Kapp Putsch

Quick Facts: Who was Kapp Putsch?

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Kapp Putsch

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An abortive 1920 coup d'état against the Weimar Republic, named after its leaders.

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Origins & Early Life

The Kapp Putsch (German pronunciation: [ˈkapˌpʊt͡ʃ] ), also known as the Kapp–Lüttwitz Putsch (German pronunciation: [kapˈlʏtvɪt͡sˌpʊt͡ʃ] ), was an abortive coup d'état against the German national government in Berlin on 13 March 1920. Named after its leaders Wolfgang Kapp and Walther von Lüttwitz, its goal was to undo the German Revolution of 1918–1919, overthrow the Weimar Republic, and establish an autocratic government. It was supported by parts of the Reichswehr, as well as nationalist and monarchist factions. Although the legitimate German government was forced to flee the city, the coup failed after a few days, when large sections of the German population joined a general strike called by the government. Most civil servants refused to cooperate with Kapp and his allies.

Career & Major Achievements

Despite its failure, the Putsch had significant consequences for the future of the Weimar Republic. It was also one of the direct causes of the Ruhr uprising a few weeks later, which the government suppressed by military force, after having dealt leniently with leaders of the Kapp Putsch. These events polarised the German electorate, resulting in a shift in the majority after the June 1920 Reichstag election. After Germany had lost World War I (1914–1918), the German Revolution of 1918–1919 ended the monarchy. The German Empire was abolished and a democratic system, the Weimar Republic, was established in 1919 by the Weimar National Assembly.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Right-wing nationalist and militarist circles opposed the new republic and promoted the stab-in-the-back myth, claiming that the war had been lost only because the efforts of the undefeated German military had been undermined by civilians at home. In 1919–1920, the government of Germany was formed by the Weimar Coalition, consisting of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), German Democratic Party (DDP, left-of-centre liberals), and Zentrum (Catholics). President Friedrich Ebert, Chancellor Gustav Bauer, and Defence Minister Gustav Noske were all members of the SPD. According to the constitution, the president was the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, represented in peace time by the Minister of Defence. The most senior officer of the land forces was called Chef der Heeresleitung, a post held in early 1920 by General Walther Reinhardt.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1914: 1914 Milestone — After Germany had lost World War I (1914–1918), the German Revolution of 1918–1919 ended the monarchy.
2. 1918: 1918 Milestone — Named after its leaders Wolfgang Kapp and Walther von Lüttwitz, its goal was to undo the German Revolution of 1918–1919, overthrow the Weimar Republic, and establish an autocratic government.
3. 1919: 1919 Milestone — The German Empire was abolished and a democratic system, the Weimar Republic, was established in 1919 by the Weimar National Assembly.
4. 1920: 1920 Milestone — The Kapp Putsch (German pronunciation: [ˈkapˌpʊt͡ʃ] ), also known as the Kapp–Lüttwitz Putsch (German pronunciation: [kapˈlʏtvɪt͡sˌpʊt͡ʃ] ), was an abortive coup d'état against the German national government in Berlin on 13 March 1920.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kapp Putsch

True or False: “The Kapp Putsch was successfully executed by military forces and led to a permanent shift in German governance.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The coup failed after only a few days due to the general strike organized by large sections of the German population.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kapp Putsch