Terms of the Treaty of Versailles Flashcards
What was the war guilt clause?
Germany was made to accept total blame for WWI (if you know your History you will know that the causes of WWI were more complex than it just being Germany’s fault.)
How much money did Germany have to pay in reparations?
£6.6 billion. This figure was agreed upon in 1921
What land did Germany lose? Try to think of 3 examples
- 10% of land and 12.5% of the population
All colonies - North Schleswig to Denmark
- Rhineland demilitarised (although still technically owned by Germany there were French troops based there)
- Saarland lost for 15 years
- Alsace-Lorraine to France
- West Prussia and Posen to Poland
- Upper Silesia to Poland (although Ger got half back)
- Danzig became a free city
- Union (Anschluss) with Austria forbidden
What military restrictions were there?
- 100,000 men in army
- No conscription
- No tanks, submarines, aircraft
- Only 6 battleships in the navy
- Rhineland demilitarised
When were the terms of the Treaty announced?
Summer 1919, once the winning leaders had had time to decide what to do
What was the reaction in Germany to the Treaty?
Most people were appalled. People felt tricked as they thought that thought the Treaty would be based on Wilson’s 14 points. There was also a new government so they didn’t see why should have to take the blame for the Kaiser.
Who was the ‘stab in the back’ theory aimed at?
Socialist and Liberal politicians who had signed the armistice and peace treaty. It was believed by some that the army could have won but politicians just gave up.
How much of an impact would you say the Treaty had?
One of the reasons why Hitler came to power was because he reminded people of how harsh the Treaty had been. Hitler promised to rebuild Germany and restore pride. Perhaps if the Treaty of Versailles had not been so harsh Hitler may not have come to power.
