Characteristics of the Weimar Government

At the end of World War One, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated and fled to Holland.

The new government which replaced him initially met in Weimar. It became known as the Weimar Republic.

Positive aspects of the Weimar Government

• All men and women over the age of 20 were able to vote.
• German citizens were guaranteed freedom of speech and religion.
• All German citizens were to be equal.

Negative aspects of the Weimar Government

• The voting system used meant that many small parties were elected.
• In an emergency, the President could take control of Germany and so a dictatorship could develop.

This type of government created serious problems for Germany. It relied on small parties working together – something which they could not do.