ABSTRACT
The system of dual lines first established in Kiel quickly became the model for the institutionalization of revolutionary authority throughout most of Germany. For farmers and urban landlords war and revolution presented a mixed picture. Initially, large-scale farmers and house owners benefited from the effects of the inflation. The armistice ending World War I took effect on November 11, 1918. Most Germans welcomed peace, although few appreciated the magnitude of the problems that lay ahead. The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) completely unexpected proposal left the Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany (USPD) in a quandary. The USPD experienced a veritable explosion of members and votes in the wake of the counterrevolutionary activities that culminated in the Kapp putsch of 1920. Some left-wing radicals like Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg were passionately opposed to working together with the right-wing socialists.
