Abstract
General von Seeckt was made head of the Reichswehr (Chef der Heeresleitung) as a result of the Kapp-Luttwitz Putsch (1920). We have traced how the Freikorps formations were formed, and became a two-edged sword, both negative and positive in effect. How did von Seeckt cope with the numerous crises? What was his concept of managing the various domestic crises and the burden of the Versailles Treaty? Since there has been much research in this period I have tried to put more light on lesser known facts and persons, especially Wolfgang Kapp, his collaborators, emphasizing the part played by Russo-German military relations, and Mentzel's mission to Russia.