Kings Depart Summary

Richard Watt’s Kings Depart: The German Revolution and the Treaty of Versailles, 1918-19 argues that the German Revolution played a major part in postwar Germany(Thesis). The history type is one of the German people after the defeat of WWI. Watt wants to bring to light the unknown history of Germany between the armistice of November and the Treaty of Versailles. The intended audience of Watt is those interested in the German revolution and the interwar period. The evidence used by Watt varies from personal diaries to newspapers of that era to re-accounts by those who survived.

After the Kaiserschlacht was stalled by American reinforcements, the allied unleash their own push. The Hundred Days Offensive demolished the German army along

the western front. The people t home began rioting and protesting the terrible conditions due to the blockade of Germany. The Chancellor abdicated in favor of Prince Max. The new chancellor sued for peace with Wilson. Wilson agreed that Germany would only face his 14 points as the peace deal. The Supreme Command at Spa, Belgium was informed that they were to ask for an armistice. The Allied gave the Germans a humiliated armistice. The Germans would withdraw behind the Rhine river, deep into Germany. Meanwhile, the imperial government collapsed completely. The socialists seized control of the government and established a republic, with elections scheduled for may. The Kaiser fled to Germany and the army return home. The nation faced communist uprising, inspired by Lenin and Trotsky. However right-wing members of the army who still opposed communism. The Spartacist uprising as it was called was a failure. However, Germany still faced the allied powers. The treaty of Versailles turned Germany from an empire to a fledgling republic. From this humiliation rose Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party.

One strength that Watt has in his book is the usage of a narrative process. The book feels as if it is a story being told not actual history. He identifies the important character thought the book, from Hindenburg to Noske. this makes the rather long book very entertaining. in addition, the setup of the organization makes it feel like a movie, with scenes stabilizing in a clam and changing quickly in times of excitement.

A second strength is the suspense built into the book. Watt is able to add mystery to a seemingly solved case. Suspense is built by Watts usage of foreshadowing. This creates a mysterious and exciting tone that keeps the reader hooked to the book. It also makes the book fly by even though it is extremely long. I personally enjoyed the suspense is it made the reading fun and enjoyable.

On weakness seen in the book is the lack of an organized timeline. The book had dozens of characters and events. I think that an organized timeline at the end of the book that included the time of events, their location and the people involved would greatly aid readers. I for one had to constantly look through the book for any piece of specific information. I think that had What could have easily done this and I think it would improve the quality of the book.

Watt wrote a very coherent and persuasive argument. His argument about the importance of the German revolution and the importance of the inner-peace era are very valid and thoroughly supported.
His thesis clearly stated in the Afterwards section “The German Republic which had been born on November 9, 1918, was now, only sixteen years later, died, having never attained a status of legitimacy in the minds of the German people. The disaster was complete.”(530). Watt also uses many sources such as the meiors of Hindenburg, Ludendorff, Eske, and Noske. In addition, the usage of newspapers from the time and the quotation of the Treaties also provide the Ethos needed to make the argument persuasive.