The Peace Treaties Flashcards
When did the German’s sign a cease fire?
On 11 November 1918, Germany had signed a cease-fire. It was called ‘the Armistice’.
Why were the German’s upset about the Treaty of Versailles
There were (number) reasons
1) Germany was not allowed to send any delegates. Only the Allies were invited to the Conference - and they imposed their terms upon Germany.
2) The Germans hated reparations; they said France and Britain were trying to starve their children to death.
3) The Germans hated their tiny army. They said they were helpless against other countries.
4) The Germans also hated the loss of territory. Germany lost a tenth of its land - they claimed that the treaty was simply an attempt to destroy their economy.
Who were the three main attendees of the conference?
- Georges Clemenceau, the Prime Minister of France
- Woodrow Wilson, the President of America .
- David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister of Britain
What did the French and their Prime Minister want?
He wanted revenge, and to punish the Germans for what they had done.
He wanted to make Germany pay for the damage done during the war.
He also wanted to weaken Germany, so France would never be invaded again.
What did the Americans and their president want?
He wanted to make the world safe. He wanted to end war by making a fair peace.
He said that he wanted disarmament, and a League of Nations (where countries could talk out their problems, without war).
He also promised self-determination for the peoples of Eastern Europe.
What were the fourteen points?
The fourteen points were published by the President of America in 1918
Initially, the Germans rejected them as the basis for peace but - after they were forced to end the war, and after the much harsher terms of the TOV, they wanted the peace treaty to be based on the Fourteen Points. This helped to build up German resentment against the Armistice and the Treaty of Versailles.
What did the British and their Prime Minister want?
He said he would ‘make Germany pay’ – because he knew that was what the British people wanted to hear.
He wanted ‘justice’, but he did not want revenge. He said that the peace must not be harsh – that would just cause another war in a few years time. He tried to get a ‘halfway point’ – a compromise between Wilson and Clemenceau.
He ALSO wanted to expand the British Empire, maintain British control of the seas, and increase Britain’s trade
What were the terms of the treaty (BRAT)
Blame = Germany had to accept Blame (Article 231 ) Reparations = Germany had to pay £6,600 million for the damage done during the war. Taken them until 1980 Army = Navy of only six battleships, Army of just 100,000 volunteers, No troops in the Rhineland Territory = Its colonies were given to Britain and France
They also couldn’t join the League of Nations
