How did Germany react to the Treaty of Versailles? Flashcards

1
Q

When were the terms of the treaty announced to the German public?

A

May 1919

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What was the general reaction amongst the German public to the treaty?

A

They were horrified and believed their politicians had betrayed them

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Why did Germans see the reduction in their armed forces as being unfair?

A
  • An army of 100,000 was too small for a country of Germany’s size
  • None of the Allies were asked to disarm (despite one of Wilson’s 14 points calling for disarmament)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Why did the German people hate Article 231 (the War Guilt Clause)?

A
  • They felt Germany alone did not cause the war. They felt the blame ought at least to be shared
  • The War Guilt Clause meant they had to pay reparations for all the damage caused by the war
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Why did the German people hate their loss of territory?

A
  • It was a major blow to the economy (the Saar and Upper Silesia were both important industrial areas)
  • The loss of colonies abroad allowed Britain and France to expand their own (already significant) empires
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Why did German representatives not protest against the terms of the treaty?

A

They were not represented at the peace talks in Paris

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

In what way did they feel the treaty contradicted Wilson’s Fourteen Points?

A

It denied Germany self-determination. Countries like Estonia and Latvia got to decide their own fate, German-speaking peoples were hived off into new states like Czechoslovakia to be ruled by non-Germans

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What was Germany not invited to join?

A

The League of Nations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Why did Ebert (the German leader) agree to sign such a harsh treaty?

A

If he didn’t, war would break out again and Germany would be quickly defeated. He had no option but to sign the treaty.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

When was the treaty signed by Ebert?

A

June 1919

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What name was given to the politicians who signed the armistice and the Treaty of Versailles?

A

The November Criminals

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which rebellion was inspired partly by the hatred of the reduction of the army?

A

The Kapp Putsch - Wolfgang Kapp thought it was humiliating

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly