Freikorps - GCSE History Definition
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Definition
The Freikorps was the name given to the unofficial paramilitary groups that existed in Germany after the First World War. Literally meaning ‘Free Corps”, they were made up of ex-soldiers and volunteers who fiercely opposed communism.
Explanation
The "Freikorps" or "Free Corps" groups formed after Germany's defeat in the First World War, the Kaiser had abdicated and the country had descended into chaos. A new Republic had been formed, known as the Weimar Republic, but it was immediately under threat from communist revolutionaries.
Most Freikorps members were former soldiers who had returned to Germany to be told they had to leave the army. They kept their weapons and uniforms and many felt bitter about Germany's defeat. Freikorps members widely blamed communists and other groups for betraying Germany and causing its defeat.
Although unofficial, the Freikops were secretly used by the Weimar government to crush communist uprisings. This was because the official German army was too small and weak to handle the communist threats on its own.
Freikorps units operated across Germany but were particularly active in Berlin and other major cities. They wore military uniforms, carried weapons, and followed military-style organization despite no longer being part of the official army.
The Freikorps were extremely violent in their methods. They murdered political opponents, including prominent communist leaders, and used brutal tactics to suppress uprisings. Their actions were often seen as going far beyond what was necessary to maintain order.
They played a key role in crushing the Spartacist Revolt in January 1919 and murdered its communist leaders, Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht.
The Freikorps had strong right wing, nationalist beliefs. They wanted Germany to be powerful again and fiercely opposed the Treaty of Versailles. Germany had no tradition of democracy and many Freikorps members hated the Weimar Republic and wanted it replaced by an authoritarian government.
It was this that led the Freikorps to join the Kapp Putsch in 1920 and attempt to overthrow the government. Led by Wolfgang Kapp, they marched on Berlin and seized control of the capital. The army refused to obey the government’s orders to attack the Freikorps but the Putsch collapsed after a general strike brought Berlin and Germany to a stand still.
Most Freikorps units disbanded in the aftermath of the Kapp Putsch but many former members joined the National Socialist German Workers (Nazi) Party. Their violent methods and extreme nationalist ideas ideas remained a key feature of the Nazi Party.
Key Historical Facts
The Democratic Weimar Republic depended on the Freikorps to save them from the Spartacist Uprising in January 1919. Communist revolutionaries led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg tried to seize power in Berlin but, once asked by Chancellor Ebert, the Freikorps outgunned and overpowered them. Hundreds of communists, including both leaders, were killed - with many being executed.
Gustav Noske, the German Defence Minister, relied heavily on Freikorps units. He famously said he was willing to be the "bloodhound" who would use any means necessary to protect the new republic. Noske gave Freikorps units unofficial permission to use extreme violence against communists.
The Freikorps went from saving the government in 1919 to attempting to overthrow it in the Kapp Putsch of 1920. Led by Wolfgang Kapp and supported by Freikorps units, this coup briefly seized control of Berlin. However, it failed when German workers went on strike and refused to cooperate with the rebels.
Freikorps units operated in the Baltic states after the First World War. German Freikorps fought against Russian Bolsheviks (communists) and local forces in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. They claimed to be protecting German-speaking communities but also wanted to create German-controlled territories.
The Freikorps murdered over 350 people during their suppression of communist uprisings. This included not just armed revolutionaries but also civilians suspected of supporting communist causes. Their extreme violence shocked many Germans and damaged the reputation of the Weimar Republic.
Many future Nazi leaders started their careers in Freikorps units. Heinrich Himmler, who later led the SS, served in a Freikorps unit. Rudolf Höss, who became commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp, also gained his early political experience in these groups.
The Freikorps developed many tactics later used by Nazi SA. Their methods of street fighting, political intimidation, and systematic violence became standard practices for Nazi brownshirts in the 1920s and 1930s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the German government work with the Freikorps if they were opposed to democracy?
The German government was in a desperate situation after World War One. The Treaty of Versailles limited the German army to just 100,000 men, making it too small to handle serious internal threats. Communist uprisings in 1918-1919 threatened to overthrow the new democratic government entirely. The Freikorps offered the only realistic way to crush these revolts quickly. Politicians like Gustav Noske believed they had no choice but to work with these violent groups, even though they knew it was dangerous for democracy.
How were the Freikorps different from the regular German army?
The regular German army after 1919 was strictly limited by the Treaty of Versailles in size, equipment, and activities. Freikorps units operated outside these restrictions and could recruit as many members as they wanted. They used much more brutal methods than regular soldiers and often acted without official orders. Regular army units followed government commands, whilst Freikorps groups pursued their own political goals. The army was supposed to be politically neutral, but Freikorps units were openly anti-communist and nationalist.
What happened to Freikorps members after the groups disbanded?
Many former Freikorps members struggled to find their place in peaceful society. Some joined regular police forces or found civilian jobs. However, a significant number were attracted to extremist political movements, particularly the Nazi Party. The Nazis welcomed these experienced fighters and gave them important roles in the SA (Stormtroopers) and later the SS. Their military skills, political beliefs and willingness to use violence made them valuable to Hitler's movement. This connection helps explain why Nazi paramilitary groups were so effective and brutal.
Did the Freikorps only fight against communists?
While fighting communists is what they are mainly remembered for, Freikorps units also targeted other groups they saw as enemies of Germany. They attacked striking workers, even non-communist ones, and intimidated politicians they disagreed with. In the Baltic states, they fought against local independence movements and Russian forces. Some units participated in attacks on Jewish communities, blaming them for Germany's problems. They also opposed the democratic government when it didn't support their goals, as shown in the Kapp Putsch.
How did ordinary Germans view the Freikorps?
German public opinion was deeply divided about the Freikorps. Many middle-class Germans initially supported them because they feared communist revolution would destroy private property and traditional values. These people saw Freikorps violence as necessary to save Germany from chaos. However, their brutal methods shocked other Germans who believed in democratic values and human rights. Working-class Germans generally opposed the Freikorps because they targeted labor unions and socialist organizations. As the groups became more extreme and turned against the government itself, public support declined significantly.
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