Revolution in Germany: the First World War’s bloody aftermath
The end of the First World War did not bring an era of peace to Germany. Dissatisfaction with the outcome of the war led to an era of political unrest and violence; groups from the left and right of politics battled it out in the streets for control of the new republic. The legacy of the revolutionary period in Germany was profound. It set the path for the rise of Nazism, the Holocaust, and a Second World War, a truly global conflict more devastating than its predecessor.
The postwar revolutionary period in Germany and its aftermath is the subject of historian Lachlan Grant’s article in the latest issue of Wartime: “A time of violence: the end of the First World War sparked a revolution in Germany which left profound consequences”.
The Memorial holds an extensive collection of postcards depicting street fighting in Germany, and German political posters from the postwar era; too many to include as illustrations for the printed article. Additional images from the Memorial collection depicting the street fighting, as well as a series of political posters from the era, can be viewed by opening the media gallery below.
For more stories on the end of the First World War, purchase a copy of Wartime issue 84 here.