The Treaty of Versailles

Question 1

Name the “Big Three” participants in drawing up the Treaty of Versailles.

Answer 1

The “Big Three” participants were Georges Clemenceau (France), David Lloyd George
(Britain), and Woodrow Wilson (The United States of America).

Question 2

Main objectives and attitudes of France during the peace negotiations:

Answer 2

 France’s main objective was to ensure that Germany was severely weakened and could
never pose a threat to France again.
 France had suffered greatly during the war and sought revenge.

Question 3

Main objectives and attitudes of Britain during the peace negotiations:

Answer 3

Britain, represented by David Lloyd George, aimed to achieve a just peace.
 But there was public pressure in Britain to make Germany pay for the war, Lloyd George
sought a balanced approach to the treaty.

Question 4

Main objectives and attitudes of the USA during the peace negotiations:

Answer 4

 Woodrow Wilson’s main objective was to create a better Europe and prevent future
conflicts.
 He had previously outlined his Fourteen Points policy, which included principles of self-
determination and national sovereignty.
 However, he faced opposition from Britain and France in implementing all of his aims.

Question 5

Why did Germany refer to the Treaty of Versailles as a “Diktat”?

Answer 5

 Germany referred to the Treaty of Versailles as a “Diktat” because they viewed it as a
dictated peace.
 The German government had no say in the treaty’s creation, and they believed the terms
were excessively harsh.
 Germany signed the treaty under duress, as the Allies threatened to invade if they did not
accept the terms.

Question 6

Key terms and consequences of the Treaty of Versailles:

Answer 6

 The treaty placed full blame for the war on Germany.
 Germany was required to pay massive reparations.
 Germany's military was significantly reduced.
 Territory was taken from Germany, including Alsace-Lorraine, the Saar Basin, and parts of
Prussia.
 The League of Nations was established.
 New countries were created, and existing empires were dismantled.

Question 7

Explanation for differing views among Britain, France, and America regarding
the treaty’s terms:

Answer 7

 France sought harsh terms because it had suffered greatly during the war and wanted to
ensure Germany could never threaten France again.
 Britain, represented by David Lloyd George, faced public pressure to make Germany pay
for the war but also sought a just peace.
 Woodrow Wilson's principles of self-determination and a more idealistic vision of a better
Europe clashed with the desires of France and Britain, leading to differences in the terms of
the treaty. Wilson was unable to fully implement all his aims due to opposition.

Question 8

Infamous treaty presented to Germany:

Answer 8

The Treaty of Versailles.

Question 9

Explanation of how the Treaty of Versailles would cause major problems for
Germany and Europe?

Answer 9

The treaty contained harsh terms intended to punish Germany, including territorial losses
and heavy reparations, which contributed to economic and political instability in Germany,
ultimately leading to World War II.