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November Revolution 1918 – Reichstag
The November Revolution of 1918 marked the collapse of the German Empire's monarchy and the birth of the Weimar Republic. A pivotal setting for these events was the Reichstag building in Berlin, from whose western balcony SPD politician Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed the Republic on November 9, 1918. Only hours later, Karl Liebknecht proclaimed a 'Free Socialist Republic of Germany' from the Berlin Palace. These competing proclamations underscored the deep political divisions between moderate forces and the radical left. The revolution began with the Kiel Mutiny, which spread across the country within days as soldiers and workers formed councils. Under immense pressure, Emperor Wilhelm II abdicated and fled into exile in the Netherlands. The Reichstag building stands today as a symbol of this democratic beginning, although the Weimar Republic would later succumb to totalitarian pressures. The 1918 events laid the foundation for the first German parliamentary democracy.
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Top sights: Reichstag Building · Reichstag dome · Paul-Löbe-Haus
- Nearby: Prenzlauer Berg (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 38 | 41 | 29 | 53 | 57 | 81 | 58 | 48 | 48 | 50 | 47 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
ww1
1918
Geography
Facts
- Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed the republic on Nov 9, 1918, at 2:00 PM.
- Emperor Wilhelm II's abdication was announced by Max von Baden.
- The revolution began on Nov 3, 1918, with a sailors' mutiny in Kiel.
- Friedrich Ebert became the first president of the new republic.
- The western balcony of the Reichstag is now a major historical site.
- The Weimar Constitution was officially adopted in Weimar in 1919.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town November Revolution 1918 – Reichstag (10)
Max-Liebermann-Haus🏛 museum
The Max-Liebermann-Haus is a building in Berlin, Germany.
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is a triumphal arch in Berlin, Germany.
Marschallbrücke
Marschallbrücke is a road bridge over the Spree in Berlin-Mitte.
Erlebnis Europa🏛 museum
Erlebnis Europa is a permanent exhibition in the European House Berlin.
Kronprinzenbrücke
Kronprinzenbrücke is a bridge in Berlin.
Academy of Arts
The Academy of Arts is a building in Berlin-Mitte, Germany.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where was the republic proclaimed on November 9, 1918?
Who proclaimed a rival republic on the same day?
What triggered the revolution?
What happened to Kaiser Wilhelm II?
Is there a monument to the revolution at the Reichstag?
November Revolution 1918 – Reichstag: where is it located?
November Revolution 1918 – Reichstag: what is there to see?
November Revolution 1918 – Reichstag: when is the best time to visit?
November Revolution 1918 – Reichstag: why is it worth visiting?
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