Compromise with/reliance on others - In 1918, the government was not in a strong position, and needed support. In November, Ebert signed the Ebert-Groener Pact with the army and the Stinnes-Legien Agreement with the leader of the labour unions. For their support, Ebert offered legislation on hours of work and on union representation.
However, the government often had to turn to the Freikorps to restore order if the army refused. When both refused (for example, the Kapp Putsch), the government was in a very difficult position.