Ebert- Gröner Exchange
Ebert with militaryThe new German Republic turned to the old army to consolidate its power. The price for military cooperation was the suppression of revolutionary workers. Here Friedrich Ebert (third from the left), chairman of the provisional government, consults with their military allies. Photo Courtesy of AKG, London
"Ebert: What do you expect from us?
Groener: The Field Marshal (Hindenburg) expects that the government will support the Officer's Corps, maintian discipline, and preserve the punishment regulations of the Army. He expects that satisfactory provision will be made for the complete maintenance of the Army.
Ebert: What else?
Groener: The Officers' Corps expects that the government will fight against Bolshevism, and places itself at the disposal of the government for such a purpose.
Ebert (after a slight pause): Convey the thanks of the government to the Field Marshal."

Cited in R. G. L. Waite, Vanguard of Nazism. The Free Corps Movement in Postwar Germany 1918-1923 (Cambridge, Harvard University Press, 1970), pg. 5.

Postcard from the Revolution Days


Postcard from the Revolution Days, saying "The New Volksreichkanzler (Prime Minister) Ebert"