The years following WWI were characterised by uncertainty. Over to the east of Luxembourg, the Weimar Republic struggled to keep a government for longer than two years at a time.
Luxembourg also experienced this uncertainty and a true political crisis. Representatives of the Left called to abolish the monarchy, particularly in light of Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde's alleged pro-German attitude.
The Grand Duchess experienced pressure from within the country, as a volunteer corps revolted and declared Luxembourg a republic on 9 January 1919, and from external figures. The French government also believed her position had been compromised.
As it turns out, Marie-Adélaïde would abdicate six days later in favour of her sister, Charlotte. The revolt of the volunteer corps was bolstered by a committee of public safety, although French troops quickly stifled the revolt. 48 hours later, the republic was no more.
As a compromise, the Chamber of Deputies proposed a double referendum on both the political form of Luxembourg (monarchy or republic) and its economic direction.
According to historian Denis Scuto, right-wing politicians managed to delay a direct vote and ensured that when the vote occurred, nine months later on 28 September 1919, a large majority supported remaining a monarch (80%).
The government's political manoeuvring, including encouraging the Grand-Duchess to abdicate in favour of her younger sister, succeeded in putting an end to a rather short-lived revolution.
