Marinebrigade Ehrhardt Marches on Berlin
The Kapp Putsch begins as the Marinebrigade Ehrhardt, a right-wing paramilitary group, is ordered to seize control of Berlin. This coup attempt is spearheaded by Wolfgang Kapp and is motivated by opposition to the Weimar Republic and the Treaty of Versailles. With military support, the Brigade advances into the capital to establish a new government, posing a significant challenge to the existing political order.
Led by Wolfgang Kapp and military forces.
Fueled by opposition to Versailles Treaty.
Workers' strike ended the coup in four days.
Exposed vulnerabilities of the Weimar Republic.
What Happened?
The Kapp Putsch marks a significant right-wing coup attempt within the Weimar Republic. In March 1920, the Marinebrigade Ehrhardt, a paramilitary group composed of Freikorps veterans, receives orders to march into Berlin with the intent of overthrowing the government. This maneuver is led by Wolfgang Kapp, a nationalist politician who seeks to establish a more authoritarian regime, opposing the policies of the Weimar Republic that resulted from Germany's defeat in World War I. Key motivations for the uprising include dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles and perceived weakness within the democratic government.
As the Brigade approaches Berlin, they encounter little resistance from the regular army, which is hesitant to intervene against their own. By the end of the day, they have effectively seized control of central Berlin, prompting government officials, including the Chancellor, to flee the city. The putsch is characterized by rapid military action, with participants expecting to install a new government, ostensibly free from the influence of leftist politics.
However, the Kapp Putsch's success is short-lived. The government calls on workers to strike in protest of the coup, leading to widespread unrest and civil disobedience. The strike effectively paralyzes the city, undermining Kapp’s authority, and after just four days, he and his followers are compelled to flee. The event, though unsuccessful, highlights the fragility of the Weimar Republic and the significant divisions within German society during this tumultuous period.
Why Does it Matter?
The Kapp Putsch is emblematic of the struggles faced by the Weimar Republic in its early years, revealing the deep-seated opposition to its democratic institutions from nationalist and militarist factions. Its failure underscored the power of organized labor and civil society in resisting authoritarianism, setting a precedent for future confrontations between left and right in Germany. This attempted coup also foreshadowed the rise of more radical movements and contributed to the political instability that would challenge the republic throughout its existence.