<P> Freikorps (German: (ˈfʁaɪˌkoːɐ̯), "Free Corps") were German volunteer units that existed from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, which effectively fought as mercenary or private armies, regardless of their own nationality . In German - speaking countries, the first so - called Freikorps ("free regiments", German: Freie Regimenter) were formed in the 18th century from native volunteers, enemy renegades and deserters . These sometimes exotically equipped units served as infantry and cavalry (or more rarely as artillery), sometimes in just company strength, sometimes in formations up to several thousand strong; there were also various mixed formations or legions . The Prussian von Kleist Freikorps included infantry, jäger, dragoons and hussars . The French Volontaires de Saxe combined uhlans and dragoons . </P> <P> In the aftermath of World War I and during the German Revolution of 1918--19, Freikorps consisting largely of World War I veterans were raised as right - wing paramilitary militias, ostensibly to fight on behalf of the government against the Soviet - backed German Communists attempting to overthrow the Weimar Republic . However, the Freikorps also largely despised the Republic and were involved in assassinations of its supporters . An entire series of Freikorps awards also existed . </P>

Who were the freikorps and what did they do
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