9 November: Philipp Scheidemann (the Social Democratic Party of Germany) proclaims the German Republic

After four years of war and a naval blockade that leaves many people starving, the German Empire is completely burnt-out. When sailors refuse to obey orders on warships in early November, a revolution spreads throughout Germany. In the aftermath Emperor Wilhelm II is deposed and flees into exile. Scheidemann’s proclamation of the republic is the logical consequence. Two days later, the ceasefire is signed. The constitution of the Weimar Republic comes into force in August 1919.