Freikorps

Freikorps were paramilitarymilitias formed in the aftermath of World War I and during the German Revolution of 1918–19. Freikorps units consisted primarily of demobilised soldiers, young men, and conservative nationalists blaming socialists and communists for Germany's problems.

They were ostensibly mustered to fight on behalf of the Weimar government against the German communists during the Spartacist uprising. However, many Freikorps also largely despised the Republic and were involved in assassinations of its supporters, later aiding the Nazis in their rise to power.

Following the Kapp Putsch in 1920, most Freikorps units were forcibly dissolved by the government, with Freikorps paramilitants often ending up in other conservative or nationalist paramilitary units.