The Treaty of Versailles Flashcards
What did France wanted out of the Treaty (Clemenceau)
France wanted to punish Germany severely. They felt that Germany should be crippled. Germany should also pay reparations and also lose large amount of land. The aim was to keep Germany weak to prevent Germany from invading France again.
What did The United Kingdom wanted out of the Treaty (Loyd George)
The UK felt that Germany should be punished but no crippled. They felt that Germany should not be allowed to build a strong navy. They see Germany as a potential trading partner. Unjust treatment of Germany might lead to future war. The aim was to protect British Empire and promote trade.
What did The United States of America wanted out of the Treaty (Wilson)
The USA wanted to punish Germany, but felt the treaty should be just peace for all. Self determination important for people in Europe to prevent another war. The aim was to Promote peace and Democracy.
What are the Terms of the Treaty and how it impacted Germany (Germany had to accept war guilt)
First Term: Germany had to accept war guilt
According to article 231, Germany had to agree to bear full responsibility for starting the war. This led to reparations that needed to be paid to the Allied power - 6.6 Billion Pounds
This caused Germans to be greatly angered as they did not feel they deserved total blame for the war. The newly formed Weimar Government had to accept the Treaty and the Humiliation.
What are the Terms of the Treaty and how it impacted Germany (Germany lost lands)
Second Term: Germany lost lands
Germany lost land to Belgium, Denmark and Czechoslovakia. They lost all overseas Colonies. In total lost 13% of its land.
This loss of territory caused Germany to lose Prestige and Standing. They also lost resource-rich regions such as Rhineland, soar coal region. These losses meant damage to Germany’s economy.
Another impact this term created is Germans being scattered. Many German-speaking people found themselves in new nations as a result of the treaty. Newly formed states like Czechoslovakia contained many Germans. About 6 to 7,5 million Germans were living in other countries.
What are the Terms of the Treaty (Germany to disarm)
Third Term: Germany to disarm
Germany was allowed an army of 100,000 and was not allowed conscription. No Airforce, no Tanks and no Submarines. The Navy was only limited to 6 old battleships. This was brought up by the British so that they could be unchallenged. Rhineland had to be demilitarized. This was brought up by the French, so as to act as a buffer state from Germany
Germany felt that with the terms of the Treaty, it cannot defend itself against attacks. Economically, it had lost 15% of its male population, thus facing a shortage of labour. Reparation was a big burden. E.g. France sent an army into Ruhr(German industrial area) to force payment.
Why was the Treaty of Versailles considered fair?
This is because compared to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, that the German made the Russian signed, the Treaty of Versailles was fair. Firstly, the Territory lost of the of the Russian was 25%, however Germany only lost 13%. Moreover, the Russian lost 80% of its coal mine, whereas the Germans only lost 16%. Therefore, making the Treaty of Versailles fair.
