In Nov 1918, Germans set out on a radical experiment: the building of a new, fully democratic state known as the Weimar Republic.  Unfortunately, of course, it didn't last.  But the question remains why?  And what should this tell us about the strength of our own democracies?

This episode explores the foundation of the Weimar Republic, discussing some of its early successes and failures.  It highlights some of the initial problems encountered in the construction of Weimar democracy, including the split between the SPD and KPD, and the failure to win the loyalties of Germans who were not predisposed to favor democracy.  Topics covered include the transfer of power in Nov 1918, the early formation of the Republic, the Spartacist Rebellion, Hyperinflation and the Occupation of the Ruhr, Friedrich Ebert and Gustav Stresemann, and much more.

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