The Kapp Putsch: A Failed Coup Against the Weimar Republic
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The Kapp Putsch was a pivotal 1920 coup attempt against the Weimar Republic led by Wolfgang Kapp and General Walther von Lüttwitz. It involved the Freikorps, particularly the Marinebrigade Ehrhardt, and aimed to reverse the Treaty of Versailles' terms, restore the monarchy, and halt disarmament. The putsch's failure, due to a general strike and military neutrality, highlighted the Weimar Republic's challenges and the power of civilian resistance.
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Outline
The Kapp Putsch: An Overview
The Kapp Putsch, which took place in March 1920, was a coup attempt against the Weimar Republic orchestrated by Wolfgang Kapp, a right-wing journalist, and General Walther von Lüttwitz. The putschists, supported by the Freikorps unit Marinebrigade Ehrhardt, aimed to undo the perceived injustices of the Treaty of Versailles, restore the German monarchy, and counter the disarmament and reparations imposed on Germany. Despite initial success in seizing Berlin, the coup faced widespread public opposition and collapsed within days.The Freikorps: Paramilitary Forces in Post-War Germany
The Freikorps were paramilitary organizations formed by demobilized soldiers after World War I. They played a controversial role in post-war Germany, initially being used by the government to quell uprisings such as the Spartacist revolt but later becoming a source of opposition to the Weimar Republic. The Freikorps were fiercely nationalistic and anti-Communist, and their existence was threatened by the military restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles, which fueled their participation in the Kapp Putsch.The Triggering Factors of the Kapp Putsch
The Kapp Putsch was precipitated by the Weimar government's efforts to comply with the Treaty of Versailles, which mandated significant reductions in the German military. The order to disband certain Freikorps units, combined with the threat of war crimes prosecutions, created a volatile situation. General Lüttwitz's refusal to disband his troops and his subsequent demands led to a confrontation with the government. When his demands were rejected, Lüttwitz, with the support of Kapp, initiated the coup by marching on Berlin.The Failure of the Kapp Putsch
The Kapp Putsch failed primarily due to a general strike called by the Weimar government, which effectively crippled the administration of Berlin. The strike demonstrated the power of the working class and their commitment to the democratic process. Additionally, the German Army's leadership, particularly Hans von Seeckt, chose a position of neutrality, neither supporting the putschists nor the government. This stance, along with the lack of public support, led to the collapse of the putsch, with the leaders fleeing and the Freikorps disbanding or merging with other units.The Significance of the Kapp Putsch in Weimar Germany
The Kapp Putsch was a significant event in the history of the Weimar Republic, exposing the fragility of the new democracy and the extent of opposition to it from both the right and left. The putsch underscored the effectiveness of non-violent resistance and the importance of civilian support for democratic institutions. It also foreshadowed the ongoing struggle for stability in Germany, which would ultimately culminate in the rise of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist Party. The legacy of the Freikorps and the Reichswehr's response to the putsch would have lasting implications for the future of the German military.
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Background and Causes
Wolfgang Kapp and General Walther von Lüttwitz
Kapp and Lüttwitz orchestrated the Kapp Putsch in an attempt to undo perceived injustices of the Treaty of Versailles
The Role of the Freikorps
Formation and Controversy
The Freikorps, formed by demobilized soldiers after WWI, played a controversial role in post-war Germany
Nationalism and Anti-Communism
The fiercely nationalistic and anti-Communist beliefs of the Freikorps fueled their participation in the Kapp Putsch
The Impact of the Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty's military restrictions and threat of war crimes prosecutions created a volatile situation that contributed to the Kapp Putsch
The Putsch and its Aftermath
The March on Berlin
General Lüttwitz's refusal to disband his troops and demands for the government led to the coup's initiation
The Failure of the Putsch
General Strike
The Weimar government's call for a general strike effectively crippled the administration of Berlin and led to the collapse of the putsch
Neutrality of the German Army
The German Army's leadership, particularly Hans von Seeckt, chose to remain neutral, contributing to the failure of the Kapp Putsch
Significance and Legacy
The Kapp Putsch exposed the fragility of the Weimar Republic and the ongoing struggle for stability in Germany, ultimately leading to the rise of Hitler and the National Socialist Party
The Kapp Putsch: A Failed Coup Against the Weimar Republic
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In ______ 1920, the ______ ______ was targeted by a coup known as the Kapp Putsch, led by ______ ______ and General ______ von ______.
March
Weimar Republic
Wolfgang Kapp
Walther
Lüttwitz
01
Freikorps origins post-WWI
Formed by demobilized soldiers, aimed to maintain order and combat uprisings.
02
Freikorps stance on Weimar Republic
Initially government-backed, later opposed Weimar, fostering nationalist and anti-Communist sentiments.
