Part 1 : Peacemaking Flashcards
What is an armistice?
An armistice is an agreement to stop fighting temporarily while a peace treaty is negotiated. The First World War armistice was signed on 11th November 1918 at 11 am.
Where and when was the armistice signed to end World War I?
It was signed on 11th November 1918 at 11:00 AM in Ferdinand Foch’s railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, about 37 miles north of Paris.
What were the key terms of the armistice?
- Fighting ceased at 11:00 AM.
- Germany surrendered 2,500 heavy guns, 25,000 machine guns, and all warships.
- Release of Allied prisoners of war.
- German troops withdrew from the Rhine within 14 days.
Who were the Big Three at the Paris Peace Conference?
Georges Clemenceau (France), Woodrow Wilson (USA), and David Lloyd George (Great Britain).
What were Georges Clemenceau’s main aims at Versailles?
To weaken Germany, ensure French security, demand heavy reparations, and regain Alsace-Lorraine and control over the Saar Basin for 15 years.
What were Woodrow Wilson’s ‘Fourteen Points’?
A plan for fair peace including self-determination, disarmament, free trade, open diplomacy, and the creation of the League of Nations and fair and lasting peace without placing full blame on Germany.
What were Lloyd George’s aims for the treaty?
- A strong Germany for trade.
- Moderate punishment to avoid German revenge.
- British naval dominance.
What were the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?
Reduction of the army to 100,000 men, no submarines or air force and only 6 battleships, reparations of £6.6 billion, War Guilt Clause (Article 231), and territorial losses including Alsace-Lorraine to France and the demilitarisation of the Rhineland.
What territorial losses did Germany face?
- Alsace-Lorraine returned to France.
- Saar Basin controlled by the League for 15 years.
- Polish Corridor created, splitting Germany into two.
- Overseas colonies were given to Britain and France.
What were the political and economic impacts on Germany?
- Reparations of £6.6 billion (132 billion gold marks).
- Acceptance of the War Guilt Clause (Article 231).
- Exclusion from the League of Nations.
What is the ‘War Guilt Clause’ in the Treaty of Versailles?
Article 231, which made Germany accept full responsibility for starting the First World War.
How did the French public react to the Treaty of Versailles?
Many believed it was not harsh enough on Germany and criticised Clemenceau for not ensuring more severe punishment and for not securing French borders fully. Therefore, Clemenceau resigned in 1920.
How did Britain react to the treaty?
- Mixed feelings: some thought it was too harsh, while others wanted harsher terms.
- Lloyd George was celebrated for ensuring Britain’s naval supremacy.
What were David Lloyd George’s aims at Versailles?
To balance punishing Germany with maintaining trade opportunities, satisfy British public opinion, and ensure Britain’s naval supremacy.
How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany’s economy and military?
It imposed heavy reparations, reduced their military significantly, and caused territorial losses, leading to economic hardship and political instability.
What were the four other treaties in the Versailles Settlement?
Treaty of St Germain (Austria, 1919), Treaty of Neuilly (Bulgaria, 1919), Treaty of Trianon (Hungary, 1920), Treaty of Sevres (Turkey, 1920).
What was the reaction in Germany to the Treaty of Versailles?
Germans viewed it as a ‘diktat’ (imposed settlement) and felt humiliated by the War Guilt Clause and economic reparations. They were outrages over reparations and territorial losses.
How did the USA react to the Treaty of Versailles?
- Some Americans felt the treaty was too harsh.
- The Senate rejected the treaty and the USA did not join the League of Nations
Why did the USA not join the League of Nations?
Many Americans were isolationists, opposed to further involvement in European conflicts, and rejected the harshness of the Treaty of Versailles.
What were the key compromises of the Big Three at Versailles?
Clemenceau accepted a demilitarised Rhineland, Wilson abandoned free navigation of the seas, and Lloyd George agreed to the independence of Eastern European nations.
What were the key treaties of the Versailles Settlement besides Versailles?
Treaty of St Germain (1919):
- Broke up Austria-Hungary, creating new states like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.
- Anschluss with Germany was forbidden.
Treaty of Trianon (1920):
- Hungary lost two-thirds of its territory to Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia.
Treaty of Neuilly (1919):
- Bulgaria lost land to Greece, Romania, and Yugoslavia.
Treaty of Sèvres (1920):
- Ottoman Empire lost land to Britain and France in the Middle East.
How did the Treaty of St Germain (1919) impact Austria?
Austria lost significant territory, Anschluss with Germany was forbidden, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire was dismantled.
How did the Treaty of Neuilly (1919) impact Bulgaria?
Bulgaria lost territory to Greece, Romania, and Yugoslavia, and was forced to reduce its military.
What was the Treaty of Trianon (1920) and its impact on Hungary?
Hungary lost two-thirds of its land and one-third of its population, causing economic collapse and ethnic tensions.
What were the terms of the Treaty of Sevres (1920) for Turkey?
The Ottoman Empire was dismantled, territories were ceded, and the army was restricted to 50,000 troops.
How did the Treaty of Lausanne (1923) differ from the Treaty of Sevres?
Restored Turkish sovereignty, gave Turkey control of the Dardanelles, and removed reparations.
What were the consequences of these treaties?
- Significant border changes in Europe and the Middle East.
- Widespread resentment and instability, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Turkey.
What were the strengths of the Versailles Settlement?
- Temporarily removed Germany as a threat.
- Established the League of Nations.
- Introduced self-determination in Eastern Europe.
What were the weaknesses of the Versailles Settlement?
- Overly harsh on Germany, creating resentment.
- Failed to address long-term stability.
- Excluded key powers like the USA and USSR.
- Economic terms devastated Germany, leading to hyperinflation.
How did the Treaty of Versailles impact Germany’s military?
Army limited to 100,000 troops, no tanks, air force, or submarines, and Rhineland demilitarised.
What was the ‘Dolchstoss’ (stab-in-the-back) myth in Germany?
A belief that Germany’s defeat in WWI was caused by betrayal from politicians who signed the armistice, called ‘November Criminals.’
How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to WWII?
Economic hardship, national humiliation, and political instability fostered resentment, enabling the rise of Hitler
What lessons can be learned from the Versailles Settlement?
Harsh treaties can foster resentment, economic stability is crucial for peace, and fair negotiations help achieve lasting agreements.
Why was the Rhineland demilitarised under the Treaty of Versailles?
To create a buffer zone and protect France from future German aggression.
What was the Polish Corridor, and why was it controversial?
A strip of land given to Poland to provide access to the sea, dividing Germany into two parts. It left 1 million Germans under Polish rule, causing resentment in Germany.
How did David Lloyd George balance British public opinion with his aims at Versailles?
He campaigned to “make Germany pay” to satisfy the public’s demand for revenge. He also aimed to keep Germany strong enough to trade with Britain and act as a buffer against communism.
Why was the Treaty of Lausanne necessary?
It addressed the backlash in Turkey against the Treaty of Sevres. Restored territorial sovereignty and removed reparations.
How should the Versailles Settlement be remembered?
As an ambitious but flawed attempt at peace. It created the League of Nations and restructured Europe but sowed resentment.
What were the political consequences of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?
It led to political instability, fuelled extremist movements like the Nazis, and created resentment over the ‘War Guilt Clause.’
How did the Treaty of Versailles handle disarmament?
Germany’s army was limited to 100,000 troops with no conscription, tanks, submarines, or air force. The Rhineland was demilitarised.
What is the significance of the Treaty of Lausanne (1923)?
It reversed many terms of the Treaty of Sevres, restoring Turkish sovereignty and strengthening its control over key areas.
What were the economic terms of the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany had to pay reparations amounting to 132 billion gold marks (£6.6 billion). Loss of the Saar region reduced its resources.
Why was France unhappy with the Treaty of Versailles?
The French felt it was not harsh enough, as Germany was still allowed to exist as a country and maintain some military capabilities.
How did the League of Nations aim to prevent future conflicts?
By providing a platform for nations to resolve disputes diplomatically, promoting disarmament, and fostering cooperation.
How did the Treaty of Versailles impact international relations in the 1920s?
It created resentment and instability, particularly in Germany, and set a precedent for punitive peace settlements.
What were Wilson’s concerns about harsh reparations on Germany?
Wilson feared economic collapse in Germany could destabilise Europe and lead to the spread of communism.
How did the Versailles Settlement create instability in Eastern Europe?
Newly created states like Czechoslovakia struggled with ethnic tensions, and the division of Austria-Hungary caused chaos.
What were Clemenceau’s aims for French security?
To weaken Germany militarily, regain Alsace-Lorraine, and ensure France was protected from future German aggression.
What were the long-term consequences of the Treaty of Versailles?
Contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. Undermined European stability, leading to WWII.
What role did self-determination play in the Versailles Settlement?
Self-determination led to the creation of new states like Poland and Czechoslovakia but was inconsistently applied, leaving some groups dissatisfied.
How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany’s territorial integrity?
Germany lost territories such as Alsace-Lorraine, the Saar Basin, and its overseas colonies, reducing its size and resources.
What was the significance of the League of Nations for international relations?
It was the first international organisation aimed at maintaining peace, but its effectiveness was limited by the absence of major powers like the USA.
Why was the Treaty of Sevres replaced by the Treaty of Lausanne?
Turkish resistance to Sevres led to the renegotiation, resulting in Lausanne, which restored sovereignty and control to Turkey.
How did reparations under the Treaty of Versailles impact Germany’s economy?
Reparations strained Germany’s economy, leading to hyperinflation and significant social unrest in the 1920s.
How did Britain’s public opinion influence Lloyd George’s decisions at Versailles?
British citizens demanded harsh treatment for Germany, forcing Lloyd George to balance public expectations with practical diplomacy.
What was the Saar Basin, and why was it important?
A coal-rich region placed under League of Nations control for 15 years; its resources were crucial to Germany’s economy but were used for French benefit post-WWI.
What was the Treaty of Neuilly’s impact on Bulgaria?
Bulgaria lost territories to Greece, Romania, and Yugoslavia, weakening its economy and reducing its regional influence.
How did the Treaty of Versailles address disarmament beyond Germany?
Other Central Powers were also required to disarm under treaties like Trianon and Neuilly, aiming to limit militarisation in Europe.
What were the consequences of the Treaty of Trianon for Hungary?
Hungary lost significant territory, reducing its population and resources, and fostering resentment among ethnic Hungarians left outside its borders.
Why did the USA refuse to ratify the Treaty of Versailles?
Isolationist sentiment and concerns about entangling alliances led the US Senate to reject both the treaty and League of Nations membership.
How did the Treaty of Versailles aim to prevent future wars?
By reducing Germany’s military power, redistributing territory, and creating the League of Nations to promote dialogue and collective security.
Why was the Polish Corridor controversial?
It split Germany in two, creating significant resentment among Germans and placing 1 million under Polish control.
What lessons from Versailles influenced later peace settlements?
Versailles highlighted the dangers of excessively punitive treaties, leading to calls for fairer, more inclusive diplomacy in future.
How did the Treaty of St Germain impact Austria’s post-war status?
Austria became a small republic, losing significant territory and economic stability, and was forbidden from uniting with Germany.
How did Wilson’s idealism clash with European priorities at Versailles?
Wilson sought a just and fair peace, while European leaders prioritised punitive measures and territorial gains.
How did the Treaty of Versailles handle German colonies?
Germany’s colonies were confiscated and turned into League of Nations mandates, administered by Britain and France.
What challenges did the League of Nations face in its early years?
The absence of major powers like the USA, limited enforcement powers, and reliance on collective security weakened its effectiveness.
How did Clemenceau view the Treaty of Versailles?
Clemenceau believed it was necessary to weaken Germany but was criticised at home for not achieving harsher terms.
How did the Treaty of Versailles affect German politics?
It fuelled nationalist resentment, destabilising the Weimar Republic and paving the way for extremist parties like the Nazis.
Why was the Treaty of Sevres so unpopular in Turkey?
It dismantled the Ottoman Empire, imposed severe territorial losses, and restricted Turkey’s sovereignty, prompting a nationalist backlash.
What role did reparations play in Germany’s hyperinflation?
The demand for reparations payments in gold and foreign currency devalued the German mark, leading to hyperinflation and economic collapse.
How did territorial changes after WWI create ethnic tensions?
New borders often ignored ethnic divisions, leaving minorities under foreign rule, particularly in Eastern Europe.
