The Untitled History Podcast

Episode 12: The Reichswehr and the Weimar State

The Untitled History Podcast

Show Notes

On 9th November 1918, with a revolution underway in Germany, a new republic was declared in Berlin. The next day, German Chancellor Friedrich Ebert and General Wilhelm Groener, acting in the name of the Supreme Army Command, concluded the Ebert–Groener Pact. This saw the German army pledge to support the new republic, as long as the government acted promptly against any leftist uprisings.The Germany military in the two world wars is endlessly discussed. Much less talked about, is the Reichswehr, the military as it existed in the era of the Weimar Republic. Yet the Reichswehr, and its officers, were critical to the Republic’s survival and, in some ways, eventually it’s fall. Today, we’re going to explore its fascinating history.

Reading & Resources:

"The Oxford Handbook of the Weimar Republic" * Edited by Nadine Rossol and Benjamin Ziemann

"Schöner Gigolo, armer Gigolo" (Handsome Gigolo, Poor Gigolo)

"Living the German Revolution, 1918-19: Expectations, Experiences, Responses" (2024)

"Dachau and the SS: A Schooling in Violence" (2015)

Works by Today's Guest: Dr. Christopher Dillon:

"Living the German Revolution, 1918-19: Expectations, Experiences, Responses" (2024)

"Dachau and the SS: A Schooling in Violence" (2015)

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