1. international relations- the versailles peace settlement Flashcards
What was the Treaty of Versailles?
An unhappy compromise between the USA, Britain, and France at the end of the First World War.
Who were the Big Three leaders at the Versailles Peace Settlement?
David Lloyd George (Britain), Georges Clemenceau (France), and Woodrow Wilson (USA).
What did Clemenceau want from the Treaty of Versailles?
To punish Germany severely.
What was Woodrow Wilson’s stance on the Treaty of Versailles?
He wanted a lenient peace that would reduce the likelihood of another war.
What was Lloyd George’s position regarding the Treaty?
He was caught between the British desire for revenge and the need for Germany’s economy to recover.
What were the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?
Germany lost all colonies, 10% of its land, 12.5% of its population, and its armed forces were limited to 100,000 men and six small naval vessels.
What crucial acceptance did Germany have to make in the Treaty?
Germany had to accept the blame for the war.
What was Germany banned from doing according to the Treaty?
Germany was banned from uniting (Anschluss) with Austria.
What was the League of Nations?
An international police force established to maintain peace.
Who proposed the League of Nations?
President Wilson.
What was the Council in the League of Nations?
The main decision-making body that met five times a year or during emergencies.
What was the purpose of the Assembly in the League of Nations?
A parliament that met once a year.
What role did the Court of International Justice play?
It helped settle disputes between countries.
What was the Financial Committee’s goal?
To promote trade worldwide to reduce the likelihood of conflict.
What was the purpose of the Refugee and Health Committee?
To improve the quality of life and organize aid for people fleeing warfare or disease.
What was the aim of the International Labour Organisation?
To improve workers’ rights and limit the spread of Communism from the USSR.
How was the Treaty of Versailles viewed in Germany?
It was wildly unpopular and seen as a mistake.
What was the immediate reaction to the Treaty in Germany?
It was heavily criticized in the media.
What did many Germans believe about the war and the Treaty?
They believed they had signed an armistice and had not lost the war, viewing the Treaty as a betrayal.
What was the War Guilt clause?
Article 231, which blamed only Germany for the war.
How did German politicians use the resentment of the Treaty?
They used it to discredit the new German government, notably Hitler.
What fundamentally weakened the League of Nations?
The absence of the USA.
President Wilson wanted the League to prevent war and encourage peace, but the US chose not to join.
Who were the primary countries leading the League of Nations?
Britain and France.
Both countries were recovering financially from the effects of the war.
What challenges did Britain and France face in leading the League?
They lacked the money and will to make a major impact.
