1. We’re The Peace Treaties of 1919-1923 Fair? Flashcards
1.1 What were the motives and aims of Clemenceau?
- to ensure the future security of France as Germany had attacked twice in the previous 50 years.
- to punish Germany severely, leaving it weak.
- the permanent disarmament of Germany.
- a very high level of reparations to pay for the destruction caused by Germany.
- to return Alsace-Lorraine to France.
- the Rhineland to become an independent state so that France no longer shared a common border with Germany.
- the Saar Basin to be transferred to France.
1.1 What were the motives and aims of Wilson?
- a fair lasting peace to prevent Germany seeking revenge.
- aimed to allow nations to decide their own political future -self determination.
- international cooperation with countries working together to settle disputes peacefully in the future.
- his ‘Fourteen Points’ e.g. no more secret treaties and disarmament of all countries.
1.1 What were the motives and aims of Lloyd George?
- a “just and firm” peace which avoided Germany seeking revenge and satisfied the British people.
- a share of Germany’s colonies.
- the economic revival of Europe and the German economy so trade could be reestablished.
- to reduce the threat of communism coming from Russia.
- to maintain the strength of the British navy to protect Britain’s colonies.
1.2 What were the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles?
- War Guilt Clause (article 231): Germany was forced to accept total responsibility for starting the war.
- Reparations: Germany had to accept liability for the damage caused by the war and pay reparations. This was set at £6.6 billion.
- The Rhineland: The Rhineland was to be a demilitarised zone.
- Anschluss: Germany and its former ally Austria were not allowed to unite.
- Disarmament: The German army was limited to 100,000 men. No tanks or heavy artillery, military or naval Air Force, or submarines were permitted.
- League of Nations: An international police force was to be set up to prevent future wars.
1.3 Why did France not get everything it wanted?
The Treaty of Versailles did satisfy:
-the demilitarisation of the Rhineland secured the eastern frontier.
-Germany’s economic power and military was reduced.
-Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France.
-France was to be a major recipient of reparations.
France was to gain some of Germany’s colonies, e.g. Togoland.
The Treaty of Versailles did not satisfy:
- the creation of Rhineland into an independent state.
- Danzig would not be given to Poland.
- the french claim to the Saar Basin.
1.3 Why did the United States not get everything it wanted?
Pleased:
- League of Nations.
- some nations disarmed.
- the Rhineland remained part of Germany, allowing the return of economic strength and trading opportunity.
Displeased:
- too harsh
- the principle of free navigation of the seas was abandoned
- former colonies e.g. German South West Africa went to Britain, lack of self determination.
- Sudetenland no self determination too
1.3 Why did Britain not get everything it wanted?
The Treaty of Versailles satisfied the British as:
- it was moderated compared to what the french wanted.
- the British empire was extended.
- Germany would be able to contribute to the future economic prosperity of Europe.
- it could also act as a barrier for communism.
However, Lloyd George did not approve of the decision to put German speaking people under the rule of other countries.
1.4 What was the imapct of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany up to 1923?
The impact of the treaty of versailles:
- The Weiner Republic had been set up at the end of the war, it was already a fragile goverment but it was forced to sign to treaty, it made it more unpopular.
- There was an attempted revolt against this democratically elected givernment by the Freikorps, it failed but left Germany in chaos.
- There was also threat from the Spartacists who wanted a government based on communism.
- Germany could not afford to pay the reparation fees in 1922, this resulted in French and Belgian troops occupying the Ruhr.
- As revenue declined, the German Government began to print more money. This caused hyperinflation. The German Mark became worthless.
German reaction ro the Treaty of Versailles:
- They were apauled for having to sign the War Guikt Clause, even though they didn’t believe they had caused the war.
- Many were unaware that Germany had surrendered, they thought it had stopped fighting to make piece.
- They objected to the “diktat” or imposed peace, as they thought they should be allowed to participate in discussions.
- They felt as though they were being punished twice. Firstly through reparations and secondly by being deprived of important industrial areas, such as the Saar, to provide the resources needed to pay the reparations.
- The reduction in armaments brought a loss of pride and resentment. This also contributed to a feeling of insecurity as the size of the army was seen as too small to be abke to defend Germany from a possible French attack.
- Some German people were now living under foreign rule.
- Germnay was insulted as they were not invited to join the League of Nations.
Was Germna Reaction to the Treaty justified:
- Germany was accused of operating a double standard. The call for fair treatment was difficult to accept in view of the treatment of Russia at Brest-Litovsk.
- While the German reparations was large, it was only 2% of Germany’s annual production.
- The treatment toward Germany did not follow the 14 ponits.
1.5 How was Austria affected by the Treaty of St Germain, 10/09/1919?
-Autria had to accept the break up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was seperated from Hungary.
-Austria had to recognise the new independent states of Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Poland.
-Territory from the former Empire was transferred to Czechoslovakia, Poland, Yugoslavia, Italy, and Romania.
-Anschluss was forbidden.
1.5 How were Germany’s allies affected by the other peace treaties?
- War Guilt Clause
- Reparations
- Territory loss
1.5 How was Austria affected by the Treaty of Trianon, 04/06/1920?
- Hungary had to accept the break up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- Regocnise the independance.
- Territory was transferred to Czechoslovakia, Yugoslovakia, and Romania.
1.5 How was Bulgaria affected by the Treaty of Neuilly, 27/11/1919
- Bulgaria had to recognise the independence of Yugoslavia.
- Bulgaria lost territory to Greece, Yuglosavia, and Romania.
1.5 How was Turkey affected by the Treaties?
The Treaty if Sèvees, 10/08/1920:
- Turkey had to recognise the independence of teh Kingdom of Herjaz and Armenia.
- Turkey lost its provinces in the Middle East to Britain (Iraq) and France (Syria) under League mandates.
- Turkey lost territory to Greece and Italy.
- Thw Dardanelles Strait was to become an international waterway.
The Treaty of Lausanne, 14/07/1923:
- Turkey confirmed the loss of its provinces in the Middle East.
- Most of Turkey’s lost European territory was regained.
- The Dardannelles Strait was to return to Turkish sovereignty.
- Restrictions on armed forced were removed and the payment of reparations no longer applied.
