How did Germany react to the Treaty of Versailles? Flashcards
When were the terms of the treaty announced to the German public?
May 1919
What was the general reaction amongst the German public to the treaty?
They were horrified and believed their politicians had betrayed them
Why did Germans see the reduction in their armed forces as being unfair?
- 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)
Why did the German people hate Article 231 (the War Guilt Clause)?
- 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
Why did the German people hate their loss of territory?
- 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
Why did German representatives not protest against the terms of the treaty?
They were not represented at the peace talks in Paris
In what way did they feel the treaty contradicted Wilson’s Fourteen Points?
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
What was Germany not invited to join?
The League of Nations
Why did Ebert (the German leader) agree to sign such a harsh treaty?
If he didn’t, war would break out again and Germany would be quickly defeated. He had no option but to sign the treaty.
When was the treaty signed by Ebert?
June 1919
What name was given to the politicians who signed the armistice and the Treaty of Versailles?
The November Criminals
Which rebellion was inspired partly by the hatred of the reduction of the army?
The Kapp Putsch - Wolfgang Kapp thought it was humiliating
