In the intricate tapestry of early 20th-century German politics, one event stands out for its drama and impact: the Kapp Putsch of 1920. This attempted coup d'état, led by Wolfgang Kapp and other right-wing figures, was a reaction to the government's decision to end the occupation of the Ruhr by French and Belgian forces. Unveiling the seething discontent among conservative circles, the putsch, though ultimately unsuccessful, marked a significant moment in Germany's tumultuous interwar era.
The Kapp Putsch took the form of a protest that swiftly escalated into an attempt to seize power. On March 13, 1920, Kapp and his co-conspirators, including General Walther von Lüttwitz, marched on Berlin with a makeshift army. The government, caught off guard, fled the city, leaving a power vacuum that the putschists sought to fill.
The Background and Triggers of the Kapp Putsch
The Kapp Putsch was a culmination of disgruntlement stemming from various quarters. The first spark was the Treaty of Versailles, which many Germans saw as a humiliating and punitive peace settlement. Additionally, the post-war government had been implementing policies that favored the left, including the Spartacist uprising in 1919, which alienated the right. The trigger, however, was the government's decision to yield to French demands to evacuate the Ruhr, seen as an encroachment on German sovereignty.
The Key Players
Wolfgang Kapp, a conservative politician, spearheaded the putsch. A nationalist and monarchist, he sought to restore the power of the pre-war elite and reverse the effects of the November Revolution. General von Lüttwitz, commander of the voluntary National Army in the Ruhr, joined Kapp, bringing valuable military support.
The Response of the Government and the Public
In a surprising turn of events, the government's flight from Berlin galvanized the public. Workers, fearing a return to the pre-war status quo, went on strike, bringing the capital to a standstill. The newly formed Reichswehr, despite initial cooperation with the putschists, rejected them when the workers' resistance became evident. This division within the military was a critical factor in the putsch's failure.
The Aftermath of the Kapp Putsch
The Kapp Putsch ended as abruptly as it began, lasting a mere four days. Its legacy, however, was far-reaching. It demonstrated the fragility of the Weimar Republic and set a precedent for right-wing extremism in post-war Germany. Moreover, the government's response{TBD}"
