SHHS-History-GCSE Year 11 Unit 1/ Topic 2: Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations Flashcards
What were Clemenceau’s aims at the Paris Peace Conference?
To ‘make Germany pay’ for the destruction caused by the First World War. The French people wanted revenge, both for the humiliation of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 and the 1.4 million French dead and massive damage to land and property from World War One. Clemenceau had seen France invaded twice, by Germany, in his lifetime and was determined to crush Germany so that it could never threaten France again. He wanted German disarmament, the return of Alsace-Lorraine and huge reparations.
Who were the ‘Big Three’ at the Paris Peace Conference?
Leaders of three most important victorious countries: the Prime Minister of Great Britain, David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister of France, Georges Clemenceau (nicknamed ‘the Tiger’) and President of USA, Woodrow Wilson.
What were David Lloyd George’s aims at the Paris Peace Conference?
Twofold. Firstly, he needed to satisfy the British people’s desire to see Germany punished for starting World War One, but, personally, he was very concerned that Germany should not be punished too harshly. He wanted Germany to become a stable trading partner for Britain and knew that, if the French got their way and Germany was ‘crushed’, trade with Britain would not be possible. Also, he feared that a ruined, bitter and poverty-stricken Germany would be prey to the spread of Communism from the East.
What were Wilson’s aims at the Paris Peace Conference?
He wanted a ‘just and lasting peace’ based on his ‘14 points’ for the avoidance of future conflict. He wrote these in January 1918 and they promoted the ideals of free trade and open diplomacy, with countries openly discussing issues and ending the use of secret treaties. He wanted to see self-determination and the formation of a League of Nations. He was not interested in seeing Germany ‘made to pay’ more than other countries. During the conference, however, he began to give into Cemenceau’s views and putting his faith in the League of Nations, rather than Versailles to maintain peace.
Why did Lloyd George publicly state on 11th Dec, 1918 that ‘Germany must pay every last farthing’, when he, personally, believed it was wrong to punish Germany too harshly?
Because he was facing a general election in Britain and had to appeal to voters, many of whom had suffered as a result of the First World War and were keen to seek revenge on Germany i.e. to ‘make Germany pay’.
Name any of Wilson’s 14 Points.
No secret treaties Freedom of the seas for all nations Free trade Disarmament for all nations Colonies to have a say in their futures German troops to withdraw from Russia Independence for Belgium Alsace-Lorraine to return to France Border of Austria and Italy to be adjusted Self-determination for the people of Eastern Europe Serbia to have access to the sea Self-determination for people in the Turkish a Empire Poland to be independent A League of Nations to be set up
When and why did Germany sign the Treaty of Versailles?
28th July, 1919. They were forced to sign because Germany did not have the resources or desire to restart the war.
What did the German government call the Treaty of Versailles and why?
A ‘diktat’ (dictated peace) because they felt they had no choice but to sign, despite their opposition of the terms of the treaty, given that they could not restart the war. This treaty and its terms, therefore, had been forced upon them as a defeated nation.
How did the Treaty of Versailles punish Germany in terms of land?
Alsace-Lorraine was restored to France, Eupen and Malmedy were given to Belgium, North Schleswig to Denmark, Saar coalfield was put under League of Nation control for 15 years, and France was allowed to take the coal produced there for that time.
Land was given to restore an independent Poland, creating a ‘Polish Corridor’ which divided East Prussia from the rest of Germany. Port of Danzig was made a ‘free city’. Upper Silesia went to Poland, and the port of Memel was to be ruled by the League.
Germany lost all the land it had gained from Russia in the 1918 treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
Germany lost all of its colonies. They became ‘mandates’ run by the League.
What military restrictions were placed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?
Limit of 100,000 men in the army. Conscription, tanks and military aircraft were forbidden. Navy limited to 15,000 men, and it was to have only 6 battleships and no submarines (the German navy scuttled its whole fleet, at Scapa Flow in the Orkneys rather than hand it over to the allies). The Rhineland (on the German border with France) was to be a demilitarised zone i.e. no German troops, weapons or fortifications were allowed within 50 kms of the river Rhine.
What was Clause 231 of the Treaty of Versailles and why was it significant?
It was the ‘War Guilt Clause’. In signing the Treaty, and accepting this clause, Germany was accepting the blame for starting World War One. This meant that the Allies could legally demand reparations from Germany. It was also a moral condemnation of Germany. The Germans despised this clause, regarding it as highly unfair that Germany should take sole blame for starting the war. The amount of reparations was to be decided by a Reparations Commission.
What percentage of its land did Germany lose at Versailles?
10% of its land
What percentage of its population did Germany lose at Versailles?
12.5% of its population - between 6 and 7 million people.
How much of its industrial strength did Germany lose at Versailles?
16% of its coalfields, almost half of its iron and steel industries.
What was the amount of money set as reparations to be paid by Germany and when was it set?
In 1921, the Reparations Commission set the amount to be paid at £6,600 million. Germany was given 42 years to pay.
