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What effect did the First World War have on Germany? - Coggle Diagram
What effect did the First World War have on Germany?
Physical effects
Farming disrupted as farm workers were drafted into the army
Germany was producing...
only 50% of the milk
only 60% of butter and meat
This loss couldn't be made up for by imports, as British navy blockaded German ports
Germans faced starvation
winter of 1916-17, supply of potatoes ran out, with only turnips left
In weak condition, civilians were vulnerable to disease and
three quarters of a million German citizens died from combined effects of hunger and disease
Political effects
Working class and middle class people had little say in governmental decisions
No effective opposition to the Kaiser
Political problems were faced before war as well; Reichstag was weak
DURING THE WAR
Opposition leaders imprisoned
Germany was ruled as a military dictatorship by Kaiser and army leaders Ludendorff and Hindenburg, weakening the Reichstage further
Psychological effects
EXPERIENCES OF WAR
made Germans bitter and angry
hopes of pre-war years dashed
looked for someone to blame for defeat
society famous for unity and obedience was now squabbling and had conflict among it
Before war, Germans were proud and ambitious regarding their country, and prepared to work hard for its success
Anarchy
Armed and demobilised soliders returned home to join violent demonstrations against Kaiser
Germany was extremely unstable