The tumultuous aftermath of World War I saw Germany grappling with immense change, birthing the fragile Weimar Republic amid deep societal divisions. It was into this volatile landscape that a critical moment of crisis, known as the Kapp Putsch (sometimes referred to as the Kapp–Lüttwitz Putsch), unfolded. This audacious attempted coup sought to dismantle the nascent democratic government, leaving a lasting scar on the young republic.

The Seeds of Discontent: Precursors to the Putsch

By early 1920, the Weimar Republic was precariously balanced. The humiliating terms of the Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, had fueled widespread resentment and a fervent desire among many, particularly in conservative and nationalist circles, to restore Germany's former glory. Adding to the tension was the government's attempt to comply with Allied demands to reduce the size of the Reichswehr, the national army, and disband the various Freikorps units – paramilitary groups largely composed of disgruntled former soldiers who had become a potent force for right-wing extremism. These units, though instrumental in suppressing earlier communist uprisings, were deeply anti-republican and saw the government as weak and illegitimate. It was the order to disband two prominent Freikorps brigades, Marinebrigade Ehrhardt and Marinebrigade Loewenfeld, that served as the immediate spark for the coup.

The Attempted Coup: March into Berlin

On the cusp of this forced demobilization, on the night of March 12, 1920, forces under General Walther von Lüttwitz, the commanding general of Reichswehr Group Command I, defied government orders. His units, notably the Marinebrigade Ehrhardt, marched into Berlin on March 13. At the heart of this conspiracy stood Wolfgang Kapp, a right-wing East Prussian civil servant and journalist with strong monarchist leanings, who was put forward as the nominal head of the new government. The putschists' ambition was clear: to undo the German Revolution of 1918–1919, overthrow the democratic Weimar Republic, and replace it with an autocratic regime, ideally one that harked back to the imperial era. They enjoyed the clandestine support of certain elements within the Reichswehr itself, alongside various nationalist and monarchist factions across the country, all eager to see the "November criminals" (their pejorative term for the politicians who signed the armistice and established the republic) removed from power.

As the putschist troops occupied government buildings, the legitimate German government, led by Chancellor Gustav Bauer and President Friedrich Ebert, found itself in an untenable position. Facing a military unwilling to defend it (General Hans von Seeckt famously stated, "Troops do not fire on troops"), the government was forced to flee Berlin, first to Dresden and then to Stuttgart, leaving the capital to the conspirators.

The General Strike: The People's Resistance

Despite the initial success of the coup in taking control of Berlin, the putschists had dramatically underestimated the power of civilian resistance. From their temporary seat in Stuttgart, the legitimate government, particularly the Social Democrats and the trade unions, issued an impassioned plea to the German population: a call for a general strike. This was not merely a request but an urgent directive, a civic duty to defend the young democracy. The response was overwhelming. Millions of workers across Germany, from factory floors to railway lines, laid down their tools, bringing the country's infrastructure to a grinding halt. This unprecedented display of solidarity paralyzed the nation, effectively severing the coup leaders' ability to govern. Moreover, the vast majority of civil servants, from administrators to police officers, steadfastly refused to cooperate with Kapp and his allies, rendering their attempts to establish a functioning government utterly futile. The lack of public support, coupled with the effective economic and administrative paralysis, meant that despite controlling the capital, the Putsch lacked any real authority or legitimacy.

The Aftermath and Lingering Scars

The Kapp Putsch, though militarily successful in its initial phase, collapsed after just a few days, fundamentally due to the powerful general strike and the widespread non-cooperation of the populace. Wolfgang Kapp, realizing the futility of his efforts, fled the country (though he later returned and died awaiting trial). Lüttwitz was dismissed from the Reichswehr. But while the immediate threat was neutralized, the Putsch had significant and deeply troubling consequences for the future of the Weimar Republic. It starkly exposed the fragility of the democratic system and the lingering power of anti-republican forces within the military and conservative establishment.

Perhaps most controversially, the government's response to the Putsch and its subsequent actions were widely criticized. While the leaders of the Kapp Putsch were treated with surprising leniency – many receiving light sentences or even full amnesty – the government reacted with brutal force to the spontaneous Ruhr Uprising that erupted just a few weeks later. This working-class rebellion, initially sparked by the general strike against Kapp, evolved into a wider communist-led revolt seeking social and political change. The stark contrast in how the right-wing putschists were handled versus the left-wing workers of the Ruhr deeply polarized the German electorate, creating a profound sense of injustice among many. This polarization was immediately reflected in the June 1920 Reichstag elections, which saw a significant shift in the parliamentary majority, weakening the centrist and left-leaning parties that had founded the Republic. The Putsch demonstrated that while the public could defend the Republic, the state's institutions were still deeply compromised, setting a dangerous precedent for future challenges to Germany's fragile democracy.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Kapp Putsch

What was the Kapp Putsch?

The Kapp Putsch was an attempted coup d'état against the democratic Weimar Republic government in Germany, launched on March 13, 1920.

When did the Kapp Putsch take place?

It occurred in March 1920, beginning on March 13 and collapsing within a few days.

Who were the leaders of the Kapp Putsch?

The coup was named after its primary civilian leader, Wolfgang Kapp, and the military figure who initiated the march into Berlin, General Walther von Lüttwitz.

What were the main goals of the Kapp Putsch?

Its primary goals were to overturn the democratic Weimar Republic, dismantle the achievements of the German Revolution of 1918–1919, and establish an autocratic or monarchist government in its place.

Why did the Kapp Putsch fail?

The putsch failed primarily due to a massive general strike called by the legitimate government and trade unions, which paralyzed the country. Additionally, most civil servants refused to cooperate with the new regime, and the conspirators lacked broad popular support.

What were the significant consequences of the Kapp Putsch?

The Putsch severely weakened the Weimar Republic's legitimacy, exposed divisions within the military, and deeply polarized the German electorate. It also directly led to the Ruhr Uprising and highlighted the government's inconsistent treatment of right-wing and left-wing unrest, contributing to long-term instability.