3 May

Revolt in Upper Silesia by the Polish minority there, which does not want to accept the result of the referendum held in March. Subsequent clashes occur between the Freikorps and Polish groups. An agreement is only reached in October.
[Kolb, p. 47]

4 May

Constantin Fehrenbach’s government resigns due to the gridlocked negotiations on reparations and the US’s refusal to act as a mediator in the crisis.
[Overesch/Saal, p. 142]

6 May

Since Germany categorically refuses to meet the Allies’ reparation demands, a new payment plan is developed. The “London Schedule of Payments” reduces the total amount of reparations to 132 billion goldmarks and also stipulates how reparations are to be paid. [Kolb, p. 46]

The German Foreign Minister directs negotiations leading to a trade agreement with Soviet Russia. Germany hopes to secure access to the market in the East via this agreement. At the same time, the government seeks to consult with Britain on Germany’s closer relations with Russia, as Germany does not want to deepen relations with Russia without consulting the Western powers. Above and beyond this, secret discussions are taking place on military cooperation. [Niedhart, p. 12]

9 May

The Center Party, the USPD and the SPD as well as parts of the DVP and the DDP announce that they are in favor of accepting the London Ultimatum.
[Overesch/Saal, p. 142]

10 May

After the Wirth cabinet is formed, comprising the parties in the Weimar Coalition, the Reichstag votes by a narrow majority in favor of accepting the “London Schedule of Payments”.
[Kolb, p. 46]

11 May

The national government accepts the London Ultimatum.
[Overesch/Saal, p. 143]

20 May

Germany concludes a peace treaty with China.
[Overesch/Saal, p. 143]

29 May

During a referendum in Salzburg, 90,000 votes are cast for becoming part of Germany versus 800 votes against.
[Overesch/Saal, p. 144]