The early years of Germany’s Weimar Republic, born from the ashes of World War I and the German Revolution of 1918–1919, were fraught with instability. Against this turbulent backdrop, a significant challenge to the fledgling democracy emerged in the form of the Kapp Putsch, an attempted coup that unfolded in Berlin on March 13, 1920. This audacious move, also known as the Kapp–Lüttwitz Putsch, serves as a stark reminder of the deep political polarization that plagued post-war Germany and the constant threat posed by anti-republican forces.

The Plotters and Their Vision

At its heart, the Kapp Putsch was spearheaded by two prominent figures: Wolfgang Kapp, a staunch nationalist and East Prussian civil servant, and General Walther von Lüttwitz, a high-ranking commander within the Reichswehr, Germany’s military. Their motivations were clear and deeply rooted in a desire to dismantle the democratic framework of the Weimar Republic. They sought to undo the revolutionary changes that had swept away the old imperial order, aiming instead to establish an autocratic government. This vision resonated strongly with various disaffected groups, including parts of the army, particularly the Freikorps units (volunteer paramilitary groups), as well as a range of nationalist and monarchist factions who yearned for a return to a more authoritarian, imperial system.

A Republic Under Siege: The Coup's Unfolding

In the early hours of March 13, 1920, forces loyal to Kapp and Lüttwitz marched into Berlin, quickly seizing key government buildings. Faced with an immediate threat to its very existence, the legitimate German national government found itself in an impossible position and was forced to flee the capital, first to Dresden and then to Stuttgart. For a brief period, it appeared as though the coup leaders might succeed, with Wolfgang Kapp declaring himself Chancellor. The situation was incredibly tense, with the future of German democracy hanging precariously in the balance. The immediate inability of the government to suppress the putsch militarily highlighted the fragility of state authority and the divided loyalties within the armed forces.

The People's Resistance: Why the Putsch Failed

Despite the initial shock and the government's retreat, the Kapp Putsch ultimately collapsed after just a few days, largely thanks to an extraordinary display of civilian resistance. The legitimate government, recognizing the gravity of the situation, called for a general strike. This call was met with overwhelming support from vast sections of the German population, particularly the working classes, who took to the streets and shut down essential services across the country. Factories ceased production, public transport ground to a halt, and everyday life effectively stopped. Crucially, most civil servants, from administrators to police officers, staunchly refused to cooperate with Kapp and his allies, effectively paralyzing the would-be autocratic regime. Without the bureaucracy to run the country and facing widespread popular opposition, the coup leaders found their position untenable, leading to their swift downfall.

Lingering Shadows: Consequences and Legacy

Although the Kapp Putsch failed to achieve its immediate objectives, its repercussions were profound and long-lasting for the future of the Weimar Republic. The attempted takeover starkly exposed the deep divisions within German society and the military's ambivalent loyalty to the democratic system. Politically, the events of March 1920 significantly polarized the German electorate, a shift that became evident in the Reichstag elections held in June 1920, where support for parties loyal to the republic waned. Furthermore, the government’s relatively lenient treatment of many of the putsch leaders – in stark contrast to its harsh suppression of leftist uprisings – bred resentment and further eroded faith in the state's impartiality. The putsch was also a direct cause of the Ruhr uprising, a workers' rebellion that erupted just weeks later in response to the failed coup and was brutally suppressed by the military. The Kapp Putsch thus stands as a critical, early warning sign of the deep-seated anti-democratic forces that would continue to challenge the Weimar Republic throughout its brief, tumultuous existence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Kapp Putsch

What was the Kapp Putsch?

The Kapp Putsch was an attempted military coup against the German national government (the Weimar Republic) in Berlin on March 13, 1920, led by Wolfgang Kapp and General Walther von Lüttwitz.

Who were Wolfgang Kapp and Walther von Lüttwitz?

Wolfgang Kapp was a nationalist civil servant and journalist. Walther von Lüttwitz was a prominent general in the Reichswehr. They were the key leaders of the Kapp Putsch, aiming to overthrow the democratic government and establish an autocratic state.

What was the goal of the Kapp Putsch?

The primary goal was to undo the German Revolution of 1918–1919, overthrow the Weimar Republic, and replace it with an autocratic, nationalist government, often with monarchist sympathies.

Why did the Kapp Putsch fail?

The coup failed largely due to a massive general strike called by the legitimate government, which received widespread support from the German population. Most civil servants also refused to cooperate with the putschists, effectively paralyzing their efforts.

What were the consequences of the Kapp Putsch?

Despite its failure, the Kapp Putsch had significant consequences. It highlighted the fragility of the Weimar Republic, polarized the German electorate, and led to a shift in the Reichstag elections of June 1920. It also directly contributed to the Ruhr uprising a few weeks later and exposed the military's divided loyalties.

What was the Ruhr uprising?

The Ruhr uprising was a workers' rebellion in the Ruhr region that followed the Kapp Putsch, largely in response to the coup attempt and the government's lenient treatment of its leaders. It was later suppressed by military force.