ESSAY 2 vs 2 Flashcards
INTRODUCTION
(lead in)
The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, is often viewed as a pivotal moment in history that sought to bring about lasting peace following the devastation of World War I. This treaty, which officially ended the war, aimed to establish a new order in Europe by addressing the causes of the conflict and preventing future wars.
INTRODUCTION
(address the question)
By examining 2 reasons for and 2 against the fairness of the Treaty of Versailles, we can better understand the impacts it had on Germany and the rest of the world.
INTRODUCTION
(menu)
Such as how it was intended to prevent future conflict with Germany and hold the nation accountable for their crimes. However it unfortunately led Germany to economic ruin and did not follow Wilson’s fourteen points.
FOR REASON: 1
(topic sentence)
One of the primary reasons some historians consider the treaty fair is its intention to hold Germany accountable for its actions during the war.
FOR REASON: 1
(Example & Explanation)
By imposing territorial losses, the treaty aimed to diminish Germany’s capacity to initiate future conflicts. An important land loss was the Saar coal site, which was one of the centres of the Industrial Revolution in Germany.
FOR REASON: 1
(linking sentence)
This accountability was seen as a necessary measure to promote stability across Europe, as it sought to deter any potential aggression from Germany, thereby establishing a framework that would ideally prevent another catastrophic war.
FOR REASON: 2
(topic sentence)
The second reason is that, the Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, was perceived as a fait accompli (done deal) by Germany partly because of the precedent set by the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
FOR REASON: 2
(Example & Explanation)
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, signed in March 1918, was an agreement between Germany and Russia that ended Russia’s participation in World War I and resulted in significant territorial losses for Russia. The harsh terms imposed on Russia demonstrated Germany’s approach to peacemaking, which involved extracting heavy concessions from a defeated foe.
FOR REASON: 2
(linking sentence)
When the tables turned and Germany found itself on the losing side at Versailles, the Allies, particularly France and Britain, sought to impose similarly stringent conditions on Germany, leading to a sense of inevitability and resignation among Germans regarding their harsh treatment.
AGAINST REASON: 1
(topic sentence)
On the other hand, many argue that the Treaty of Versailles was fundamentally unfair to Germany, particularly due to the severe consequences imposed on Germany.
AGAINST REASON: 1
- a
(Example & Evidence)
One of the most significant effects was the financial reparations mandated by the treaty. The Allied powers held Germany accountable for the war, demanding that it pay approximately 132 billion gold marks (around $33 billion at the time) in reparations.
AGAINST REASON: 1
- b
(Example & Evidence)
This financial burden crippled the German economy, leading to hyperinflation in the early 1920s, widespread unemployment, and social unrest.
AGAINST REASON: 2
(topic sentence)
Furthermore, the Treaty of Versailles was deemed unfair by Germans because they had anticipated a peace settlement aligned with the U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points, which advocated for a fair and equitable resolution to the conflict.
AGAINST REASON: 1
(linking sentence)
The government struggled to make these payments, leading to further resentment among the German population who felt humiliated and overwhelmed by the economic instability. Later laying the foundation for World War Two.
AGAINST REASON: 2
(Example & Evidence)
Wilson’s points emphasised self-determination, free trade, and disarmament, offering a more lenient and balanced approach to peace. However, the actual Treaty of Versailles diverged significantly from these ideals, imposing severe reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany.
