes charismatic leader, figure head to lead Germany to victory. Ludendorff-
Appointed Chief-of-Staff to Hindenburg in 1914
Soldier of considerable ability, energy and enthusiasm.
By the end of the war, Ludendorff was in effect, the wartime dictator of Germany and directed German military and political affairs.
4) No doubt that by the end of the war Ludendorff and Hindenburg became the ‘Silent dictator of Germany’ with power of the Emperor and Chancellor so weakened, the two main props of Bismarck’s constitution had been undermined. In 1917 Bentham-Hollweg was forced to resign and on L and H instructions they replaced and promoted ministers. The constitutional authority of the Kaiser and chancellor were effectively side-lined even the Reichstag seemed unable to exert any further political pressure.
5) Social impact of ‘Total War’:
Impact on German morale
2.4 million