How and why did international tensions remain high in the period between 1920 and 1923?

Question 1

When did the US senate reject peace settlement?

Answer 1

November 1919

Question 2

Effect of US not signing

Answer 2

• France is insecure (has no guarantee of American support)
• Britain focusing on relationships with countries outside outside of Europe, hence, France is isolated
  France more determined to prevent Germany’s post- post-war recovery
• Loss of Russia ally

Question 3

Why was communism feared?

Answer 3

-the fertile ground in many nations for revolutionary after WW1 ideologies to take root such as:
economic instability
high unemployment
inflation
social unrest
potential coordinated revolutions across borders

Question 4

why did the german currency devalue/ german suffer hyperinflation after ww1

Answer 4

• borrowed heavily during the war, expecting victory and reparations from other countries to offset these costs.
• massive debt and no reparations income
• the German Weimar government began printing more money, devaluing its currency.
• government encouraged passive resistance in Ruhr in response hence continued to print more money to support workers and businesses during this time, worsening inflation.
• lost gold standard

Question 5

Ruhr Crisis

Answer 5

Triggered by Germany’s failure to make reparations payments post WW1, French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr, Germany’s key industrial area, to seize coal and timber.
Passive resistance: Workers to refuse work, crippling the industry in the region
Consequence: Catastrophic economic effects, worsening inflation and further hindering Germany’s ability to meet reparations

Question 6

Corfu Incident

Answer 6

• In August 1923
• Italy occupied the Greek Island of Corfu after 4 Italians were killed during a border dispute.
• Mussolini Blamed Greece, bombarded the island and refused to withdraw despite LoN intervention
  Ended when Greece agreed to pay compensation
• Underscored Mussolini’s aggressive foreign policy and disregard for international authority (raised concerns against Europe)
  European reaction: Britain and France view Mussolini as potential ally against communism

Question 7

Turkey challenging LoN

Answer 7

• Challenged Paris Peace Conference decisions by retaking land awarded to Greece by the Treaty of Sèvres in 1922 (Smyrna and parts of Anatolia)
• Treaty of Lausanne (1923): Replaced the Treaty of Sèvres, allowing Turkey to regain territories. (Smyrna, Thrance and Aegean Islands of Imbros and Tenedos)
• Restored some national pride after “humiliations” of Treaty of Sèvres
  Set precedent for other nations to contest the post-war settlements

Question 8

Aim of Washing ton conference (1921-22)

Answer 8

• Aimed to alleviate tensions in East Asia due to Japanese expansion and to prevent a naval arms race
• Purpose: Address growing tensions in East Asia and discuss naval reductions to prevent conflict
• Participants: Nine nations were invited, including major powers:
  Naval “Powers”: USA, Britain, Japan, France, and Italy
  East Asian Focus: Belgium, China, Portugal, and the Netherlands
  Outcomes: Several treaties aimed at reducing naval capacities and ensuring stability in the region, which at the time appeared to guarantee peace in East Asia
• Significance: Established limits on naval armaments and sought to manage colonial tensions

Question 9

Role of the USA
(in recovery)

Answer 9

• Leading economy (emerged after war)
  - Benefited from repayment of war debts
  - Gained new markets
  - Economic Boom/“The Roaring twenties” (rise in consumerism)
  - Financial resources would help to overcome German reparations
• Hence, improving relations between France and Germany